Choosing a favorite M&M variety is like choosing a favorite star in the night sky. Every one shines a bit differently. Some stay around for ages, while others are a fleeting gift. Sometimes they are a poor substitute for the Milky Way you were hoping for.
Bad metaphor aside, Peanut M&M’s are among the best of the brand’s stars. And yet, only two peanut varieties reside permanently on shelves: Original and Dark Chocolate. Until now.
Honey Roasted Peanut M&M’s are the latest permanent addition to the brand’s lineup. The candy is described as “a twist on the classic favorite, with the harmonious flavors bringing the perfect combination of sweet and salty.” The product embeds a roasted, honey-glazed peanut in its signature milk chocolate and brown and yellow candy shells.
This change elevates the classic Peanut M&M…or maybe it doesn’t. Yes, it does! Well, sort of. No, this one really, really does! So said my ongoing interior monologue as I popped candy after candy, watching my Share Size bag dwindle before my eyes.
This is the experience of tasting Honey Roasted Peanut M&M’s: the flavor is familiar, but the “honey roasted” taste vacillates from subtle to distinct. The roasted peanut imparts a rich nuttiness that, along with noticeable salt, gives the candy almost a savory edge.
There are hints of toasted honey similar to a caramelized flavor, but not as overly sweet. The roasted peanut flavor is more discernible than any honey element. The candy is delicious—and different from the original variety, although the exact difference is difficult to put your finger on. In my ever-growing rolodex of M&M flavors, Honey Roasted M&M’s are close to the seasonal Toasty Holiday Peanut variety (minus the spice notes), with honey flavor reminiscent of the limited edition Honey Graham Milk Chocolate variety.
Because I have trust issues, I tried to taste the peanut and chocolate separately to isolate the flavors, but doing this highlighted the inconsistency. Sometimes the peanut tasted roasted, while other times it tasted raw. At times, the chocolate itself tasted salty or honey-tinged. Returning to the night sky metaphor, the mysteries behind the operation aren’t mine to solve, but I still enjoyed the big picture.
Peanut M&M lovers may adore Honey Roasted Peanut M&M’s for their sweet and salty combination and depth of roasted nuttiness. Purists may find the change too subtle to bother with. Although it isn’t the splashiest flavor that M&M’s could have added to its lineup, the balance of flavors is unique, intentional, and interesting enough to pull focus from the usual standouts.
Purchased Price: $4.92
Purchased at: Walmart
Size: 9 oz (255 g) bag
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (per 1 oz, about 12 pieces) 140 calories, 7 grams of fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 15 milligrams of sodium, 17 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 15 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of protein