Difference between M&Ms and Skittles
When the subject of candy classics comes up, two names are likely to be discussed more than any other: M&Ms and Skittles. The joy of generations of children and the bane of dentists everywhere, M&Ms and Skittles have been standard issue for children for several decades. While the issue as to which one is best is largely a subjective one, this comparison article provides some information on each that may just cause you to favor one over the other.
Varieties
In terms of flavor variety, M&Ms have to take a back seat to Skittles. For while M&Ms come in only four flavors (chocolate, peanut, peanut butter, and crunchy), Skittles has the basic cherry, grape, lemon, lime, and orange flavors in addition to a host of tropical flavors and berry flavors. Skittles also comes in gum and sour varieties.
Market Approach
M&Ms and Skittles both rely on highly recognizable and memorable advertising campaigns, with mottos that really stick to the minds of the public. Interestingly enough, both brands’ mottos have something to do with the color of the products. For instance, M&Ms' motto is "Color My World". To counter that, Skittles has come up with the motto "Taste The Rainbow", which most seem to agree is a more appealing and memorable motto. The way that both brands approach their markets by way of their commercials also differ significantly. For instance, both brands obviously try to cater to a wide age group, although Skittle’s ads are undoubtedly more appropriate to children than M&M's commercials. One criticism that has been levied against M&Ms is the use of an "attractive" female M&M character, which many feel that children won't really understand at best, and is inappropriate at worst.
Health And Safety Concerns
Bags of M&Ms carry the notice "May contain peanuts" on the back, but many agree that the notice is way too small to be read easily, or even to be seen immediately. This is obviously an important concern for people who suffer from peanut allergies, since the consequences can be quite serious, and possibly even lethal. So while the notice is a good thing, it really should be a little but bigger in order to be of value. On the other hand, Skittles do not have any peanuts in them whatsoever, nor are the company's facilities used for manufacturing and/or processing peanuts or peanut-based products. Skittles are also just a little bit healthier than M&M's believe it or not. While both candies do have a similar calorie count, more of the calories in M&Ms come from fat. 90 of the calories in M&Ms come from its 10 grams of fat content, versus the 25 calories that come from 2.5 grams of fat in Skittles.
Summary
M&Ms
- May contain peanuts
- More of its calories come from fat
- Commercial isn't that age appropriate
- Has only 4 basic varieties
Skittles
- Contains no peanuts
- Just slightly healthier than M&Ms
- Offers more varieties than M&Ms
- Commercial and motto is tailored specifically towards children
