Mars bar

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Mars bar is a chocolate bar produced by Mars, Incorporated. It was first manufactured in Slough, England by Forrest Mars, Sr. in 1932 under the name Marathon but was later rebranded as Mars bar in the United Kingdom and internationally. The Mars bar consists of caramel and nougat coated with milk chocolate. It has become one of the most popular confectioneries in the world, known for its rich taste and fulfilling nature.

History[edit | edit source]

The Mars bar was created by Forrest Mars, Sr., the son of Frank C. Mars, who was the founder of the American parent company, Mars, Incorporated. The idea was to create a chocolate bar that could be a substantial snack, rather than just a sweet treat. The original British version was slightly different from the one sold in the United States, which is known as the Milky Way bar.

Ingredients[edit | edit source]

The primary ingredients of a Mars bar include milk chocolate, sugar, glucose syrup, butter, milk powder, cocoa butter, and cocoa mass. The nougat is made from whipped egg whites, which gives it a light and fluffy texture, while the caramel layer adds a rich sweetness.

Variants[edit | edit source]

Over the years, Mars, Incorporated has introduced several variants of the Mars bar, including:

  • Mars Almond - featuring almonds.
  • Mars Lite - a lower-calorie version.
  • Mars Midnight - dark chocolate variant.
  • Mars Ice Cream - an ice cream version.

Global Availability[edit | edit source]

The Mars bar is available worldwide, with slight variations in ingredients and sizes depending on the region. In some countries, the Mars bar has been adapted to meet local tastes and dietary restrictions.

Cultural Impact[edit | edit source]

The Mars bar has had a significant impact on popular culture, often being featured in movies, television shows, and as part of various marketing campaigns. Its universal appeal has made it a staple snack in many households.

Controversies[edit | edit source]

Like many confectionery products, the Mars bar has been subject to criticism regarding its nutritional content, particularly its high sugar and fat content. Mars, Incorporated has responded to these concerns by introducing healthier variants and reducing the size of the bars in some markets.

See Also[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD