Last updated 1 month ago | Originally Published: July 27, 2024
Alright, folks, let’s discuss the difference between the Milky Way Vs. Mars Bar and settle this classic debate once and for all. These two candy bars are longtime favorites among millions, maybe even billions, of candy lovers worldwide, each with its unique mix of nougat, caramel, and chocolate. So, what really sets them apart? In this article, we’ll discuss the history, ingredients, and flavor profiles of both bars, giving you a clear understanding of their differences, which depends on where you live!
The History of the Mars Bar
Forrest Mars Sr., the son of Frank C. Mars, the founder of Mars, Incorporated, introduced the Mars Bar. Forrest created the Mars Bar in 1932 in the United Kingdom after falling out with his father, which led him to start his own candy business abroad. The original UK version featured a combination of nougat and caramel coated in milk chocolate. Over the years, this version became a staple in the UK market.
In the United States, the Mars Bar initially featured nougat and toasted almonds covered in milk chocolate. Caramel was later added to the recipe. The US version was discontinued in 2002 but made brief comebacks in subsequent years under different branding, such as Snickers Almond.
The History of the Milky Way Bar
The Milky Way Bar was developed by Frank C. Mars and introduced in the United States in 1924. Inspired by the popular malted milkshakes of the time, it was designed to provide the same flavor experience but in a candy bar! At the time, it featured a creamy nougat center topped with caramel, completely coated in milk chocolate. This innovative approach quickly made it an instant hit in the USA!
Key Milestones and Changes Over the Years
- 1924: The Milky Way Bar is launched in the United States, offering a malted milkshake-inspired taste.
- 1932: Forrest Mars Sr. introduces the Mars Bar in the United Kingdom, featuring nougat and caramel.
- 1936: Milky Way introduces a variation with vanilla nougat and dark chocolate, which was later branded as “Forever Yours” and eventually “Milky Way Midnight.”
- 2002: The US version of the Mars Bar, with nougat, almonds, and caramel, is discontinued but later rebranded as Snickers Almond.
- 2010: The Mars Bar makes brief returns in the US through limited releases.
These key developments highlight the evolving nature of these iconic candy bars and their enduring popularity across different regions and generations.
Milky Way Vs Mars Bar: Comparing the Ingredients
Both Mars and Milky Way bars blend nougat, caramel, and milk chocolate, but their ingredient lists reveal subtle differences that contribute to their unique flavors and textures. The quality and sourcing of these ingredients also play a significant role in defining each bar’s characteristics.
Mars Bar
- Sugar
- Glucose syrup
- Milk ingredients (skim milk, milk fat)
- Cocoa butter
- Cocoa mass
- Palm fat
- Whey powder
- Lactose and protein from whey
- Egg white powder
- Emulsifiers (soya lecithin)
- Barley malt extract
- Natural vanilla extract
- Salt
Milky Way
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Milk ingredients (skim milk, milk fat, lactose)
- Cocoa butter
- Hydrogenated palm kernel oil and/or palm oil
- Cocoa powder processed with alkali
- Soy lecithin
- Artificial flavor
- Malted barley
- Egg whites
- Salt
According to Mars Incorporated, the company behind both candy bars emphasizes quality and sustainability in its ingredient sourcing. Its Cocoa for Generations initiative ensures ethical cocoa farming, and its milk products come from reliable suppliers to maintain quality and consistency.
Furthermore, the Mars Bar includes barley malt extract and natural vanilla extract, adding a distinctive flavor. Its nougat is denser and more powdery compared to the Milky Way. In contrast, the Milky Way uses hydrogenated palm kernel oil, making it creamier. Its nougat is whipped to be lighter and fluffier, resulting in a softer texture. The use of artificial flavors is more common in the Milky Way, contributing to its unique flavor profile.
