12 Surprising Candies Mars Secretly Owns

The History of Mars, Inc. and Its Popular Brands

Mars, Inc. has a rich history that dates back over a century. It all began with Frank C. Mars, who in 1920 moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to start his candy business. Within a few years, he introduced the early version of the Mars candy bar. Despite its potential, the candy struggled during warm weather months due to the challenges of long-distance shipping. However, Mars' company persisted, and by the 1930s, it had launched a range of candy bar products that are still popular today.

Over time, Mars, Inc. expanded its portfolio by acquiring various snacks and foods that might surprise the average consumer. Below is a list of popular sweet treats that you may not realize are owned by Mars, Inc.

Snickers: A Sweet Tribute

Snickers is one of the most well-known candy bars in the Mars, Inc. portfolio. It was first released in 1930 and is considered one of the oldest chocolate treats associated with the brand. According to the official website, the name was inspired by a racing horse beloved by Frank C. Mars and his wife, Ethel. The horse, named Snickers, passed away shortly before the candy's launch, and Mars decided to honor him by naming the bar after the animal. However, the name was later changed to "Marathon" in the UK due to concerns about its similarity to "knickers," a British slang term for underwear.

Snickers bars initially sold for five cents each and have since become a massive success, surpassing $1 billion in annual sales in the US alone. The brand gained further popularity in the 2010s with the iconic "you're not you when you're hungry" ad campaign, which helped solidify its status as one of the world's most popular chocolate snacks.

Hubba Bubba: A Unique Bubble Gum

Hubba Bubba, known for its bright pink color, is another product under the Mars umbrella. Although it may seem unrelated to Mars' chocolate offerings, it originated from Wrigley's, a subsidiary of Mars. Hubba Bubba was first introduced in 1979 and was named after World War II soldier slang. The gum's unique dispenser, which allows users to unravel the gum like tape, was first introduced in Australia in 1981 and became a hit in the US in the late 1980s. When Wrigley's was acquired by Mars in 2008, the Hubba Bubba brand came with it.

M&Ms: A Chocolate Classic

M&Ms are another iconic product owned by Mars, Inc. The story behind the candy begins with Frank C. Mars, who encountered British soldiers enjoying Smarties during a trip to Spain in the 1930s. Inspired by their ability to enjoy chocolate without messy hands, Mars created his own version, which he called M&Ms. The name is derived from Mars himself and Bruce Murie, the son of Hershey's owner William F.R. Murrie. M&Ms were originally available in a variety of colors, including violet, which was replaced by tan in 1949 and then blue in 1995. Each M&M features an "M" stamp, a decision made by Mars to differentiate the candy from competitors.

Altoids: A Mint with a Rich History

Altoids, known for their strong flavor, have a long history dating back to 1780 when they were first introduced in London by Smith & Co. They were originally sold as a remedy for digestive issues but eventually transitioned to being marketed as breath mints. In 2004, Altoids were acquired by Wrigley's, and in 2008, they became part of Mars, Inc. when Wrigley's was purchased by the company.

Orbit: A Gum That Survived Multiple Reboots

Orbit gum had a challenging journey before becoming part of the Mars family. First released in the UK in 1899, it was shelved and then reintroduced in 1944. A sugar-free version was launched in 1976 but faced controversy due to rumors about cancer-causing ingredients. Finally, in 2001, Orbit made a successful return to the US with the slogan "Orbit cleans another dirty mouth." It joined Mars, Inc. when the company acquired Wrigley's in 2008.

Twix: A Candy Bar with a Twist

Twix is one of Mars' most popular chocolate snacks. Originally called Raider in the UK, the candy was renamed Twix when it debuted in the US in 1979. The name is thought to be short for "twin sticks," referring to the candy's pair format. Twix combines cookie, chocolate, and caramel, and has seen various flavor variations over the years. A successful ad campaign in the 2010s encouraged customers to choose between "right" and "left" Twix bars, sparking curiosity and engagement.

Skittles: A Rainbow of Flavors

Skittles, known for its "taste the rainbow" slogan, has a colorful history. The candy was first released in the UK in 1974 and later made its way to the US in 1982. While the purple flavor is grape in the US, it is blackcurrant in the UK. Skittles has undergone several flavor changes, including a controversial switch to green apple in 2013, which was later reversed. The brand remains incredibly popular, with a factory in Illinois producing 70 billion pieces annually.

Milky Way: A Sweet Beginning

The Milky Way candy bar was inspired by a conversation between Frank Mars and his estranged son, Forrest, over milkshakes. The candy bar was released in 1923 and quickly became a hit, generating over $800,000 in sales during its first year. The chocolate used in the original Milky Way was sourced from Hershey's.

Juicy Fruit: A Long-Lasting Gum

Juicy Fruit has been a popular gum since its release in 1892. During WWII, it was only available to American troops, but it was reintroduced to the market in 1946. The exact flavor profile of Juicy Fruit is a trade secret, though it is said to include lemon, orange, pineapple, and banana. Mars acquired Juicy Fruit when it purchased Wrigley's in 2008.

Dove: A Blend of Chocolate and Ice Cream

Dove, founded by Leo Stefanos in 1939, started as a store selling candies and ice cream. The famous Dove bars were introduced in 1956 and became a national favorite. Mars acquired the brand in 1986 and expanded its product line to include chocolate candies with meaningful messages on the wrappers.

5 Gum: A Modern Addition

5 Gum, launched by Wrigley's in 2008, was marketed to teens and young adults with its edgy black packaging and the slogan "stimulate your senses." However, recent trends have led to a decline in its popularity, partly due to shifting consumer preferences towards natural flavors and reduced sugar content.

Starburst: From Opal Fruits to a Space-Inspired Name

Starburst, originally called Opal Fruits, was first released in 1960. It was later renamed Fruit Chewies before finally becoming Starburst, inspired by the public's fascination with space. The candy comes in various flavors, including strawberry, orange, lemon, lime, cherry, and tropical punch. The pink and red versions have even received their own spin-off versions.