Gone are the days of simple decisions. It is no longer just a choice between original or peanut. Now there are flavors ranging from caramel cold brew to peanut butter cinnamon roll when deciding which chocolate-coated candy belongs in your bowl today.
With so many options on the shelf, it is easy to see how favorite M&M’s varieties can vary so wildly depending on who (and where) you are. So we looked at Google search interest over the past 12 months to see which M&M’s flavors stood out in each state and which ones rose to the top overall.
The Most Popular M&M’s Type in Every State
Everyone has a favorite M&M’s variety. For some, nothing beats the original candy-coated chocolate that has filled candy bowls for decades. Others prefer newer additions that add caramel, brownie flavor, or a little extra crunch to the mix.
Let’s take a look inside the bag and see which type of M&M’s are drawing the most interest today. While several flavors earned devoted followings, a handful separated themselves from the pack.
Here’s how the flavors stacked up overall:
Caramel M&M’s emerged as the nation’s most popular variety, leading 12 states overall. The flavor performed especially well throughout the Midwest and South, where it formed a broad geographic cluster stretching from Minnesota and Ohio down through Tennessee and Mississippi. By combining the familiar chocolate experience with a rich caramel center, the variety appears to strike a balance between classic and indulgent that resonates with candy lovers across multiple regions.
Not far behind was Original M&M’s, which topped search interest in 11 states. While M&M’s has introduced dozens of new flavors over the years, the original recipe continues to prove its staying power. The classic variety was particularly dominant in the Northeast and parts of the West, suggesting that many consumers still prefer the candy that started it all over some of its more experimental counterparts.
A tier below the two leaders was another classic. Peanut M&M’s came out on top in six states. As M&M’s first foray into flavors beyond just milk chocolate, Peanut M&M’s debuted in 1954 and are particularly enjoyed in the South. Residents from states like Georgia (no surprises there with the peanut connection) and Arkansas keep reaching for that iconic yellow bag.
Rounding out the top five are two (relatively) newer additions to the M&M’s repertoire: Fudge Brownie M&M’s and Dark Chocolate M&M’s, each claiming four states. Fudge Brownie M&M’s found much of its success in Southern states such as Florida and North Carolina, where richer dessert-inspired flavors appear to have found an audience. Dark Chocolate M&M’s, meanwhile, earned support across both the Midwest and South, showing that texture can be just as important as flavor when it comes to choosing a favorite candy.
There’s an interesting divide between classic favorites and newer innovations. While Original M&M’s remains one of the country’s most popular choices, Caramel M&M’s has managed to carve out an even larger footprint, proving that Americans are willing to embrace new flavors when they offer a fresh twist on a familiar treat.
The Most Popular M&M’s Types Overall
While a handful of M&M’s varieties dominated the map, they weren’t the only flavors that captured attention across the country. Several other types carved out dedicated followings of their own, proving that Americans have developed a taste for far more than the classic candy aisle staples.
At the top of the rankings we know we have Caramel M&M’s (12 states), Original M&M’s (11 states), and Peanut M&M’s (six states), with Fudge Brownie M&M’s and Dark Chocolate M&M’s claiming four states each. Together, those five varieties accounted for well over half the country.
Beyond those leaders, several other varieties stood out:
Crispy M&M’s topped searches in three states, demonstrating the staying power of the sweet-and-salty combination. The surprising crunch mixed with the familiar chocolate taste has made this flavor a popular one over the years.
Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M’s also claimed three states. By combining two already-popular flavor profiles, the variety delivers both the richness of dark chocolate and the satisfying crunch of peanuts in a single bite.
Peanut Butter M&M’s rounded out the group with three states as well. Chocolate and peanut butter remain one of the most popular flavor combinations in candy, helping the variety maintain a loyal following despite competition from newer releases.
While a few M&M’s flavors may dominate nationally, there isn’t a single recipe that appeals to everyone.
Closing Thoughts
From caramel and original to dark chocolate and pretzel varieties, we see how classic candy preferences differ depending on where you live. While a few M&M’s flavors emerged as national favorites, the results showed that Americans still have plenty of opinions about which ones deserve the top spot.
Few brands have the kind of staying power that M&M’s has enjoyed for generations. For many Americans, the candy remains a familiar favorite that’s been part of family gatherings, holidays, road trips, and everyday treats for decades.
That connection to the past is what made us so interested in the topic. Just as people revisit old favorites and traditions over time, they often take a fresh look at other long-held assets and decide whether they’re still serving their needs today.
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Methodology
To determine the most popular types of M&Ms across the country, we created a list of 45 of the most popular flavors pulled from the M&M’s Fandom Wiki. Then, we analyzed the search interest of each of the flavors from May 2025 to May 2026 to find out which types are most popular in every state and nationwide.
Fair Use
You are welcome to use, reference, and share non-commercial excerpts of this study with proper attribution. If you cite or cover our findings, please link back to this page so readers can view the full methodology, charts, and context.
