Mars bar: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Chocolate bar produced by Mars Inc.}}
{{short description|Chocolate bar produced by Mars Inc.}}
{{Redirect|Mars Bars|the episode of Veronica Mars|Mars, Bars}}
{{Redirect|Mars Bars|the episode of Veronica Mars|Mars, Bars}}
{{Redirect|Mars Bar|the character in the book Maniac Magee|Maniac Magee#Mars Bar Thompson}}
{{Redirect|Mars Bar|the character in the book Maniac Magee|Mars Bar Thompson}}
{{redirect|Mars (chocolate)|the chocolate and candy company|Mars, Incorporated}}
{{redirect2|Mars (candy)|Mars (chocolate)|the chocolate and candy company|Mars Inc.}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox food
{{Infobox food
| name = Mars
| name               = Mars
| image = {{Multiple image|border=infobox
| image             = {{Multiple image|border=infobox
| image1 = Mars Logo.svg
| image1 = Mars Logo.svg
| direction = vertical
| direction = vertical
Line 14: Line 14:
| image2 = MBar 700.jpg
| image2 = MBar 700.jpg
}}
}}
| caption = UK-style Mars bar
| caption           = A halved Mars chocolate bar; its internal layers are visible
| alternate_name =  
| alternate_name     =  
| country = England
| place_of_origin    = England
| region = Worldwide
| region             =  
 
| national_cuisine   =  
| national_cuisine =  
| creator           = [[Forrest Mars Sr.|Forrest Mars]]
| creator = [[Forrest Mars Sr.|Forrest Mars]]
| year               = {{Start date and age|1932|df=y}}
| year = {{Start date and age|1932|df=y}}
| time1             =  
| time1 =  
| time2             =  
| time2 =  
| type               =  
| type =  
| served             =  
| served =  
| main_ingredient   = Chocolate, caramel, nougat
| main_ingredient = Chocolate, caramel, nougat
| minor_ingredient   =  
| minor_ingredient =  
| variations         =  
| variations =  
| serving_size       = {{cvt|50|g|disp=or}}
| serving_size = {{cvt|50|g|disp=or}}
| calories           = 230
| calories = 230
| calories_ref       = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://marsnutrition.co.uk/ProductDetails.aspx?pc=34908|title=Mars Nutrition|website=marsnutrition.co.uk}}</ref>
| calories_ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://marsnutrition.co.uk/ProductDetails.aspx?pc=34908|title=Mars Nutrition|website=marsnutrition.co.uk}}</ref>
| protein           = 2.2
| protein = 2.2
| fat               = 8.5
| fat = 8.5
| carbohydrate       = 35.3
| carbohydrate = 35.3
| glycemic_index     =  
| glycemic_index =  
| similar_dish       =  
| similar_dish =  
| no_recipes         = true
| no_recipes = true
| no_commons         = true
| no_commons = true
}}
}}
'''Mars''', commonly known as '''Mars bar''', is the name of two varieties of [[chocolate bar]] produced by [[Mars Inc.]] It was first manufactured in 1932 in [[Slough]], England, by [[Forrest Mars Sr.]] The bar consists of [[caramel]] and [[nougat]] coated with [[milk chocolate]].
'''Mars''', commonly known as a '''Mars bar''', is a [[chocolate bar]] produced by [[Mars Inc.]], consisting of [[caramel]] and [[nougat]] coated with [[milk chocolate]]. It was first manufactured in 1932 in England by [[Forrest Mars Sr.]], modelled after his father's [[Milky Way (chocolate bar)|Milky Way bar]].


A different Mars bar was produced in the United States with nougat and toasted [[almond]]s covered in milk chocolate, and later also with caramel. This was discontinued in 2002, then revived in a slightly different form the following year under the name "[[Snickers]] Almond".
An alternative version of the bar was produced in the United States with nougat and toasted [[almond]]s covered in milk chocolate, and later also with caramel, sold in [[Cream (colour)|cream]]-coloured packaging. This was discontinued in 2002, then revived in a slightly different form the following year under the name "[[Snickers]] Almond".


== Versions ==
== History ==
Two different chocolate bars have been sold as Mars bars.
The Mars bar was first manufactured in [[Slough]], England, in 1932 by [[Forrest Mars Sr.]], son of American candy maker [[Franklin Clarence Mars|Frank C. Mars]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Our History |url=http://www.marsbar.co.uk/history/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110131101532/http://www.marsbar.co.uk/history/ |archive-date=31 January 2011 |access-date=23 June 2010 |website=marsbar.co.uk |quote=1932: Frank C Mars gives his son, Forrest, $50,000 and the formula for ‘Milky Way’ to go to the UK and start his own business, Mars Limited, in Slough.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mars – A celebration of 75 years 1932-2007 |url=https://irp.cdn-website.com/3740d787/files/uploaded/Mars%20A%20Celebration%20of%2075%20years%201932-2007.pdf}}</ref> He modelled the Mars bar after his father's [[Milky Way (chocolate bar)|Milky Way bar]], which was already popular in the US, adjusting the recipe to better suit European tastes.<ref name="H50">{{cite book |last1=Berry |first1=Steve |title=A History of Sweets in 50 Wrappers |last2=Norman |first2=Phil |date=2014 |publisher=[[The Friday Project]] |isbn=9780007575480 |location=London |pages=64–65}}</ref> He had a staff of twelve people, and originally advertised it as using Cadbury's chocolate [[Couverture chocolate|couverture]].<ref name="H50" /><ref>''Sweet Talk: the Secret History of Confectionery'', Whittaker, Nicholas, Gollancz, 1997</ref> As a result, the "British" Mars bar (also labeled the "European", "Global" or "Original" Mars bar) is considered to be a version of the American Milky Way bar, with only a slight sweeter taste.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1999 |title=The Emperors of Chocolate |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/books/first/b/brenner-chocolate.html |access-date=2025-10-04 |website=archive.nytimes.com |quote=Britain's favorite candy bar – the Mars bar – is, in fact, a slightly sweeter version of the American Milky Way.}}</ref>


===UK and worldwide===
[[File:Mars Logo Alt.svg|thumb|left|200px|The pre-2002 Mars logo, which is still used in some countries]]
[[File:Mars Logo Alt.svg|thumb|The pre-2002 Mars logo, which is still used in some countries]]
The bar and the proportions of the main components have changed over the years. With minor variations, this version is sold worldwide, except for the US, and is packaged in a black wrapper with red gold-edged lettering. Three million Mars bars accompanied the [[British logistics in the Falklands War|British task force to the Falklands]] in 1982.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Otter |first1=Chris |title=Diet for a large planet |date=2020 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |location=USA |isbn=978-0-226-69710-9 |page=96 }}</ref> The Mars bar was introduced in Belgium in 1970.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Hein Verbruggen, Who Raised Cycling’s Profile, Dies at 75 (Published 2017) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/15/sports/cycling/obituary-hein-verbruggen-dead-international-cycling-union.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112015452/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/15/sports/cycling/obituary-hein-verbruggen-dead-international-cycling-union.html |archive-date=12 November 2020 |access-date=2025-10-04 |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref>
In most of the world, a Mars bar is a chocolate bar with nougat and caramel, coated with milk chocolate.
 
