COMBAT CONFECTIONS: CHOCOLATE BARS, M&M'S, AND MORE


By uvallassery
Chocolate bars sitting on a counter.

Happy Halloween! For sweet-tooths, this is the best time of year to stock up on your favorite chocolate bars, candies, and more. But, did you know that many of our favorite sweets were actually made for the military? This article will delve into the surprising history of the different trick o treat favorites, and how they made their claim to fame. Related read: The 'Candy Bomber' Targeted Children After WWII

What Candy Was Made for the Military?

It's shocking that well-known iconic Halloween chocolate bars and candy bars have a military origin. In fact, the military used many of these treats as long lasting rations to provide them with an immense amount of energy.

Peanut Chews

Firstly, the iconic Peanut Chews were introduced in 1917. Then, the Goldenburg Candy Company was creating candy with a high energy and protein content.During World War I, candy companies were creating ration candy for the military. From there, the candy bars were sold in retail stores in 1921 and in the 1930s, they were selling full size bars.The Peanut Chews became incredibly popular among troops for its unique flavor. Similarly to candy corn, it also stuck in your teeth!

Chocolate Bars

Secondly, chocolate bars were invented for the military through companies like Hershey’s. This is the reason why these bars are lightweight and high-energy. They are the perfect snack for military personnel!These chocolate bars were a staple as a WW2 chocolate bar. They were a vital way to keep the Soldiers' sustenance up.

Why Did the Army Need Military Chocolate Bars?

In 1937, the US Army came to Hershey’s with a proposal to create emergency ration food. The Army specifically made the request that the chocolate bars had to taste “a little better than a boiled potato.”The reason for only being a “little better than a boiled potato," was so Soldiers would not face the temptation to eat the chocolate bars outside of emergency situations.The other requirements were that it could only weigh 4 ounces, was high energy, and able to withstand high temperatures. The military chocolate bar was also named the D ration bar or the Logan bar after Army Quartermaster Colonel Paul Logan.Suggested read: 10 War Horror Movies Perfect for Your Halloween Fright Night

M&M Candy

You may not know that M&M’s are also a military candy! They were originally created in 1941 for U.S. service members in WWII.The candies were exclusively for the military, as they were heat resistant and easily transferrable to include in rations.Originally, the idea of M&Ms was first sparked during the Spanish Civil War, where the founder of the parent company encountered British Soldiers eating chocolate in a hard shell.Subsequently, the M&M idea was born! At the start of the second world war, the troop candy sold directly to the Army.

Tootsie Roll

Last but not least, the lovely toffee treat that actually saved the lives of American Soldiers during the Korean War. Please welcome the tootsie roll!Tootsie rolls, when warmed up, became a substance that could stick to objects and create a barrier. So, for covering up bullet holes in vehicles, or other equipment damages - it was the perfect solution! The tootsie roll was a great addition to toolbox chocolate bars.

Chocolate Bars and Combat Confections in 2023

Listed above are just some of the candies that the US military used in combat to curb their sweet tooth and need for chocolate. Military servicemen and women sure love their Hershey’s Bars and M&M’s!These candies and chocolates aided not only in the nutrition of the Soldiers, but also in their overall safety and protection. Who would’ve thought that a small sugary substance could make such an impact?This Halloween, consider donating your leftover Halloween candy to organizations like Treat for Troops!Stay safe and Happy Halloween! Read next: Spooky Military Ghost Stories to Share This Halloween


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