People are only just learning what M&M's stands for - and family row behind name

01 May 2023 , 11:00

832     0

Not everyone knows the history behind M&M's (Image: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Foodies have been left flabbergasted after learning the story behind M&M's - as they wish they'd uncovered the fascinating story sooner.

It's no surprise why either. Once you hear the dramatic tale about family feuds and unlikely alliances, you'll have the best food-related trivia out of all your mates.

So the next time someone asks what M&M's stands for - and your pals guess the answer - you can impress them with the truth.

The little-known story behind the well-known sweets goes like this. M&M is said to stand for Mars & Murrie after candy heirs and business collaborators Forrest Mars Sr. and Bruce Murrie.

But theirs was no usual business partnership. Bruce was the son of Hershey executive William Murrie, while Forrest was the son of Mars founder, Frank C. Mars. And the 'juicy' tale of 'family drama' that saw the two collaborate is the best story going according to popular TikTok creator @condimentclaire.

Dr Michael Mosley shares exercise that can cut cholesterol and blood pressure

In one of her latest videos, Claire claimed the story started when Forrest E. Mars fell out with his dad, the original owner of Mars.

The son then visited Europe where he reportedly spotted people enjoying chocolate covered in candy coating.

Not wanting to share his idea with his dad when he planned to bring the idea to the US, he turned to his family's rival, Hershey's.

Thankfully, Forrest found himself a willing collaborator, leading to the chocolate we all know and love today.

Together with the son of Hershey executive he created M&M's, and the pair decided to name the brand after themselves.

The history fan also claimed: "The reason it all popped off is they created it right before World War Two and in World War Two they made this deal with the government that in every soldier's bag were M&M's."

Moreover, this move could be the reason behind the brand's success, as History.com explains.

Shedding further light on the chocolate's history, the website explains: "After the U.S. entered the war, the candies were exclusively sold to the military, enabling the heat-resistant and easy-to-transport chocolate to be included in American soldiers' rations.

"By the time the war was over and GIs returned home, they were hooked."

But they weren't the only ones. History buffs were hooked after discovering the story behind the beloved chocolate.

Supermarket expert shares little-known box trick that makes veg look 'fresher'

Reacting to the educational TikTok video, one fan said: "Now this is history I'm interested in." "Love history. Love food history even moreeeeee," wrote a second. Meanwhile, someone commented: "Dying to pull this answer out in a future trivia night. Thanks for that!"

Amber O'Connor