Weybridge, England-April 11, 2011.  Large bag of Peanut M and Ms on a white background.  M and M's are sold by Mars co. which is a family owned company that is almost 100 years old.  M and Ms were first introduced in 1941 as a way to sell chocolate in warm locations.  They melt in your mouth, not in your hands.
FOOD NEWS
Peanut M&M's Once Looked Way Different
By Crystal Antonace
We all know peanut M&M's stand apart from the original milk chocolate candies based on a nutty addition, but when they debuted in the 1950s, they stood out for their color as well.
Parent company Mars wanted the color of peanut M&M's to be reflective of the roasted peanuts inside, so they were all tan when they debuted.
In 1960, peanut M&M's saw a boost in the color department, with red, green, and yellow candies joining the tan ones.