We love M&Ms as much as anyone (colorful chocolate candies first introduced by Mars, Inc.), but sometimes you want to shake things up a bit.
Why settle for the same old candy all the time? Whether you're mixing up a trail mix or just craving something new, we've got your back.
We're diving into six M&Ms substitutes that'll blow your mind. Who knew swapping candies could be this fun?
We did some taste-testing and these picks crushed it. Some even gave M&Ms a run for their money.
Ready for a change? Let's break the routine and discover new flavors together!
5 Easy Substitutes for M&Ms
For this list, we wanted to keep things simple. These are all easy-to-find, effortless swaps that won't break the bank.
Plus, they're all just as snackable and delicious as M&Ms (if not more so).
Let's see what made the cut:
1 - Reese's Pieces
We swapped out M&Ms for Reese's Pieces, and wow, they definitely stood out. First off, the peanut butter flavor in these is unmistakable and totally addictive (made from roasted peanuts and slightly salty).
We loved the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter with a crunchy candy shell.
Reese's Pieces were our go-to snack during movie nights growing up. We all remember the burst of peanut butter sweetness with every bite.
The flavour gets better with every piece we munch on.
They might not have the same chocolate hit as M&Ms, so it's a different vibe.
2 - Skittles
Swapping M&Ms for Skittles makes a bright change (fruit-flavored hard candies produced by Wrigley).
Each Skittle tastes distinct - strawberry, orange, lemon, green apple, and grape.
We've always loved the way Skittles make our mouths tingle with their sour coating turning to sweet goodness. Unlike M&Ms, Skittles have no chocolate, offering a completely different sweet experience.
Mixing Skittles in our trail mix brightens it. They're a fun and colorful way to switch things up.
3 - Hershey's Kisses
We traded M&Ms for Hershey's Kisses, and it was like a rich, chocolatey hug. Each Kiss is pure chocolate bliss, melting in our mouths instantly (made from milk chocolate with cocoa solids and milkfat).
They give a deeper chocolate experience than M&Ms, perfect for chocolate lovers.
We remember unwrapping them as kids, savoring each bite. Their creamy texture and rich flavor make them stand out.
Hershey's Kisses don't have that candy-coated crunch, so the experience is smoother.
They also add a touch of elegance to any snack mix. Mixing them in shook things up for us in a delicious way.
4 - Milk Duds
As a crunchy candy swap, Milk Duds bring on the chew. They offer a rich caramel flavor that's enveloped in smooth chocolate (caramel made from sugar and butter).
This combo makes them unique.
We all remember getting them stuck in our teeth during movie nights. Their stickiness is their charm and their curse.
They're sweeter and chewier than M&Ms, perfect for those long movie marathons; for non-dairy recipe swaps, consider coconut milk alternatives for curry.
Comparing them to M&Ms, the chocolate is richer, and the caramel offers a nice contrast. Pop one in your mouth and enjoy the long-lasting flavor.
Milk Duds bring more texture to the mix, and we love it.
5 - Raisinets
Last but not least, let's talk about Raisinets. We made the swap for M&Ms and got something totally different.
Raisins covered in rich milk chocolate that melts in your mouth. The raisins give them a natural sweetness while the chocolate adds richness.
We like how they still satisfy our sweet tooth without going overboard on sugar (thanks to the natural fructose in raisins balancing the chocolate). They're perfect for those who enjoy a touch of fruit with their candy fix.
Plus, they make us feel a little healthier since raisins are involved (even though they're still coated in chocolate).
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Reese's Pieces can add a similar crunchy texture and burst of color, though they introduce a peanut butter flavor that will slightly alter the taste profile.
Skittles offer a fruity, chewy texture which can create an unexpected twist in desserts, perfect for recipes looking to mix chocolate with fruit flavors.
Hershey's Kisses can be a nice alternative, especially when you want a smoother, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate experience, though you might need to adjust the quantity because of their size and shape.
Milk Duds are chewier and sweeter with a caramel center. When using them as a substitute, consider reducing any additional sugars and account for their different texture in your recipe.
Raisinets provide a chewy texture and a naturally sweet, fruity flavor from raisins, offering a slightly healthier twist compared to traditional chocolate candies.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
