Sweets for the Soldiers: Exploring the Candies Made for the Military

M&M’s: Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands

The colorful candy-coated chocolates, M&M’s, were introduced by Forrest Mars Sr. in 1941 after seeing soldiers in the Spanish Civil War eating British-made Smarties (The chocolate pellets with a colorful shell, not to be confused with the American-made sugar tablets). Initially, M&M’s were exclusively produced for military personnel. During World War II, soldiers needed chocolate that could withstand high temperatures without melting. M&M’s fulfilled this requirement perfectly. The hard candy shell prevented the chocolate from melting, making it a convenient and enjoyable treat for soldiers in the field.

LifeSavers: A Sweet Lifeline

LifeSavers, the iconic ring-shaped candies with a hole in the center, have a history closely intertwined with the military. In 1912, a young candy manufacturer named Clarence Crane developed these candies as a practical alternative to traditional hard candies. The unique design, with its center hole, allowed them to be easily transported and provided a handy resource for soldiers to carry in their pockets. Hence, the name “LifeSavers” was born, symbolizing a small piece of home that could brighten a soldier’s day.

Hershey’s Field Ration D Bars: Sustaining Soldiers Since World War II

The Hershey’s Field Ration D Bar holds a special place in the history of military candy. Invented during World War II, these bars were specifically designed to provide soldiers with a high-calorie, non-melting, and stable source of sustenance. The chocolate bars came packed with energy in a drab olive wrapper, and could be crumbled to make a hot drink. Hershey’s Field Ration D Bars symbolized survival and comfort during the war although they were not as popular as you’d think. The bars didn’t taste like a typical chocolate bar, it caused stomach aches, and the soldiers quickly became tired of the blander taste.

Here is a great informative unboxing video if you’d like to learn more:

Charms: Rations of Bad Luck

During World War II, the U.S. Army introduced Charms candies as an additional source of energy in combat rations. These sweet treats remained a part of military rations, including MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), until 2007. However, over time, Charms candies acquired a reputation for bringing bad luck. Many service members associated these candies with negative experiences. As a result, in 2007, the U.S. Department of Defense made the decision to remove Charms candies from all MREs, taking into consideration the sentiments expressed by service members regarding the candies’ negative associations.

Tootsie Rolls: A Tasty Tradition

Tootsie Rolls, known for their chewy texture and cocoa flavor, have a long-standing association with the military. During World War II, these small chocolate-flavored treats became a staple in soldiers’ rations. Their durability and resistance to extreme temperatures made them ideal for transport and consumption in various combat conditions. Tootsie Rolls were not only a source of quick energy but also a comforting reminder of life back home.

Tootsie Rolls in the Korean War

During the Korean War, the First Marine Division found themselves in a dire situation as they faced the enemy in freezing temperatures near the Chosin mountain reservoir. Desperately low on ammunition, the Marines resorted to a unique code name for their request: “Tootsie Rolls.” Although the radio operator didn’t have the exact details of what a “Tootsie Roll” referred to, he recognized the urgency and relayed the message. To everyone’s surprise, pallets of Tootsie Roll candies descended from the sky, airdropped to the First Marine Division. While not the expected ammunition, these unexpected treats turned out to be a valuable source of sustenance for the troops. Additionally, the resourceful Marines discovered another practical use for the candies. By warming the Tootsie Rolls, they could effectively seal bullet holes, using them as makeshift plugs that would refreeze and provide temporary repairs. This extraordinary incident not only provided nourishment but also demonstrated the ingenuity and adaptability of the Marines in the face of challenging circumstances.

Conclusion

Candies have played a significant role in the military, offering soldiers a taste of home and a source of comfort during challenging times. Each candy served a purpose beyond its flavors, from Tootsie Rolls and M&M’s to Hershey’s Field Ration D Bars and Charms. These sweets were carefully crafted to withstand extreme conditions, provide sustenance, and boost morale. These candies not only served practical purposes but also carried deep emotional significance. They represented a connection to home, a reminder of loved ones, and a source of comfort in difficult times. As soldiers faced the challenges of war, these small indulgences provided a brief respite from their demanding and often dangerous duties.

Beyond their military origins, these sentimental candies have become beloved treats for people of all ages. They have become part of our cultural fabric, evoking nostalgia and bringing smiles to faces across generations. Today, we can enjoy these candies as reminders of the resilience and sacrifices made by soldiers in the past. So, the next time you unwrap a Tootsie Roll, savor an M&M, or enjoy a Hershey’s chocolate bar, take a moment to appreciate the history and significance behind these sweet treats. They were more than just candies; they were a small taste of home, a reminder of courage, and a source of comfort for those in uniform.