It was first manufactured in [[Slough]], England under the Mars bar name in 1932 by [[Forrest Mars Sr.]], son of American candy maker [[Franklin Clarence Mars|Frank C. Mars]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Our History |url=http://www.marsbar.co.uk/history/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110131101532/http://www.marsbar.co.uk/history/ |archive-date=31 January 2011 |access-date=23 June 2010 |website=marsbar.co.uk |quote=1932: Frank C Mars gives his son, Forrest, $50,000 and the formula for ‘Milky Way’ to go to the UK and start his own business, Mars Limited, in Slough.}}</ref> He modelled it after his father's [[Milky Way (chocolate bar)|Milky Way bar]], which was already popular in the US, adjusting the recipe to better suit European tastes.<ref name="H50">{{cite book |last1=Berry |first1=Steve |last2=Norman |first2=Phil |title=A History of Sweets in 50 Wrappers |date=2014 |publisher=[[The Friday Project]] |location=London |isbn=9780007575480 |pages=64–65}}</ref> He had a staff of twelve people, and originally advertised it as using Cadbury's chocolate [[Couverture chocolate|couverture]].<ref name="H50" /><ref>''Sweet Talk: the Secret History of Confectionery'', Whittaker, Nicholas, Gollancz, 1997</ref> The bar and the proportions of the main components have changed over the years. With minor variations, this version is sold worldwide, except for the US, and is packaged in a black wrapper with red gold-edged lettering. Three million Mars bars accompanied the [[British logistics in the Falklands War|British task force to the Falklands]] in 1982.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Otter |first1=Chris |title=Diet for a large planet |date=2020 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |location=USA |isbn=978-0-226-69710-9 |page=96 }}</ref>


The Mars brand logo went through several changes. In 1932, the first logo had a black colour font and was tilted. In 1978, the logo was rebranded to being white and having a star on the side. In 1988, the Mars bar had gone through a significant change with its logo. At that time, the logo was given a more bombastic treatment, written with red thick font and golden outlier. This logo became the standard-form for future logos. The logo then changed again, in the early 2000s. This time the logo was given a much more modern and sleeker look. It was updated to have a more cursive appearance to it and has retained that appearance ever since.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/netnotes/article/0,,669665,00.html|title=Guardian Unlimited, "Mars bar"|website=[[TheGuardian.com]]|date=18 March 2002|access-date=23 July 2006}}</ref>
The Mars brand logo went through several changes. In 1932, the first logo had a black colour font and was tilted. In 1978, the logo was rebranded to being white and having a star on the side. In 1988, the Mars bar had gone through a significant change with its logo. At that time, the logo was given a more bombastic treatment, written with red thick font and golden outlier. This logo became the standard-form for future logos. The logo then changed again, in the early 2000s. This time the logo was given a much more modern and sleeker look. It was updated to have a more cursive appearance to it and has retained that appearance ever since.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/netnotes/article/0,,669665,00.html|title=Guardian Unlimited, "Mars bar"|website=[[TheGuardian.com]]|date=18 March 2002|access-date=23 July 2006}}</ref>


The nougat was made lighter, the chocolate on top became thinner, and the overall weight of the bar was reduced slightly. The slogan "Pleasure you can't measure" was intended to appeal more to women and youths.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.just-food.com/news/uk-mars-re-branding-offers-consumers-pleasure-not-power/|title=UK: Mars re-branding offers consumers pleasure, not power|date=18 March 2002|publisher=Just Food}}</ref>
In 2002, the Mars bar was rebranded across Europe with localised taglines. In addition the nougat was made lighter, the chocolate on top became thinner, and the overall weight of the bar was reduced slightly. The slogan "Pleasure you can't measure" used in Britain was intended to appeal more to women and youths.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.just-food.com/news/uk-mars-re-branding-offers-consumers-pleasure-not-power/|title=UK: Mars re-branding offers consumers pleasure, not power|date=18 March 2002|publisher=Just Food}}</ref> In Germany on the other hand the tagline was "It is Mars{{dash}}that's it" while in France it was "Mars{{dash}}What happiness".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Summerfield |first=Patti |title=Global advertising isn’t always the best strategy |url=https://strategyonline.ca/2002/04/22/global-20020422/ |access-date=2025-10-04}}</ref>


Various sizes are made. As of 2008: miniature bars called "Fun Size" ({{cvt|19.7|g|disp=comma}}) and "Snack Time" ({{cvt|36.5|g|disp=comma}}) (both sold in multiple packs); a larger multi-pack size of {{cvt|54|g}}; the regular-sized single {{cvt|51|g}} bar, and a "king-size" {{cvt|84|g}} bar, since replaced by "Mars Duo" ({{cvt|85|g|disp=or}}), a pack of two bars. The regular {{cvt|58|g}} single bar contains 260 calories.{{citation needed|date=November 2016}}
== Sizes ==
Various sizes are made. As of 2008: miniature bars called "Fun Size" ({{cvt|19.7|g|disp=comma}}) and "Snack Time" ({{cvt|36.5|g|disp=comma}}) (both sold in multiple packs); a larger multi-pack size of {{cvt|54|g}}; the regular-sized single {{cvt|51|g}} bar, and a "king-size" {{cvt|84|g}} bar, since replaced by "Mars Duo" ({{cvt|85|g|disp=or}}), a pack of two bars. The regular {{cvt|58|g}} single bar contains 260 calories.{{citation needed|date=November 2016}}


