Food giant Mars was a large supplier to the military in the US and the UK during both global conflicts, and few know that some its best-loved products were initially made exclusively for the troops.
Launched in 1941, M&M's were included in US army rations due to their durability in warm climates, and it wasn't until soldiers returned home after the war that consumer demand emerged, prompting Mars to start production for the masses in 1947.
The company also acquired a patent for parboiling rice in 1942 and started shipping it to overseas troops under the rather unappetising name of 'Converted Brand Rice'. After the war, the product was rebranded to Uncle Ben's.
Today Mars continues to supply the US military through a partnership with Operation Gratitude. This year alone, the company donated $750,000 worth of packages to troops deployed overseas.
M&M’s WERE TREATS FOR TROOPS
