The Beloved Crispy M&M’s Disappeared, But Fans Can Still Find Them in New Variations

Crispy M&M's, once a fan-favorite with their light, crunchy texture, were discontinued twice after gaining a loyal following. While they’re no longer on shelves, the newer Crunchy Cookie M&M's provide a similar experience, keeping the crispy legacy alive for devoted fans.

Crispy M&M's: A Fan-Favorite Twist on the Classic Treat with a Crunchy, Lighter Texture

What could top a simple bag of M&M's? For many, it's one of the brand's countless variations. Even the most dedicated fans of the classic milk chocolate M&M have to admit that alternatives like pretzel M&M's, peanut M&M's, or the newer PB&J M&M's bring excitement to the table. While the original milk chocolate M&M's have undeniable charm and a history dating back to World War II, there's no denying the indulgence of flavors like dark chocolate or fudge brownie M&M's. According to The Takeout, these variations add something special, and back in the late '90s, Mars introduced a particularly beloved twist with Crispy M&M's — a fan favorite that remains sorely missed.

Crispy M&M's offered a unique spin by swapping the traditional milk chocolate center for a rice-based wafer, creating a lighter, crunchier texture. Their initial run, which began around 1999, continued for about five or six years, during which time they gained a loyal following. The thin chocolate shell and the airy, crispy center created a delightful bite distinct from the usual melt-in-your-mouth M&M experience. Fans often likened them to Whoppers, though these were far lighter and had their particular appeal.

Crispy M&M's Return in New Forms, with Crunchy Cookie M&M's Offering a Nostalgic Alternative

After their discontinuation, Crispy M&M's was absent for a decade before returning in 2015, only to be discontinued after another few years. Despite their removal from retail shelves, they haven't disappeared entirely. Crispy M&M's can still be found online, often at a premium price on platforms like Amazon, where enthusiasts willing to splurge can still enjoy them.

Mars has yet to abandon the crispy texture that made these M&Ms famous. The candy company has rebranded the crispy concept under different names and flavors. Vintage packages of vanilla crisp and mint crisp M&Ms featuring the same rice-based filling have surfaced, and plain Crisp varieties continue to be available in international markets.

In the United States, Crispy M&Ms have found new life through Crunchy Cookie M&Ms. Many fans are convinced that this newer variety is the true successor to the Crispy M&M, and it’s hard to argue with them. The ingredient list for Crunchy Cookie M&Ms includes "crisp rice," a familiar component of the original crispy treats. While not identical, the Crunchy Cookie version offers a similar satisfying crunch, making it a worthy alternative for those nostalgic for the crispy texture that once filled shelves.

For those still missing the classic Crispy M&M's, Crunchy Cookie M&M's might hit the spot, keeping the legacy of that crispy, airy bite alive.