In the second half of 2008, Mars UK reduced the weight of regular bars from {{cvt|62.5|g}} to {{cvt|58|g}}. Although the reduction in size was not publicised at the time, Mars claimed the change was designed to help tackle the obesity crisis in the UK, but later acknowledged that the real reason for the change was rising costs.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/5432642/Mars-bars-shrink-in-size.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/5432642/Mars-bars-shrink-in-size.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | title=Mars bars shrink in size | date=3 June 2009}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In 2013, the "standard" Mars bar was further reduced to {{cvt|51|g}}, for a reduction of about 20% in 5 years;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marsbar.com/|title=Mars|author=Linney Group|work=marsbar.com|access-date=3 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208045212/http://marsbar.com/|archive-date=8 February 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> it continued to be {{cvt|51|g}} in 2023.<ref>{{cite web | title=OUR PRODUCTS | publisher=Mars | url=https://www.marsbar.co.uk/our-products | access-date=5 October 2023}}</ref>
In the second half of 2008, Mars UK reduced the weight of regular bars from {{cvt|62.5|g}} to {{cvt|58|g}}. Although the reduction in size was not publicised at the time, Mars claimed the change was designed to help tackle the obesity crisis in the UK, but later acknowledged that the real reason for the change was rising costs.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/5432642/Mars-bars-shrink-in-size.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/5432642/Mars-bars-shrink-in-size.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | title=Mars bars shrink in size | date=3 June 2009}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In 2013, the "standard" Mars bar was further reduced to {{cvt|51|g}}, for a reduction of about 20% in 5 years;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marsbar.com/|title=Mars|author=Linney Group|work=marsbar.com|access-date=3 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208045212/http://marsbar.com/|archive-date=8 February 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> it continued to be {{cvt|51|g}} in 2023.<ref>{{cite web | title=OUR PRODUCTS | publisher=Mars | url=https://www.marsbar.co.uk/our-products | access-date=5 October 2023}}</ref>
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In May 2009, the Mars bar size reduced from {{cvt|60|g}} to {{cvt|53|g}} in Australia, citing portion sizes and the obesity debate as the primary driver.<ref>[http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/mars-bars-size-slashed-but-price-to-stay-the-same/news-story/38142735a2faaa419e841e6666] {{dead link|date=July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.afr.com/companies/media-and-marketing/smaller-mars-a-taste-of-things-to-come-20090511-jmvwf |title= Smaller Mars a taste of things to come|first=Neil|last=Shoebridge|newspaper=[[The Australian Financial Review]]|date=11 May 2009}}</ref>  By 2022 it was noted the Mars bar size had been reduced further to {{cvt|47|g}} in Australia and New Zealand.
In May 2009, the Mars bar size reduced from {{cvt|60|g}} to {{cvt|53|g}} in Australia, citing portion sizes and the obesity debate as the primary driver.<ref>[http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/mars-bars-size-slashed-but-price-to-stay-the-same/news-story/38142735a2faaa419e841e6666] {{dead link|date=July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.afr.com/companies/media-and-marketing/smaller-mars-a-taste-of-things-to-come-20090511-jmvwf |title= Smaller Mars a taste of things to come|first=Neil|last=Shoebridge|newspaper=[[The Australian Financial Review]]|date=11 May 2009}}</ref>  By 2022 it was noted the Mars bar size had been reduced further to {{cvt|47|g}} in Australia and New Zealand.


=== United States ===
== American version (almond bar) ==
[[File:US-Mars-Wrapper-Small.jpg|right|thumb|A U.S. Mars bar]]
[[File:Mars-Almond-split.jpg|thumb|right|A Mars Almond split]]
[[File:Mars-Almond-split.jpg|thumb|right|A Mars Almond split]]
In the United States, the Mars bar was a candy bar with [[nougat]] and toasted [[almond]]s coated with [[milk chocolate]]. The same candy bar is known outside the United States as a Mars Almond bar. Originally it did not have [[caramel]], but at some point caramel was added. It was discontinued in 2002.<ref name="candyfavorites">{{cite web |url=http://www.candyfavorites.com/Snickers-Almond-Mars-bar-pr-295.html |title= Snickers Almond Mars bar |access-date=7 August 2007 |website=Candyfavorites.com|quote=Snickers Almond "is the replacement for the classic Mars bar"}}</ref>
In the United States, the Mars bar was a candy bar with [[nougat]] and toasted [[almond]]s coated with [[milk chocolate]]. The same candy bar is known outside the United States as a Mars Almond bar (and was also marketed for some time in Canada alongside their standard Mars<ref>{{Citation |title=Mars Bar: You Can't Get Any Better (But You Can Get a Little Different) |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10044608/?ref_=mv_close |access-date=2025-10-04 |publisher=Mars Candy Company}}</ref>). The bar was first introduced in America in 1936.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clayman |first=Andrew |date=2021-03-08 |title=Mars Inc., est. 1911 |url=http://www.madeinchicagomuseum.com/single-post/mars-inc/ |access-date=2025-10-02 |website=Made-in-Chicago Museum |language=en-US}}</ref> Originally the American Mars bar did not have [[caramel]], but at some point caramel was added. It was discontinued in 2002.<ref name="candyfavorites">{{cite web |url=http://www.candyfavorites.com/Snickers-Almond-Mars-bar-pr-295.html |title= Snickers Almond Mars bar |access-date=7 August 2007 |website=Candyfavorites.com|quote=Snickers Almond "is the replacement for the classic Mars bar"}}</ref>
 
In 2003, the company introduced a replacement called [[Snickers|Snickers Almond]] containing nougat, almonds, caramel, and a milk chocolate coating,<ref name="candyfavorites" /> It is similar to the Mars bar, with some differences; for example, the pieces of almond are smaller in Snickers Almond than in the Mars bar.


The Mars bar was relaunched in January 2010 (initially exclusively through [[Walmart]] stores), discontinued again at the end of 2011,<ref>[https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/brits-only-just-realising-mars-31237258 Brits are only just realising why Mars bars are called Milky Way in America] . Mirror UK. </ref> and relaunched again in September 2016 by [[Ethel M Chocolate Factory|Ethel M]], the gourmet chocolate subsidiary of Mars, Inc. The 2016 version was the "original American recipe", without caramel. It was available in their stores and on Amazon.com.<ref>{{Cite press release|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-relaunch-of-a-blast-from-the-past---ethel-m-chocolates-brings-back-original-1932-mars-bar-300522193.html|title=The Relaunch of a Blast from the Past – Ethel M Chocolates Brings Back Original 1932 Mars Bar|last=Chocolates|first=Ethel M|website=www.prnewswire.com|language=en|access-date=20 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.foodandwine.com/desserts/candy/original-mars-bar-comeback|title=The Original Mars Bar Is Back|work=Food & Wine|access-date=20 September 2017|language=en}}</ref>
In 2003, the company introduced a replacement called [[Snickers|Snickers Almond]] containing nougat, almonds, caramel, and a milk chocolate coating.<ref name="candyfavorites" /> It is similar to the Mars bar, with some differences; for example, the pieces of almond are smaller in Snickers Almond than in the Mars bar.{{Citation needed|date=October 2025}}


The European or Canadian version of the Mars bar is sold in some American grocery stores that stock imported food products.
The Mars bar was briefly relaunched in January 2010 (initially exclusively through [[Walmart]] stores), discontinued again at the end of 2011,<ref>[https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/brits-only-just-realising-mars-31237258 Brits are only just realising why Mars bars are called Milky Way in America] . Mirror UK. </ref> and relaunched again in September 2016 by [[Ethel M Chocolate Factory|Ethel M]], the gourmet chocolate subsidiary of Mars, Inc. The 2016 version was the "original American recipe", without caramel.<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-relaunch-of-a-blast-from-the-past---ethel-m-chocolates-brings-back-original-1932-mars-bar-300522193.html|title=The Relaunch of a Blast from the Past – Ethel M Chocolates Brings Back Original 1932 Mars Bar|last=Chocolates|first=Ethel M|website=www.prnewswire.com|language=en|access-date=20 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.foodandwine.com/desserts/candy/original-mars-bar-comeback|title=The Original Mars Bar Is Back|work=Food & Wine|access-date=20 September 2017|language=en}}</ref>


== Spinoff products ==
== Spinoff products ==
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*Mars Protein – A 50&nbsp;g Mars bar with less sugar and more protein; packaging states "More protein, 40% less sugar".
*Mars Protein – A 50&nbsp;g Mars bar with less sugar and more protein; packaging states "More protein, 40% less sugar".


