Last Updated on April 17, 2026 by Brian Kay
Feature Photo By Brian Kachejian
M&M’s flavors have expanded far beyond the original, but not all of them deliver the same taste. This M&M’s flavor ranking compares a range of varieties to determine which ones offer the best flavor, texture, and overall experience.
We all grew up eating M&M’s without thinking twice about it. You grab a bag, you eat them, and that is usually the end of it. But once you start putting different flavors side by side, the differences become obvious very quickly.
Few candies have the kind of history and staying power that M&M’s have built over the decades. First introduced in 1941 by Forrest Mars Sr. and Bruce Murrie, the candy was designed with a hard sugar shell to prevent melting, which quickly became its signature. Over time, M&M’s expanded far beyond the original chocolate version, adding a wide range of flavors that continue to grow every year.
That evolution is exactly what makes a taste test like this worth doing. Once you line these up side by side, the differences become obvious right away. Some flavors stay close to what made the original great, while others try something completely different. This M&M’s taste test compares a mix of classic and newer varieties to determine which ones actually deliver the best flavor, texture, and overall experience.
One note before the rankings, the original M&M’s were included and scored a perfect 10 out of 10, but they were removed from the final competition as the standard that all other flavors are measured against.
Almond M&M’s
This long running variety brings a nut based crunch that changes the overall texture of the candy. The flavor is more subtle compared to the others in this test, and it does not stand out in a meaningful way when placed next to stronger entries.
Final score, 5 out of 10.
Cherry Chocolate Cupcake M&M’s
This flavor attempts to blend chocolate with a cherry dessert profile. The result comes across uneven, with a slightly bitter edge that keeps it from delivering a consistent taste. It is an interesting concept that does not fully translate.
Final score, 6 out of 10.
Lemon Meringue Pie M&M’s
One of the more unusual flavors in the lineup, this one delivers a clear lemon taste right away. It works better than expected, offering something different from the traditional chocolate base, though it still feels more like a novelty than a regular go to option.
Final score, 7 out of 10.
Crunchy Cookie M&M’s
This flavor introduces a malted style profile along with an added crunch inside the shell. The texture works well with the chocolate, creating a solid combination that holds up across multiple bites.
Final score, 8 out of 10.
Peanut M&M’s
A classic that continues to perform, Peanut M&M’s offer a reliable balance of chocolate, shell, and nut texture. It remains one of the most consistent and dependable options in the entire lineup.
Final score, 9 out of 10.
Peanut Butter Cinnamon Roll M&M’s
This flavor stands out immediately with a strong cinnamon profile that closely resembles a traditional cinnamon roll. The sweetness and spice combine well, making this one of the most memorable entries in the test.
Final score, 9.3 out of 10.
Peanut Butter and Jelly M&M’s
This is where the competition shifts.
The peanut butter and jelly flavor delivers a combination that feels complete from the first bite. The balance between the peanut butter and the sweetness of the jelly works extremely well, creating the most impressive flavor in the test outside of the original.
Final score, 9.8 out of 10.
Closing Verdict
This taste test shows how far M&M’s has expanded beyond its original formula. While the classic version still sets the standard, newer flavors like Peanut Butter and Jelly and Peanut Butter Cinnamon Roll prove that innovation can still deliver strong results. At the same time, some variations do not hold up when placed side by side with the stronger performers.
Watch The Full Taste Test
To see the full breakdown, including first bite reactions and how each flavor performed in real time, check out the video below.
