What image comes to mind first when you think of M&M’s? “Colorful small button shaped chocolates” with the letter “m” printed on them. “Yes,” I bet. But have you ever wondered what’s inside an M&M? How did they get the letter ‘M’ on them in the first place? What is the letter ‘m’ made up of? How does it adhere to and remain on the candy? Can you even separate the letter’m’ from the M&M’s? So, no more guessing! In this post, we’ll show you how to peel the letter ‘M’ from an M&M. It’s an intriguing science experiment that children will enjoy. So gather your materials and let’s begin!
( Disclosure : Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase)
What you WILL need
- A bag of M&M candies
- Clear glass bowl
- Warm water
How do you take the M off an M&M?
Place the M&M candy in the glass bowl with the letter side up.
Pour in the warm water gently. After few minutes, the colored dyes of the candies will start dissolving in the water.
Wait another 5-10 minutes, and you should see the letter ‘m’ floating to the top of the bowl.
In case, you don’t see the letters floating to the top, very gently shake the bowl for a second. It should cause the the letter ‘m’ to start floating.
Isn’t it fascinating ?
RELATED POST : CANDY CHROMATOGRAPHY
Why does the M float off the M&M?
So, why does the letters on the M&M’s didn’t dissolve ? Those tiny letters on the M&M candy are made of edible ink which does not dissolve in water. They are adhered to the candy with an edible glue that dissolves in warm water. Since the letters are less dense than water, the letters peel off and rise to the top as the rest of the candy shell dissolves.
FLOATING M CANDY SCIENCE EXPERIMENT – FURTHER EXTENSION
- Which M&M candy dissolves the quickest in water?
- How long does it take to dissolve M&M’s in water and vinegar?
- Can you get a floating S from skittles as well?
- Candy Chromatography – Find out the hidden dyes in the candies
Here are some candy science experiment kits or books for your children if you are looking for one.
Who knew that by simply peeling off the letter ‘M’ from an M&M, you could learn so much about science! This was a fun and easy experiment that anyone can do at home with their kids. Hopefully this has inspired you to try out some more science experiments in your own time!
And I sincerely hope that while doing these candy experiments with your children, you don’t get sidetracked from any of your New Year’s resolutions to “Eat Healthy,” as I did. A couple of candies won’t hurt. Isn’t that right?
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This is an awesome experience. Our daughter is going to do this, she’s intrigued.
I love this candy science experiment! I had no idea that the “m” would come off the m&m intact in a bowl of warm water. I agree not to get sidetracked and start thinking about “eating healthy.” That’s so funny!
What! So random and cool that this is possible!
This is a lovely idea. I’m excited to try this with my daughter. Thank you!