== Custom packaging ==
== Packaging variants ==
[[File:Mars Believe Bar.jpg|thumb|''Mars Believe'']]
[[File:Mars Believe Bar.jpg|thumb|''Mars Believe'']]The original Mars bar was sold throughout Britain from April 2006 until the end of the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]] in a "Believe" packaging ("Original Mars" appeared in smaller print), to indicate support for the [[England national football team]] in the competition.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sweney |first=Mark |date=2006-04-06 |title=Believe in us and England, says Mars |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/apr/06/marketingandpr.advertising |access-date=2025-10-04 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> A generic advertising campaign was used in the other UK nations which did not qualify for the competition,<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 April 2006 |title=Stocklines: Masterfoods renames Mars bars for Worls Cup |url=https://www.conveniencestore.co.uk/products/stocklines-masterfoods-renames-mars-bars-for-worls-cup/189565.article |access-date=2025-10-04 |website=Convenience Store |language=en}}</ref> but the usage of the "Believe" packaging in Scotland caused negative publicity.<ref>{{cite web |last=Davidson |first=Lynn |year=2006 |title=We're Not Buying It |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=17164545&method=full&siteid=66633&headline=we-re-not-buying-it--name_page.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903150750/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/tm_objectid%3D17164545%26method%3Dfull%26siteid%3D66633%26headline%3Dwe-re-not-buying-it--name_page.html |archive-date=3 September 2009 |access-date=19 February 2008 |publisher=[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]}}</ref>  
The Original Mars bar in "Believe" packaging was sold in the UK from 18 April 2006 until the end of the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]] in July. "Believe" took prominence on the packaging ("Original Mars" appeared in smaller print) to indicate support for the [[England national football team]]. Advertising in other nations of the UK was tailored to reflect their own teams after public condemnation, although in Scotland the "Believe" packaging was still used – causing negative publicity.<ref>{{cite web|last=Davidson |first=Lynn |title=We're Not Buying It |publisher=[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]] |year=2006 |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=17164545&method=full&siteid=66633&headline=we-re-not-buying-it--name_page.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903150750/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/tm_objectid%3D17164545%26method%3Dfull%26siteid%3D66633%26headline%3Dwe-re-not-buying-it--name_page.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 September 2009 |access-date=19 February 2008 }}</ref>


On 30 July 2008, the [[Tasmania]]n government announced that it had secured a major sponsor, Mars for a bid to enter the [[Australian Football League]] in a deal worth $4&nbsp;million over 3 years and will temporarily change the name of its top-selling chocolate bar in Australia to Believe, to help promote Tasmania's cause.<ref>Mars has committed $4&nbsp;million over three years and will temporarily change the name of its top-selling chocolate bar in Australia to Believe, to help promote Tasmania's cause.</ref>
Similarly, Mars were re-branded "Hopp" ("Go!" in English) in Switzerland during [[UEFA Euro 2008]], again with "Original Mars" shown in smaller print.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mars/Hopp |url=http://www.wirz.ch/wirz-gruppe/totalwork/mars-hopp/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105020942/http://www.wirz.ch/wirz-gruppe/totalwork/mars-hopp/ |archive-date=5 January 2011 |access-date=9 November 2010 |publisher=Wirz Gruppe}}</ref>


Mars were re-branded "Hopp" ("Go!" in English) in Switzerland during [[UEFA Euro 2008]]. Like the "Believe" packaging sold in the UK in 2006, "Original Mars" was also shown in smaller print.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mars/Hopp |publisher=Wirz Gruppe |url=http://www.wirz.ch/wirz-gruppe/totalwork/mars-hopp/ |access-date=9 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105020942/http://www.wirz.ch/wirz-gruppe/totalwork/mars-hopp/ |archive-date=5 January 2011  }}</ref>
On 30 July 2008, the government of [[Tasmania]] announced that it had secured a major sponsor, Mars for a bid to enter the [[Australian Football League]] in a deal worth $4&nbsp;million over 3 years and will temporarily change the name of its top-selling chocolate bar in Australia to Believe, to help promote Tasmania's cause.<ref>Mars has committed $4&nbsp;million over three years and will temporarily change the name of its top-selling chocolate bar in Australia to Believe, to help promote Tasmania's cause.</ref>


In 2010, to promote England's involvement in the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]], the background of the UK Mars packaging became the St. George cross.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}
In 2010, to promote England's involvement in the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]], the background of Mars packaging sold in the country temporarily became the [[Saint George's Cross|St. George cross]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Writer |first=Staff |date=2010-03-30 |title=Mars Bar changes strip to show support for the England team in South Africa |url=https://www.talkingretail.com/products-news/confectionery/mars-bar-changes-strip-to-show-support-for-the-england-team-in-south-africa-30-03-2010/ |access-date=2025-10-04 |website=Talking Retail |language=en}}</ref>


== Advertising slogans ==
== Advertising slogans ==
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=== Former ===
=== Former ===


