coated in a hard sugar shell that helped keep it from melting as easily in warm conditions.
Forrest Mars recognized the potential of this idea and developed a similar candy for the American market.
The hard shell was an important feature. Unlike an uncoated chocolate bar, the candy could be handled more easily and was less likely to melt immediately when held. It was not completely immune to heat, but the coating offered a practical advantage.
The timing also mattered. M&M’s became available during World War II, and
