You might know M&M’s for their colorful candy shells and the unforgettable slogan, “melts in your mouth, not in your hand.” But did you know these chocolate treats have military roots?

At Mission Roll Call, we’re always looking for stories that spotlight the ways our military history weaves itself into everyday life. The story of M&M’s is one of innovation, partnership, and a quiet kind of service — bringing comfort to troops when they needed it most.

Born From the Battlefield

In the late 1930s, Forrest Mars Sr.—yes, that Mars—was traveling through Spain during the Spanish Civil War when he noticed soldiers eating small chocolate pellets encased in a hard sugar shell. The candy didn’t melt in their hands or rations, even under the heat of the sun.

Mars took that idea and ran with it. In 1941, he partnered with Bruce Murrie, the son of Hershey Chocolate’s president, to secure a steady chocolate supply. Their collaboration led to the creation of M&M’s, named after the initials of their last names: Mars and Murrie.

Made for War

The original M&M’s weren’t available to the public—they were made specifically for the U.S. military during World War II. The sugar shell meant the chocolate wouldn’t melt in hot or humid conditions, making M&M’s the perfect addition to soldiers’ rations, especially in tropical climates.

They were first packaged in cardboard tubes for easy transport and distribution in the field. And if you needed more proof of their military tie-in, wartime advertisements proudly labeled M&M’s as “100% at War.”

From Rations to Racks

After the war, returning veterans brought their love for M&M’s home. By 1947, the candy was made available to the public. To distinguish their product from imitators, Mars began stamping a small “M” on each candy in 1950—first in black, later changed to the now-familiar white.

The post-war popularity of M&M’s didn’t just reflect good marketing. It reflected something deeper: a shared experience between those who served and the candy that accompanied them through war zones, foxholes, and long deployments.

Still Supporting Service

Decades later, M&M’s continue to support the military community. Mars has partnered with organizations like Operation Gratitude to send care packages filled with M&M’s to deployed troops, offering a taste of home no matter where in the world they’re serving.

M&M’s have even made their way into space, included in NASA’s rations for astronauts. If that doesn’t prove their reliability under pressure, nothing will.

A Reminder of Resilience

M&M’s may not wear a uniform, but their history is rooted in service. They represent ingenuity under pressure, comfort in tough conditions, and the kind of simple joys that can carry us through hard days.

So next time you grab a handful of M&M’s, take a moment to remember their origins and the service members they were created to support. These stories, big and small, are threads in the larger fabric of our military history.

As we celebrate 250 years of military service and sacrifice, Mission Roll Call is committed to preserving that full story—every background, every era, every voice. Be part of the movement to honor these milestones and ensure they’re never forgotten. Join us in the $25 for 250 campaign today.