*''"Maxis from Mars"'' – United Kingdom (1969) A number of white [[Austin Maxi]]s were driven around the country with numbers on the doors. If the number inside a Mars Bar wrapper matched that on the car, the purchaser of the Mars Bar won the car.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}
*''"Maxis from Mars"''{{dash}}United Kingdom (1969) A number of white [[Austin Maxi]]s were driven around the country with numbers on the doors. If the number inside a Mars Bar wrapper matched that on the car, the purchaser of the Mars Bar won the car.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}
*''"Mars bringt verbrauchte Energie sofort zurück."'' (Mars replenishes lost energy instantaneously) - Germany (1960s) <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://brand-history.com/mars-austria-og/mars/mars-fein-vollmilch-schokolade-gibt-neue-kraft-mars-bringt-verbrauchte-energie-sofort-zuruck|title = Mars - Fein Vollmilch-Schokolade gibt neue Kraft. Mars bringt verbrauchte Energie sofort Z}}</ref>
*''"Mars bringt verbrauchte Energie sofort zurück."'' (Mars replenishes lost energy instantaneously){{dash}}Germany (1960s)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://brand-history.com/mars-austria-og/mars/mars-fein-vollmilch-schokolade-gibt-neue-kraft-mars-bringt-verbrauchte-energie-sofort-zuruck|title = Mars{{dash}}Fein Vollmilch-Schokolade gibt neue Kraft. Mars bringt verbrauchte Energie sofort Z}}</ref>
*''"Mars macht mobil bei Arbeit, Sport und Spiel"'' (Mars mobilises you at work, sports and play) – Germany (1980s and 1990s)
*''"Mars macht mobil bei Arbeit, Sport und Spiel"'' (Mars mobilises you at work, sports and play){{dash}}Germany (1980s and 1990s)
*''"A Mars a day helps you work, rest and play"'' – Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom<ref name="H50" />
*''"A Mars a day helps you work, rest and play"''{{dash}}Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom<ref name="H50" />
*''"Out of this world!"'' – Australia, UK
*''"Out of this world!"''{{dash}}Australia, UK
*''"Earth – what you'd eat if you lived on Mars"'' – New Zealand
*''"Earth{{dash}}what you'd eat if you lived on Mars"''{{dash}}New Zealand
*''"Another way to make your day"'' – UK (2005)<ref>{{cite news| url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb5245/is_200509/ai_n19896393 | title=Mars to make your day | work= Grocer }} {{dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref>
*''"Another way to make your day"''{{dash}}UK (2005)<ref>{{cite news| url=https://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb5245/is_200509/ai_n19896393 | title=Mars to make your day | work= Grocer }} {{dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref>
*''"Feels good to be back! "'' – Australia (2005)
*''"Feels good to be back! "''{{dash}}Australia (2005)
*''"An almond in every bite!"'' – US
*''"An almond in every bite!"''{{dash}}US
*''"Un Mars, et ça repart"'' (A Mars, and here we go again) – France (late 1990s and renewed from 2006)
*''"Un Mars, et ça repart"'' (A Mars, and here we go again){{dash}}France (late 1990s and renewed from 2006)
*''"Mars, que du bonheur"'' (Mars, only happiness) – France
*''"Mars, que du bonheur"'' (Mars, only happiness){{dash}}France
*''"Mars, haal eruit wat erin zit!"'' (Mars, get the most out of it!) – Netherlands, Belgium
*''"Mars, haal eruit wat erin zit!"'' (Mars, get the most out of it!){{dash}}Netherlands, Belgium
*''"Who knows? In 1,000 years we could all be sitting on Mars eating Earth bars."'' – United Kingdom (a full-page advertisement placed in the official Guide Book for the [[Millennium Dome]] in 2000)
*''"Who knows? In 1,000 years we could all be sitting on Mars eating Earth bars."''{{dash}}United Kingdom (a full-page advertisement placed in the official Guide Book for the [[Millennium Dome]] in 2000)


=== Current ===
=== Current ===
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== Deep-fried Mars bar ==
== Deep-fried Mars bar ==
{{Main|Deep-fried Mars bar}}
{{Main|Deep-fried Mars bar}}
[[File:DeepFriedMarsBar.jpg|thumb|Deep-fried Mars bar]]
[[File:DeepFriedMarsBar.jpg|thumb|Deep-fried Mars bar]]
First reports of Mars bars coated with batter and deep-fried being sold in [[Stonehaven]], Scotland<ref name="McColm">{{cite news | last = McColm | first = Euan | date = 26 February 2000 | title = No Haven for the Deep Fried Mars Bar; Birthplace of the Battered Choccy Treat Closes Down | work = [[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/654750.stm|title=French batter Mars bars menu|work=news.bbc.co.uk|publisher=BBC News}}</ref> date back to 1995.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/4103415.stm|title=Deep-fried Mars myth is dispelled|work=news.bbc.co.uk|publisher=BBC News online|author=Original source, Scottish [[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]|date<!--of BBC article-->=2004-12-17|access-date=15 November 2006}}</ref> Mars says that it is "not authorised or endorsed".<ref name="bbc brocklehurst 2012">{{cite news|last=Brocklehurst|first=Steven|title=Deep-fried Mars bars: A symbol of a nation's diet?|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19463119|access-date=6 September 2012|newspaper=[[BBC News]]|date=6 September 2012}}</ref>
First reports of Mars bars coated with batter and deep-fried being sold in [[Stonehaven]], Scotland<ref name="McColm">{{cite news | last = McColm | first = Euan | date = 26 February 2000 | title = No Haven for the Deep Fried Mars Bar; Birthplace of the Battered Choccy Treat Closes Down | work = [[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/654750.stm|title=French batter Mars bars menu|work=news.bbc.co.uk|publisher=BBC News}}</ref> date back to 1995.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/4103415.stm|title=Deep-fried Mars myth is dispelled|work=news.bbc.co.uk|publisher=BBC News online|author=Original source, Scottish [[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]|date<!--of BBC article-->=2004-12-17|access-date=15 November 2006}}</ref> Mars says that it is "not authorised or endorsed".<ref name="bbc brocklehurst 2012">{{cite news|last=Brocklehurst|first=Steven|title=Deep-fried Mars bars: A symbol of a nation's diet?|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19463119|access-date=6 September 2012|newspaper=[[BBC News]]|date=6 September 2012}}</ref> The deep-fried Mars bar has been highly popular in Scotland and it has also been made and sold by individuals in other countries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Atlantic ChipShop Menu |url=http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/chipshop01/menus/main.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080522153619/http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/chipshop01/menus/main.html |archive-date=22 May 2008 |website=nymag.com}}</ref>


Deep-fried Mars bars were also sold in New York.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Atlantic ChipShop Menu |url=http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/chipshop01/menus/main.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080522153619/http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/chipshop01/menus/main.html |archive-date=22 May 2008 |website=nymag.com}}</ref>
In [[Kathmandu]], [[Nepal]], [[momo (dumpling)|momo dumplings]] in tourist areas have used Mars bars as an unusual filling.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/dumplings-worlds-best | title=The world's tastiest dumplings | date=2 December 2021 |author-first1=Julia|author-last1=Buckley|website=CNN}}</ref>
 
In [[Kathmandu]], [[Nepal]], [[momo (dumpling)|momo dumplings]] in tourist areas have used Mars bars as an unusual filling.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/dumplings-worlds-best | title=The world's tastiest dumplings | date=2 December 2021 }}</ref>


== Recalls ==
== Recalls ==
In July 2005, Mars bars, along with the [[Snickers]] bar, were recalled due to an anonymous extortion attempt against [[Star City Casino]] in Sydney.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2005-07-19 |title=Mars extortion bid aimed at casino |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/mars-extortion-bid-aimed-at-casino-20050720-gdlprw.html |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> The extortionist claimed to have poisoned seven Mars and Snickers bars at random stores in [[New South Wales]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-07-01 |title=Threat sparks Mars, Snickers bar recall |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/threat-sparks-mars-snickers-bar-recall-20050702-gdlm3i.html |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> As a result, [[Masterfoods]] Corporation, the company that manufactures Mars bars in Australia, recalled the entire Mars and Snickers product from store shelves in New South Wales.<ref name=":0" /> In the later half of August 2005, the threat to the public was deemed negligible and the bars returned to shelves.<ref name="Just Food 2005">{{cite web | title=AUSTRALIA: Free Mars bars after extortion threat ends | website=Just Food | date=2005-08-15 | url=https://www.just-food.com/news/australia-free-mars-bars-after-extortion-threat-ends/ | access-date=2022-11-02}}</ref>
In July 2005, Mars bars, along with the [[Snickers]] bar, were recalled due to an anonymous extortion attempt against [[Star City Casino]] in Sydney.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2005-07-19 |title=Mars extortion bid aimed at casino |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/mars-extortion-bid-aimed-at-casino-20050720-gdlprw.html |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> The extortionist claimed to have poisoned seven Mars and Snickers bars at random stores in [[New South Wales]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-07-01 |title=Threat sparks Mars, Snickers bar recall |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/threat-sparks-mars-snickers-bar-recall-20050702-gdlm3i.html |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> As a result, [[Masterfoods]] Corporation, the company that manufactures Mars bars in Australia, recalled the entire Mars and Snickers product from store shelves in New South Wales.<ref name=":0" /> In the later half of August 2005, the threat to the public was deemed negligible and the bars returned to shelves.<ref name="Just Food 2005">{{cite web | title=AUSTRALIA: Free Mars bars after extortion threat ends | website=Just Food | date=2005-08-15 | url=https://www.just-food.com/news/australia-free-mars-bars-after-extortion-threat-ends/ | access-date=2022-11-02}}</ref>


