New M&amp;M’S colors chosen by fans

Limited-edition bags to feature purple, aqua and dark pink

There’s nothing like purple, aqua and dark pink M&M’S to get everyone excited about the brand. In fact, Mars made sure of it.

The company didn’t look to market analysis, color theory or even instinct when choosing the three new colors, but rather, democracy.

The chocolate maker asked its community of 2.5 million Facebook fans to decide which chocolate shell colors should be featured in its new 8-oz. packages, and then they took the results and created the latest combination. In addition to the three new colors, the bags also will include blue, red and green, resulting in an even split between traditional favorites and new options.

The vibrant new M&M’S color mix will be featured in 8-oz. M&M’S Milk Chocolate and Peanut pouches, available in select stores later this month and nationwide next month. The suggested retail price for the stand-up pouch will be $2.24.

“M&M’S fans have always been very passionate about the colors of our delicious chocolate candies,” says Roy Benin, chief consumer officer, Mars Chocolate North America. “This election year was the perfect opportunity to allow our fans to express their opinions about their favorite colors — and we are excited to create this new M&M’S color mix based on their response.”

The big question, of course, is which color will consumers most prefer: purple, aqua or dark pink?

M&M’S

Crystal Lindell, Former editor-in-chief of Candy Industry Magazine. While here she has worked on Candy Industry Magazine, Food Engineering Magazine and Food Safety Strategies. She holds a master’s degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois – Springfield and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Illinois University. And her favorite breakfast is a cup of espresso and Twix bar.