Yes, M&Ms Contain Food-Grade Wax
Contrary to a simple assumption, M&M's are coated in wax, but it's a food-safe version of the substance. The Mars company uses a combination of glazing agents to achieve the familiar glossy, hard shell. The key ingredient is carnauba wax, a natural substance harvested from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree in Brazil. This edible wax is used widely in the food and confectionery industry, not only for shine but also for its protective properties that help prevent melting and preserve the product's quality.
The Science Behind the 'Melt in Your Mouth' Shell
The M&M's coating is a marvel of food science. The process involves several steps to build up the hard, colorful shell. First, the chocolate centers are created and rounded by tumbling them. Next, they are coated repeatedly with a solution of sugar and corn syrup in a process called panning. As warm air is blown over the candies, each layer hardens. The food-grade wax is applied as a final glazing agent, providing the signature shine and protective layer. This final step is crucial for the candy's durability, ensuring it can withstand handling without melting, living up to its famous trademarked phrase.
Carnauba Wax: A Natural and Safe Ingredient
Carnauba wax has been used in food applications for centuries. It is a natural, plant-based substance that is non-toxic and hypoallergenic. It has a high melting point and can be polished to a high gloss, making it an ideal choice for candies. Besides its use in M&M's, you can find carnauba wax in other food items like fruit snacks, as a coating on fresh fruits and vegetables to retain moisture, and even in chewing gum. This ingredient is also a common substitute for beeswax in vegan products.
The Difference Between M&M Varieties
While carnauba wax is a staple in the M&M's recipe, it's worth noting that ingredient lists can vary slightly depending on the specific product line and regional variations. For example, some international M&M's ingredient lists include both carnauba wax and beeswax as glazing agents. It is important for consumers to check the ingredient label for the most accurate information. The core principle, however, remains the same: a protective coating is used to ensure product quality and a superior snacking experience.
The Role of Shellac vs. Wax
For those concerned about other glazing agents, it's helpful to distinguish between different types. Another common food glaze is shellac, also known as confectioner's glaze, which is derived from the secretions of the female lac bug. While shellac is used in some candies for its glossy finish, M&M's use plant-based carnauba wax and sometimes beeswax, which are different in their source and properties. This is an important distinction for consumers with specific dietary preferences or concerns, such as those following a vegan diet, as shellac is an insect-derived product.
Comparison Table: Glazing Agents in Confectionery
| Feature | Carnauba Wax | Beeswax | Shellac (Confectioner's Glaze) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Carnauba Palm Leaves | Honeybees | Female Lac Bug Secretions |
| Origin | Plant-based | Animal-based | Insect-based |
| Vegan-Friendly | Yes | No | No |
| Primary Use | Glossy, hard finish | Glazing and protective agent | High-gloss, quick-drying finish |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water | Insoluble in water | Soluble in alcohol |
| Common Use | M&M's, fruit snacks | Various candies, some M&Ms | Jelly beans, other hard-shelled candies |
Conclusion: The Final Glaze on the Facts
Ultimately, the question, "are M&Ms coated in wax?" can be answered with a qualified "yes." The iconic candy is coated with food-grade carnauba wax, a natural, plant-derived ingredient that is responsible for its signature shine and resistance to melting. This wax, along with a sugar and corn syrup shell, is a crucial part of the confectionery's appeal and functionality. The next time you enjoy a handful of M&M's, you can appreciate the science behind that durable, colorful, and glossy coating, knowing that the wax used is a safe and common food additive. For more detailed information on M&M's ingredients and company standards, you can visit the official M&M's website.
Why M&Ms Use Wax
The use of food-grade wax provides several benefits that contribute to the success and enjoyment of M&M's candies.
- Protective Barrier: The wax creates a durable barrier that protects the chocolate center from external heat, fulfilling the company's famous promise of melting in your mouth, not in your hand.
- Enhanced Shelf Life: By sealing the chocolate and preventing exposure to air and moisture, the coating helps to extend the candy's freshness.
- Improved Aesthetics: The glossy finish provided by the carnauba wax makes the candy visually appealing and gives it a premium look.
- Consistent Texture: The combination of the sugar shell and wax creates the satisfying and unique 'snap' and crunch that M&M's are known for, adding to the overall sensory experience.
- Easy Handling: The protective coating makes M&M's a clean, convenient, and portable snack, suitable for a variety of environments.
This careful engineering of the candy shell, with the help of food-grade waxes, has cemented M&M's place as a global favorite for decades.
How M&M's Are Made: A Brief Overview
- Chocolate Centers: The process begins by forming the liquid chocolate into tiny molds. For varieties like Peanut M&M's, the chocolate surrounds the nut center.
- Tumbling and Hardening: The chocolate pieces are tumbled to create a smooth, rounded shape before being allowed to harden.
- Panning and Coating: In large containers, the chocolate centers are rotated while a liquid candy solution of sugar and corn syrup is sprayed onto them in multiple, timed layers, allowing each coat to dry.
- Coloring and Glazing: Color is added to the finishing syrup, and the food-grade wax is applied as the final, glossy glaze.
- Printing the 'M': The 'm' logo is stamped onto each candy piece by a specialized machine designed to apply the letter without cracking the delicate shell.
Did You Know?
- Wartime Inspiration: The idea for M&M's famously came to Forrest Mars, Sr., during the Spanish Civil War when he saw soldiers eating chocolate pellets with a hard, sugary coating.
- Initial Purpose: The hard shell was initially designed to prevent the chocolate from melting during transport in warm climates.
- First Sold to the Army: During World War II, M&M's were sold exclusively to the U.S. Army, becoming a staple in military rations.
- Different Glazes: While M&M's use wax, some other candies get their shine from a different ingredient called confectioner's glaze, which contains shellac from insects.
- Variety Ingredients: Some varieties of M&M's may include different glazing agents or flavorings, so it is always wise to check the nutrition label for specific product information.
Why the Controversy?
Despite the use of food-grade and safe ingredients, some people raise concerns about wax in food. This is often due to a misunderstanding of what edible wax is. It's not the same as candle wax or industrial wax. Food-grade waxes, like carnauba, are tested and approved for human consumption by regulatory bodies like the FDA. Another point of contention is whether the use of such a product is 'natural', even though carnauba wax is plant-derived. For those following a vegan or strict vegetarian diet, the inclusion of carnauba wax is generally acceptable, but the potential use of beeswax in some formulations makes it important to check labels and verify with the manufacturer for specific dietary needs.
What About the Colors?
The vibrant colors of M&M's are added to the final layers of the sugar and corn syrup coating before the wax is applied. The dyes used are approved food colorings. The company has changed its colors over the years; for example, red M&M's were temporarily discontinued in the 1970s due to a public health concern over a different red food coloring that was not used in M&M's. The color of an M&M is unrelated to its flavor; all the colors taste the same within a given variety.
