Hot Cocoa M&M’s are back after a three year hiatus, and for a brief time we had something truly special in our mugs…

Hot Cocoa M&M’s (2018)

Multiple outlets initially reported that this Target-exclusive flavor would have an actual marshmallow creme in the center like the filled Caramel M&M’s, which sounds absolutely delightful. But because they don’t do the type of hard-hitting, gut-busting, artery-clogging journalism that I do, they didn’t realize that the center is just a marshmallow-flavored white chocolate. You gotta eat it before you report it, fam.

Of course simply reading the package would have brought them to that conclusion.

So what we actually have here with the new Hot Cocoa M&M’s is a layered candy with both milk chocolate and a core of white chocolate that’s artificially flavored to taste like marshmallows. The 2015 version was simply dark chocolate candies with artificial hot cocoa flavor all throughout.

I did quite enjoy the flavor last time around, but I’m already relieved that I had a much easier time locating them this year. The Walmarts in my area were later than most in stocking Hot Cocoa M&M’s three years ago, where I was teased on multiple visits with clearly-marked but absent-of-product shelf space for weeks:

This year I found them at Target the day after Halloween when I went to buy discounted Halloween candy, along with weight loss pills because I ate too much Halloween candy.

Simply put, the flavoring within the Hot Cocoa M&M’s is very reminiscent of the old one, but the presence of white chocolate mellows and smooths the flavor to something more palatable and less artificial. The absence of dark chocolate makes these taste a little sweeter than I remember… probably more appropriate for hot chocolate. From memory they’re just as enjoyable overall, though likely more accessible to those turned off by stronger artificial flavors.

It’s nice to see Mars dial it back with an old favorite and a slight refresh; too many times these limited edition flavors are one-and-done. But I am HOT for new fillings like those false reports claimed, as these would be absolutely insane (and probably impossible) with some stretchy marshmallow center.

Throw all of your money at my desires, Mars. Use the thousands of dollars I’ve spent on your product during the last three years and make it happen.

Odds It Happens Rating: 0 out of 10
Odds I Cover Those Weight Loss Pills in Fudge Rating: 9 out of 10
Overall Rating: 8 out of 10

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