Milky Way Vs Mars Bar: Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content of Mars and Milky Way bars can help consumers make informed choices about their snack options. Below is a detailed breakdown of the nutritional information for both bars, followed by an analysis of their health implications.
| Nutrient | Mars Bar (51g) | Milky Way (52g) |
| Calories | 230 | 240 |
| Total Fat | 8.6g | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.2g | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 5mg | 5mg |
| Sodium | 70mg | 70mg |
| Total Carbs | 35.3g | 37g |
| Sugars | 30.5g | 32g |
| Protein | 2.2g | 2g |
Analysis of Health Implications
Both the Mars Bar and Milky Way offer a delightful combination of flavors that make them a popular choice so many people worldwide. The Milky Way has a slightly richer taste due to its higher calorie and saturated fat content, while the Mars Bar provides a balanced sweetness that appeals to many. Both bars are similar in terms of cholesterol and sodium content, making them enjoyable options for those looking for a sweet snack. Enjoying these bars can bring a bit of joy to your day, making them the perfect solution whenever the moment strikes!
Taste and Texture Between the Mars Bar and the Milky Way
As you may know, we carry over 20,000 candy products in our store, so we taste and compare candy daily! Regarding this debate, we’ve tried both Mars Bar and Milky Way, and our findings are clear. The Mars Bar has a dense, chewy nougat with thick caramel, offering a rich, slightly malty taste.
In contrast, the Milky Way features a lighter, whipped nougat with a creamy texture and smooth caramel, creating a more airy and indulgent experience. We also ordered our Mars Bars from the UK to compare the differences thoroughly. The UK version of the Mars Bar adds a unique regional twist to the flavor profile. Ultimately, the preference between Mars Bar and the Milky Way all depends on which side of the pond you live on! Here in the USA, we love the Milk Way Bar all the way to the Milky Way and back!
Milky Way Flavors
Unlike the Mars Bar, the Milky Way comes in three distinct flavors: original, Midnight, and Cookie Dough. Here are the details for each flavor:
- Original: The original Milky Way features a creamy nougat center topped with caramel, all coated in smooth milk chocolate. This classic combination offers a balanced sweetness and a soft, chewy texture. Buy here.
- Midnight: Milky Way Midnight is a darker version of the original, featuring vanilla nougat and caramel, covered in rich dark chocolate. This variation provides a more intense chocolate flavor with a slight bitterness contrasting sweet nougat and caramel. Buy here.
- Cookie Dough: The Milky Way Cookie Dough bar includes the familiar nougat center mixed with cookie dough bits, topped with caramel, and enrobed in milk chocolate. This flavor adds a delightful cookie dough texture and flavor to the traditional Milky Way profile. Buy here.
These flavors provide a range of options for those who love to switch it up occasionally, enhancing Milky Way’s appeal to all generations of candy fans who love this iconic candy bar!
Different Variants of the Mars Bar
Unfortunately, for those in the UK and across the world, they don’t have all the flavors we have in the United States! However, they have the Mars Protein Chocolate Bar, but as for other flavors, they just don’t have any other than the original.
- Original: The classic Mars Bar combines nougat and caramel coated in milk chocolate. This bar offers a rich, chewy texture and a sweet, satisfying taste.
- Mars Protein Chocolate Bar: This variant is designed for those looking for a higher protein option while still enjoying the classic Mars flavor. It contains the same nougat and caramel as the original but is fortified with additional protein, making it a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts.
These primary versions highlight the limited but classic choices for Mars Candy Bars, which isn’t a bag thing! In our opinion, sometimes you have something that is so good that it just doesn’t need any other variants to prove it’s the best. As for us Americans, we just love choices, so the more you give us, the better, and Mars knows us well.
Milky Way vs. Mars Bar: The Final Verdict Is Yours
Now that you know the differences between the Milky Way and Mars Bar, it’s time for you to share your thoughts; we’re ready to hear from you! Do you prefer the creamy nougat and caramel of the Milky Way or the rich, chewy texture of the Mars Bar? We’d love to hear your opinions. Also, don’t forget to check out all our Milky Way flavors here at Candy Retailer! Your feedback is important to us, and we invite you to join the conversation about these iconic candy bars.
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