National M&M’s Day 2026
Share a handful on National M&M’s Day! The colorful sugar-shelled chocolates have been part of American candy culture since 1941. The food day itself is informal; the candy’s early business history is the part we can document carefully.
About National M&M’s Day
History & origins
National M&M’s Day is listed on many U.S. food calendars on October 12 (some lists use nearby October dates). It is an informal observance rather than an official government holiday, and the exact founder of the calendar day is unclear. What follows is brand and product history, not an endorsement slogan.
Forrest E. Mars Sr. developed candy-coated chocolate pieces in the United States and, in 1941, began production with Bruce Murrie — son of Hershey executive William Murrie — under M&M Limited in Newark, New Jersey. The name comes from Mars and Murrie. A hard sugar shell helped chocolate travel in warm conditions; during World War II the candies were widely associated with U.S. military sales and rations. Mars later acquired Murrie’s share. The printed “m” on each piece and the famous melt-in-your-mouth positioning came in the postwar consumer era. M&M’s is a trademark of Mars, Incorporated (Mars Wrigley); this page describes a calendar observance and public history, not official Mars sponsorship.
Why it matters
A candy day is light by design. Keeping the history factual — two surnames, a wartime supply story, a Newark factory start — beats invented founder myths for the October date itself.
How to celebrate
Share a small bag. Bake cookies with the candies as mix-ins. Sort colors for a kid’s counting game. Learn the Mars-and-Murrie origin story. Buy what you like; no need for a branded ceremony.
Facts
- Production of M&M’s candies began in the United States in 1941 in Newark, New Jersey
- The name refers to Forrest Mars Sr. and Bruce Murrie
- The sugar shell helped chocolate hold up in warm conditions and wartime logistics
- The calendar-day founder is unclear; October 12 is a common informal listing
- M&M’s is a trademark of Mars; this observance is informal, not an official company holiday page
Upcoming dates
- Monday, October 12, 2026
- Tuesday, October 12, 2027
- Thursday, October 12, 2028
- Friday, October 12, 2029
- Saturday, October 12, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is National M&M’s Day in 2026?
National M&M’s Day in 2026 falls on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Is today National M&M’s Day?
No. National M&M’s Day in 2026 falls on Monday, October 12, 2026, not today.
What is National M&M’s Day?
It is an informal U.S. food observance for M&M’s candy-coated chocolates. The candy dates to 1941; the October food day is a later calendar label.
Who started National M&M’s Day?
The exact founder of the food day is unclear. The candy was developed by Forrest Mars Sr. with Bruce Murrie and first produced in 1941.
How do you celebrate National M&M’s Day?
Share the candies, bake with them, or simply read the real Mars-and-Murrie origin story. Keep it light.
Is National M&M’s Day an official holiday?
No. It is not a U.S. federal holiday. It is an informal food calendar date. Offices and schools follow their usual schedules.
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