M&M’s just leaked 3 new flavors, and I asked a chocolate expert to rank them
FYI: The "chocolate expert" is my mom.
M&M's does not take a break. The instant M&M's Holiday Blend was on sale for 75% off, this candy company quietly prepared to stock grocery stores with three brand-new flavors. Three! Each one is a bakery-inspired flavor: Peanut Butter Cinnamon Roll, Cherry Chocolate Cupcake, and Lemon Meringue Pie.
That's the good news. The bad news? M&M's is bringing back its Flavor Vote fan collaboration, so only one flavor will extend its run in stores.
Before the people speak, I wanted to predict which new M&M would triumph. To do this, I asked the chocolate expert I know best to eat, review, and rank the Bakery Collection. In other words, I sent my mom a bunch of M&M's and then called her for feedback.
I trust her because she's an avid baker who keeps two or three extra cakes in the freezer "in case someone stops by." She likes to try the Great British Bake-Off's technical challenges at home (including the infamous Swedish princess cake). Patty is also a chocolate candy fan who, I think, may have originated "little treat" culture. She's been known to share a packet of Peanut M&M's after a particularly ambitious grocery run. All of this to say: You can trust Patty, too. Here's what she thought about the latest M&M's offerings.
3. Peanut Butter Cinnamon Roll
Her least-favorite option, Peanut Butter Cinnamon Roll M&M's bring together two good things to make one less-good thing. It's too much happening in one bite, and an unusual flavor combo to boot. This flavor has the shape and texture of plain M&M's. Let's move on!
2. Cherry Chocolate Cupcake
"If I wanted chocolate cherry, I would buy these M&M's," Patty says. That's high praise coming from a woman who makes chocolate-covered cherries from scratch. This candy combines a cherry-flavored center with a dark chocolate exterior, and it's a fact that moms love dark chocolate. She admits the Cherry Chocolate Cupcake M&M's do taste somewhat artificial, but will let it slide because this is her all-time favorite flavor combo.
From the couch, my dad says this flavor was "not interesting." His preferred candy is black licorice, so take his opinion with a grain of salt, unless you also love licorice.
1. Lemon Meringue Pie
Lemon Meringue Pie M&M's were far and away the mom-approved winner. This one has a "tangy" lemon flavor and a crispy center coated in smooth white chocolate, which Patty reports is surprisingly similar to an actual lemon meringue pie. The center is "pleasantly crispy," she says, pausing thoughtfully before she decides, "surprisingly crispy!" She likes that this flavor is different, refreshing, and bright, and easily the best of the bunch. "People will like this," she says. "They're gonna be a hit!"
Where To Find the New M&M's
You can find Peanut Butter Cinnamon Roll, Cherry Chocolate Cupcake, and Lemon Meringue Pie M&M's at grocery stores everywhere starting later this January, but for a limited time only. Each flavor comes in three different sizes: the regular packet, the "Share Size" packet, and a generously-sized resealable bag.
