What is the controversy with M&Ms?

M&M’S unveiled a new look for all of its anthropomorphized chocolate characters in 2022, to make them more appealing to young consumers.

The majority of the changes were subtle. However, the switch from Green’s go-go boots to sneakers sparked outrage on social media, with many mourning the loss of the character’s signature look.

Green not only got new shoes when the characters were redesigned, but she and the brown M&M also became friendlier to each other, demonstrating a “force supporting women.”

Over 20,000 people signed a petition to keep green M&Ms sexy. Despite their good intentions, M&M’s changes were widely criticised, with Tucker Carlson mocking the changes and TikTok users criticising the company for feeling the need to strip the character of her sexuality.

Then, in September 2022, M&M’S announced another change: a new female character, Purple, would be joining the lineup (but not actual bags of candy), as part of an effort to broaden the group of spokes candies.

Purple was recently used in a limited-edition pack of purple, brown, and green M&M’S the colours of the female spokes candies to commemorate International Women’s Day.