In February 2016, Mars, Snickers and various other Mars, Inc. chocolate products were recalled in 55 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The precautionary recall was issued after a customer found pieces of plastic in a Snickers bar purchased in Germany. The error was traced back to a Mars, Inc. factory in [[Veghel]], The Netherlands.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mars recalls chocolate in 55 countries|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-35642075|access-date=23 February 2016|work=BBC News|date=23 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Mars Recalls Chocolate Products in 55 Countries|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/24/business/international/mars-candy-bar-recall-germany.html|access-date=7 March 2016|work=The New York Times|date=23 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Hanif|first1=Nadeem|title=UAE part of worldwide chocolate recall by Mars|url=http://www.thenational.ae/uae/health/uae-part-of-worldwide-chocolate-recall-by-mars|access-date=7 March 2016|work=The National|date=24 February 2016}}</ref>
In February 2016, Mars, Snickers and various other Mars, Inc. chocolate products were recalled in 55 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The precautionary recall was issued after a customer found pieces of plastic in a Snickers bar purchased in Germany. The error was traced back to a Mars, Inc. factory in [[Veghel]], The Netherlands.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mars recalls chocolate in 55 countries|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-35642075|access-date=23 February 2016|work=BBC News|date=23 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Mars Recalls Chocolate Products in 55 Countries|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/24/business/international/mars-candy-bar-recall-germany.html|access-date=7 March 2016|work=The New York Times|date=23 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Hanif|first1=Nadeem|title=UAE part of worldwide chocolate recall by Mars|url=https://www.thenational.ae/uae/health/uae-part-of-worldwide-chocolate-recall-by-mars|access-date=7 March 2016|work=The National|date=24 February 2016}}</ref>


== Animal products controversy ==
== Animal products controversy ==
In May 2007, Mars UK announced that Mars bars, along with many of their other products such as [[Snickers]], [[Maltesers]], [[Galaxy Minstrels|Minstrels]] and [[Twix]] would no longer be suitable for vegetarians because of the introduction of [[rennet]], a chemical sourced from calves' stomachs used in the production of [[whey]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6653175.stm|title=Mars starts using animal products|work=news.bbc.co.uk|publisher=BBC News website}}</ref> [[Rabbi]]nical authorities declared that the products remained [[kosher]] for Jewish consumption.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theus.org.uk/jewish_living/file/?file_id=184 |title=LBD Kashrut Division&nbsp;— It's Kosher anyWhey! |work=theus.org.uk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406120947/http://www.theus.org.uk/jewish_living/file/?file_id=184 |archive-date=6 April 2012  }}</ref>
In May 2007, Mars UK announced that Mars bars, along with many of their other products such as [[Snickers]], [[Maltesers]], [[Galaxy Minstrels|Minstrels]] and [[Twix]] would no longer be suitable for vegetarians because of the introduction of [[rennet]], a chemical sourced from calves' stomachs used in the production of [[whey]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6653175.stm|title=Mars starts using animal products|work=news.bbc.co.uk|publisher=BBC News website}}</ref> [[Rabbi]]nical authorities declared that the products remained [[kosher]] for Jewish consumption.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theus.org.uk/jewish_living/file/?file_id=184 |title=LBD Kashrut Division&nbsp;— It's Kosher anyWhey! |work=theus.org.uk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406120947/http://www.theus.org.uk/jewish_living/file/?file_id=184 |archive-date=6 April 2012  }}</ref>


The decision was condemned by several groups, with the [[Vegetarian Society]] stating that "at a time when more and more consumers are concerned about the provenance of their food, Mars' decision to use non-vegetarian whey is a backward step".
The decision was condemned by several groups, with the [[Vegetarian Society]] stating that "at a time when more and more consumers are concerned about the provenance of their food, Mars' decision to use non-vegetarian whey is a backward step".


Mars later abandoned these plans, stating that it became "very clear, very quickly" that it had made a mistake.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6673549.stm| work=BBC News| title=Mars bars get veggie status back| date=20 May 2007}}</ref>
Mars later abandoned these plans, stating that it became "very clear, very quickly" that it had made a mistake.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6673549.stm| work=BBC News| title=Mars bars get veggie status back| date=20 May 2007}}</ref>


== Economics ==
== Economics ==
It has been observed on several occasions that the price of a Mars bar correlates fairly accurately with the change in value of the [[pound sterling]] since [[World War II]], much in the way that the [[Big Mac Index]] has proven to be a good indicator of the actual relative purchasing power of world currencies.<ref name="ft_inflation">{{cite web|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/9f128868-68b4-11da-bd30-0000779e2340.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/9f128868-68b4-11da-bd30-0000779e2340.html |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription|title=Mars bar|work=ft.com|publisher=Financial Times website|author=Nico Colchester Fellowship|date=26 January 2001|access-date=13 January 2007}}</ref>
It has been observed on several occasions that the price of a Mars bar correlates fairly accurately with the change in value of the [[pound sterling]] since [[World War II]], much in the way that the [[Big Mac Index]] has proven to be a good indicator of the actual relative purchasing power of world currencies.<ref name="ft_inflation">{{cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/9f128868-68b4-11da-bd30-0000779e2340 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/9f128868-68b4-11da-bd30-0000779e2340.html |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription|title=Mars bar|work=ft.com|publisher=Financial Times website|author=Nico Colchester Fellowship|date=26 January 2001|access-date=13 January 2007}}</ref>


== Popular culture ==
== Popular culture ==
Line 165: Line 157:


