M&M's mascots get 'refreshed' look to reflect 'today's society'
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M&M’s are getting a sweet makeover in 2022.
The chocolate candies that melt in your mouth and not in your hand are giving fans a new way to love their favorite treat.
Mars, Incorporated announced Thursday that they will be redesigning their M&M’s mascots — the array of rainbow-colored talking chocolate balls.
The six “refreshed” characters are most noticeably sporting new shoes. The green M&M has thrown out her high-heeled boots for sneakers, while the brown candy is wearing lower heels.
Both the red and yellow characters’ shoes have laces, while the orange orb’s kicks now have untied laces.
Each M&M’s shape has now also been more defined with arms and legs that are now not a tan hue, but of a lighter, more neutral shade.
The characters are changing up their looks for “a fresh, modern take” on their style and “more nuanced personalities to underscore the importance of self-expression and power of community through storytelling,” Mars said in a statement, adding that today’s “more dynamic, progressive world” would be reflected in the changes.
“We took a deep look at our characters, both inside and out, and have evolved their look, personalities and backstories to be more representative of today’s society,” a brand representative said. “As the world changes, so do we.”
The designs will soon be integrated into the company’s branding and marketing.
“Studies show our desire to belong is as strong as our desire to be loved, and that desire is common for all people irrespective of culture, race, ethnicity, geography or location,” the company added in their release.
They showed a glimpse of their new initiative in an Instagram video that featured the colorful candy. “We’re on a mission to create a world where everyone feels they belong using the power of fun! Join us in being for all funkind. Head to the link in bio to learn more!” their caption read.
The characters will have their prefixes erased from their names so that “their personalities, rather than their gender” will become the main focus.
The M&M’s even got some brand new poses to show off. These stances are “to be more inviting and welcoming so everyone feels as though they are a part of the crew and fans will see more characters featured together in group shots and with each other, making anyone feel invited.”
M&M’s are hoping to build a “global commitment to creating a world where everyone feels they belong, and society is inclusive.”
Critics joked about the change on social media, with many teasing the idea. One onlooker wrote, “I’m sorry but to me the m&ms should always be inexplicably horny cannibals.”
“Someone looks at a bag of M&Ms and says “I feel excluded,” someone joked. “WHO HAS EVER SEEN M&MS AND THOUGHT ‘THEY DONT REPRESENT ME’ It’s a CANDY,” one said, while another person tweeted, “M&Ms are not only fictional, but also literally a rainbow, and yet still they are apparently not diverse enough.”
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