M&M's Peanut chocolate

M&M's are a globally recognized brand of color-varied, sugar-coated chocolates produced by Mars, Incorporated. The brand's origin dates back to 1941, when Forrest Mars Sr. founded M&M Limited in Newark, New Jersey. The concept was inspired by hard-shelled chocolate pellets he observed soldiers eating during the Spanish Civil War, which prevented the chocolate from melting in warm climates—a trait famously captured by the slogan 'Melts in your mouth, not in your hand.' The Peanut variety, featured here, was introduced later in 1954.

While the brand originated in the United States, M&M's are now manufactured in numerous facilities worldwide to meet global demand. Key production sites include long-standing factories in New Jersey and Tennessee in the U.S., as well as international plants in countries like Germany, Poland, and France.

Ownership of the brand has remained within the Mars family for over 80 years. As of 2026, Mars, Incorporated continues to be a private, family-owned global leader in snacking, pet care, and food products. The company has expanded significantly through acquisitions, such as the major purchase of Kellanova in late 2025, further solidifying its position as one of the world's largest food conglomerates.