1960s Liverpool band [[Gerry and the Pacemakers]] were originally known as [[Gerry Marsden]] and the Mars Bars before changing their name due to the objection of the Mars company.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/04/arts/music/gerry-marsden-dead.html|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406034756/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/04/arts/music/gerry-marsden-dead.html|archive-date=6 April 2023|title=Gerry Marsden, a Hitmaker With the Pacemakers, Dies at 78 |last=Farber |first=Jim |date=4 January 2021 |website=[[NYTimes.com]]}}</ref>
1960s Liverpool band [[Gerry and the Pacemakers]] were originally known as [[Gerry Marsden]] and the Mars Bars before changing their name due to the objection of the Mars company.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/04/arts/music/gerry-marsden-dead.html|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406034756/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/04/arts/music/gerry-marsden-dead.html|archive-date=6 April 2023|title=Gerry Marsden, a Hitmaker With the Pacemakers, Dies at 78 |last=Farber |first=Jim |date=4 January 2021 |website=[[NYTimes.com]]}}</ref>
== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}


== References ==
== References ==
Line 173: Line 162:


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Mars Bar}}
{{Commons category}}
*[http://totl.net/VisibleMars/ The Visible Mars bar project], which shows the difference between US and UK Mars bars.
*{{oweb}}
*[https://totl.net/VisibleMars/ The Visible Mars bar project], which shows the difference between US and UK Mars bars.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20201112031139/https://oregonl5.nss.org/mist/marsbar.html Site with cross-sections of both the original US and Canadian Mars bars]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20201112031139/https://oregonl5.nss.org/mist/marsbar.html Site with cross-sections of both the original US and Canadian Mars bars]
*[http://www.sopse.org.uk/ixbin/hixclient.exe?a=query&p=slough&f=generic_theme.htm&%3dtheme_record_id=sl-sl-mars Slough History Online]
*[http://www.sopse.org.uk/ixbin/hixclient.exe?a=query&p=slough&f=generic_theme.htm&%3dtheme_record_id=sl-sl-mars Slough History Online]

Latest revision as of 20:29, 21 December 2025

Template:Short description Script error: No such module "redirect hatnote". Script error: No such module "redirect hatnote". Script error: No such module "Redirect hatnote". Template:Use British English Template:Use dmy dates Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "check for unknown parameters". Mars, commonly known as a Mars bar, is a chocolate bar produced by Mars Inc., consisting of caramel and nougat coated with milk chocolate. It was first manufactured in 1932 in England by Forrest Mars Sr., modelled after his father's Milky Way bar.

An alternative version of the bar was produced in the United States with nougat and toasted almonds covered in milk chocolate, and later also with caramel, sold in cream-coloured packaging. This was discontinued in 2002, then revived in a slightly different form the following year under the name "Snickers Almond".

History

The Mars bar was first manufactured in Slough, England, in 1932 by Forrest Mars Sr., son of American candy maker Frank C. Mars.[1][2] He modelled the Mars bar after his father's Milky Way bar, which was already popular in the US, adjusting the recipe to better suit European tastes.[3] He had a staff of twelve people, and originally advertised it as using Cadbury's chocolate couverture.[3][4] As a result, the "British" Mars bar (also labeled the "European", "Global" or "Original" Mars bar) is considered to be a version of the American Milky Way bar, with only a slight sweeter taste.[5]

File:Mars Logo Alt.svg
The pre-2002 Mars logo, which is still used in some countries

The bar and the proportions of the main components have changed over the years. With minor variations, this version is sold worldwide, except for the US, and is packaged in a black wrapper with red gold-edged lettering. Three million Mars bars accompanied the British task force to the Falklands in 1982.[6] The Mars bar was introduced in Belgium in 1970.[7]

The Mars brand logo went through several changes. In 1932, the first logo had a black colour font and was tilted. In 1978, the logo was rebranded to being white and having a star on the side. In 1988, the Mars bar had gone through a significant change with its logo. At that time, the logo was given a more bombastic treatment, written with red thick font and golden outlier. This logo became the standard-form for future logos. The logo then changed again, in the early 2000s. This time the logo was given a much more modern and sleeker look. It was updated to have a more cursive appearance to it and has retained that appearance ever since.[8]

In 2002, the Mars bar was rebranded across Europe with localised taglines. In addition the nougat was made lighter, the chocolate on top became thinner, and the overall weight of the bar was reduced slightly. The slogan "Pleasure you can't measure" used in Britain was intended to appeal more to women and youths.[9] In Germany on the other hand the tagline was "It is MarsTemplate:Dashthat's it" while in France it was "MarsTemplate:DashWhat happiness".[10]

Sizes

Various sizes are made. As of 2008: miniature bars called "Fun Size" (Template:Cvt) and "Snack Time" (Template:Cvt) (both sold in multiple packs); a larger multi-pack size of Template:Cvt; the regular-sized single Template:Cvt bar, and a "king-size" Template:Cvt bar, since replaced by "Mars Duo" (Template:Cvt), a pack of two bars. The regular Template:Cvt single bar contains 260 calories.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

In the second half of 2008, Mars UK reduced the weight of regular bars from Template:Cvt to Template:Cvt. Although the reduction in size was not publicised at the time, Mars claimed the change was designed to help tackle the obesity crisis in the UK, but later acknowledged that the real reason for the change was rising costs.[11] In 2013, the "standard" Mars bar was further reduced to Template:Cvt, for a reduction of about 20% in 5 years;[12] it continued to be Template:Cvt in 2023.[13]

In May 2009, the Mars bar size reduced from Template:Cvt to Template:Cvt in Australia, citing portion sizes and the obesity debate as the primary driver.[14][15] By 2022 it was noted the Mars bar size had been reduced further to Template:Cvt in Australia and New Zealand.

American version (almond bar)

File:Mars-Almond-split.jpg
A Mars Almond split

In the United States, the Mars bar was a candy bar with nougat and toasted almonds coated with milk chocolate. The same candy bar is known outside the United States as a Mars Almond bar (and was also marketed for some time in Canada alongside their standard Mars[16]). The bar was first introduced in America in 1936.[17] Originally the American Mars bar did not have caramel, but at some point caramel was added. It was discontinued in 2002.[18]

In 2003, the company introduced a replacement called Snickers Almond containing nougat, almonds, caramel, and a milk chocolate coating.[18] It is similar to the Mars bar, with some differences; for example, the pieces of almond are smaller in Snickers Almond than in the Mars bar.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

The Mars bar was briefly relaunched in January 2010 (initially exclusively through Walmart stores), discontinued again at the end of 2011,[19] and relaunched again in September 2016 by Ethel M, the gourmet chocolate subsidiary of Mars, Inc. The 2016 version was the "original American recipe", without caramel.[20][21]

Spinoff products

File:Mars-Delight-Whole-&-Split.jpg
Mars Delight bars, whole and split
File:Mars Ice Cream (split).jpg
Mars Ice Cream bar split

Other products have also been released using the Mars name.

