Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About MM’s: Facts, Trademarks, and Colors
Introduction
MM’s are a beloved candy known for their unique hard shell that melts in your mouth but not in your hand. But how much do you really know about these colorful treats? From their history to their trademark, and from their mysterious colors to their cult-like following, let's dive into the world of MM’s.
Is it MM’s or MMS? The Correct Terminology
The correct way to refer to the candy is MM’s. The official trademark logo does not use capital letters. Trademarked text of the candy is styled as follows: MM’s.
The colorfully named MM’s began its journey in 1940, named after the parent company Mars. The original MM’s were created by Forrest Mars, son of the Mars candy company founder, inspired by the hard-shelled chocolate candies he observed during his time in Spain. These candies, though sometimes speculated to be copied from another company, quickly became a hit, especially during hot weather.
Popular MM’s Conundrums and Their Meanings
MM’s come in a variety of colors, each with its own supposed meaning. Here’s a closer look at some of them:
Blue MM’s: The Healing Myth
According to recent studies, blue MM’s may potentially help in the healing process of spinal cord injuries. Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center conducted a study where they injected the blue color compound into rats with spinal cord injuries. However, the process of obtaining such rats is a subject of mystery—do the lab techs break the rat’s backs, or do they wait for a natural occurrence?
Red MM’s: Consequences Be Damned
Those who prefer red MM’s may be seen as bold and passionate. In 1976, MM’s stopped making red ones for a few years due to the red dye used in the coating being thought to cause cancer, even though the actual red dye used was not the one causing concern. Modern MM’s use red dye 3 and 40.
Green MM’s: The Myth of Aphrodisiac
Green MM’s have reached mythical status due to an urban legend suggesting they act as an aphrodisiac. Despite this claim, the original story behind the green MM is more factual. In 1992, Wendy Jaffe developed a green MM look-alike candy, which led to a legal dispute with Mars.
Brown MM’s: The Van Halen Conundrum
The famous story of Van Halen’s concert rider, insisting on the absence of brown MM’s, is both famous and true. This request, among their numerous requirements, became legendary among performers.
Yellow MM’s: The Antisocial Personality
Those who prefer yellow MM’s might be considered antisocial and are sometimes diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorders, directly linked to psychopathy. Interestingly, yellow is also the least popular color among MM’s.
MM’s Production and Packaging
MM’s production ratios vary over time, and prior to 1980, they were known in Europe as Treets. MM’s were sold under different names in various countries up to 1980. Today, MM’s have made it to the moon, becoming a staple in spaceflights. Mars insists that the ratios of colors in a 1.69 oz bag are: Blue (24%), Orange (20%), Green (16%), Yellow (14%), Brown (14%), and Red (13%). However, the bag contents are random, and your bag could contain any combination of colors.
For a detailed analysis, check out Josh Madison’s comprehensive effort, complete with pie charts, graphs, and breakdowns of various packaging sizes. It’s truly a nuts-and-bolts approach to the popular candy.
Conclusion
MM’s are a fascinating confection with a rich history, intricate production, and a cult-like following based on various color meanings. Each color has its own unique legend, making MM’s more than just candy; they are a testament to human curiosity and imagination.
To me, the whole MM thing is rather cultist. But to each their own, so enjoy them and continue to speculate about their meanings and uses!