Who doesn’t love the candy-coated, multicolored buttons of chocolate known as M&M’s? These candies have been around for over 8 decades now and have made millions of men, women, and children extremely happy.

They have graced lunch boxes, Halloween candy bags, and pockets of people all over the globe and it’s estimated that over 400 million of these candies are made every single day of the year. That makes them one of the most popular candies in the world and they’re sold in over 100 different countries. That’s probably why October 13th is celebrated annually as National M&M Day.

The History Of National M&M Day

M&Ms were created after Forrest Mars Sr., the son of Frank C. Mars, founder of the Mars Company after he saw Soldiers during the Spanish Civil War eating Smarties — a sugar-coated chocolate confectionery that came in eight different colors. He decided to copy the idea, and in 1941, started producing M&M in Mars New Jersey Factory.

The company’s first customer was the United States Army, who liked the candies because they allowed soldiers to carry them in tropical climates without melting. During WWII, the company would sell M&Ms exclusively to the U.S military. After the war, the company could resume selling M&Ms to the general public and in 1949, the tagline: “Melts in your mouth, not your hand” was created. M&M’s became a popular snack in the U.S and during the 1980s it went on sale around the world in other countries as well.

Unfortunately, at this time, we’re unsure of when National M&M Day was invented. We’re pretty sure that it wasn’t an official holiday created by the candy manufacturer. We do believe that it was created by fans of this snack-sized candy that so many people have affection towards.

Observing National M&M Day

Obviously, one of the first things that anyone celebrating this holiday should do is to buy themselves some M&M’s. Not only enough for yourself but also friends and family members. Since this “holiday” is so close to Halloween, a time when people are buying copious amounts of candy anyway, that shouldn’t be too big of a deal.

It’s also a good idea for people to spread the word about this month using the hashtag #NationalM&MDay. Let everyone know which color M&Ms are your favorite and whether you plan on baking cookies or other treats using M&Ms. Let’s all enjoy these candies on this day and have a good time with friends and family members.