  • Mars Bites/Bouchées (Canada)
  • Mars Milk (1998)
  • Mars Delight (discontinued in the UK in 2008)[22]
  • Mars Choc Brownie
  • Mars Extra Chocolate Drink
  • No Added Sugar Drink
  • Mars Ice Cream bars
  • Mars and Mars Midnight Ice Cream bars
  • McVities Mars Mini Rolls
  • Mars Biscuits (Australia and the UK – a biscuit with Mars topping)
  • Mars Pods (Australia and New Zealand – a small crunchy wafer shell with Mars filling, also available in variants)[23]
  • Mars Rocks
  • Mars Planets
  • Mars Mix
  • Mars Frozen Dessert Bar[24]
  • Mars Protein – A 50 g Mars bar with less sugar and more protein; packaging states "More protein, 40% less sugar".

Packaging variants

File:Mars Believe Bar.jpg
Mars Believe

The original Mars bar was sold throughout Britain from April 2006 until the end of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in a "Believe" packaging ("Original Mars" appeared in smaller print), to indicate support for the England national football team in the competition.[25] A generic advertising campaign was used in the other UK nations which did not qualify for the competition,[26] but the usage of the "Believe" packaging in Scotland caused negative publicity.[27]

Similarly, Mars were re-branded "Hopp" ("Go!" in English) in Switzerland during UEFA Euro 2008, again with "Original Mars" shown in smaller print.[28]

On 30 July 2008, the government of Tasmania announced that it had secured a major sponsor, Mars for a bid to enter the Australian Football League in a deal worth $4 million over 3 years and will temporarily change the name of its top-selling chocolate bar in Australia to Believe, to help promote Tasmania's cause.[29]

In 2010, to promote England's involvement in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the background of Mars packaging sold in the country temporarily became the St. George cross.[30]

Advertising slogans

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Former

  • "Maxis from Mars"Template:DashUnited Kingdom (1969) A number of white Austin Maxis were driven around the country with numbers on the doors. If the number inside a Mars Bar wrapper matched that on the car, the purchaser of the Mars Bar won the car.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
  • "Mars bringt verbrauchte Energie sofort zurück." (Mars replenishes lost energy instantaneously)Template:DashGermany (1960s)[31]
  • "Mars macht mobil bei Arbeit, Sport und Spiel" (Mars mobilises you at work, sports and play)Template:DashGermany (1980s and 1990s)
  • "A Mars a day helps you work, rest and play"Template:DashAustralia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom[3]
  • "Out of this world!"Template:DashAustralia, UK
  • "EarthTemplate:Dashwhat you'd eat if you lived on Mars"Template:DashNew Zealand
  • "Another way to make your day"Template:DashUK (2005)[32]
  • "Feels good to be back! "Template:DashAustralia (2005)
  • "An almond in every bite!"Template:DashUS
  • "Un Mars, et ça repart" (A Mars, and here we go again)Template:DashFrance (late 1990s and renewed from 2006)
  • "Mars, que du bonheur" (Mars, only happiness)Template:DashFrance
  • "Mars, haal eruit wat erin zit!" (Mars, get the most out of it!)Template:DashNetherlands, Belgium
  • "Who knows? In 1,000 years we could all be sitting on Mars eating Earth bars."Template:DashUnited Kingdom (a full-page advertisement placed in the official Guide Book for the Millennium Dome in 2000)

Current

  • "Mars your day" – Australia
  • "A Mars a day helps you work, rest and play" – UK, Australia
  • "Recharge on Mars" – Canada
  • "Mars, pleasure you just can't measure" – Europe
  • "Un coup de barre? Mars et ça repart!" (Feeling tired? A Mars and here we go again!) – France
  • "Nimm Mars, gib Gas" (Take Mars, step on the gas) – Germany
  • "Mars, momento di vero godimento" (Mars, a moment of pure enjoyment) – Italy
  • "Mars, geeft je energie" (Gives you energy) – The Netherlands and Flanders, Belgium
  • "Work-Rest-Play" – UK (later "Work-Rest-Play your part")
  • "Turn Up the Heat!" – (UK promotional packs in 2010)

Deep-fried Mars bar

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File:DeepFriedMarsBar.jpg
Deep-fried Mars bar

First reports of Mars bars coated with batter and deep-fried being sold in Stonehaven, Scotland[33][34] date back to 1995.[35] Mars says that it is "not authorised or endorsed".[36] The deep-fried Mars bar has been highly popular in Scotland and it has also been made and sold by individuals in other countries.[37]

In Kathmandu, Nepal, momo dumplings in tourist areas have used Mars bars as an unusual filling.[38]

Recalls

In July 2005, Mars bars, along with the Snickers bar, were recalled due to an anonymous extortion attempt against Star City Casino in Sydney.[39] The extortionist claimed to have poisoned seven Mars and Snickers bars at random stores in New South Wales.[40] As a result, Masterfoods Corporation, the company that manufactures Mars bars in Australia, recalled the entire Mars and Snickers product from store shelves in New South Wales.[39] In the later half of August 2005, the threat to the public was deemed negligible and the bars returned to shelves.[41]

In February 2016, Mars, Snickers and various other Mars, Inc. chocolate products were recalled in 55 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The precautionary recall was issued after a customer found pieces of plastic in a Snickers bar purchased in Germany. The error was traced back to a Mars, Inc. factory in Veghel, The Netherlands.[42][43][44]

Animal products controversy

In May 2007, Mars UK announced that Mars bars, along with many of their other products such as Snickers, Maltesers, Minstrels and Twix would no longer be suitable for vegetarians because of the introduction of rennet, a chemical sourced from calves' stomachs used in the production of whey.[45] Rabbinical authorities declared that the products remained kosher for Jewish consumption.[46]

The decision was condemned by several groups, with the Vegetarian Society stating that "at a time when more and more consumers are concerned about the provenance of their food, Mars' decision to use non-vegetarian whey is a backward step".

Mars later abandoned these plans, stating that it became "very clear, very quickly" that it had made a mistake.[47]

Economics

It has been observed on several occasions that the price of a Mars bar correlates fairly accurately with the change in value of the pound sterling since World War II, much in the way that the Big Mac Index has proven to be a good indicator of the actual relative purchasing power of world currencies.[48]

Popular culture

Northern Irish pop-punk band The Undertones wrote and recorded a song called "Mars Bars", released as a B-side in 1979.[49]

1960s Liverpool band Gerry and the Pacemakers were originally known as Gerry Marsden and the Mars Bars before changing their name due to the objection of the Mars company.[50]

References

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  1. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ Sweet Talk: the Secret History of Confectionery, Whittaker, Nicholas, Gollancz, 1997
  5. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".Template:Cbignore
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ [1] Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ Brits are only just realising why Mars bars are called Milky Way in America . Mirror UK.
  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ Mars Pods Packet 2014
  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  26. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  28. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Mars has committed $4 million over three years and will temporarily change the name of its top-selling chocolate bar in Australia to Believe, to help promote Tasmania's cause.
  30. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  31. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  32. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1". Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
  33. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  34. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  35. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  36. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  37. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  38. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  39. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  40. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  41. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  42. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  43. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  44. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  45. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  46. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  47. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  48. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  49. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  50. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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External links

Template:Sister project

Template:Mars brands

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