Forrest Mars Sr., the man behind the Mars candy empire, was inspired to invent M&M's to solve the problem of chocolate sales falling in summer; his other products, the Milky Way and the Snickers bar, would quickly melt on hot days. His all-new candy-coated M&M's were originally supplied exclusively to US soldiers during World War II. Following the war, M&M's also became available to the public – and soon, everyone was hooked.

Now discover the classic candy bars we wish they'd bring back

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Last updated by Lottie Woodrow.

America's most beloved candies of the last century, ranked