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

Last updated by Lottie Woodrow.

Candy we fell in love with when we grew up