M&M’s is stepping into uncharted territory with the release of Pop’d Caramel, the brand’s first-ever freeze-dried candy. This innovative treat transforms the familiar caramel-filled M&M into a light, crispy, and crunchy bite that literally “pops” in your mouth. It’s a dramatic shift from the chewy texture fans are used to—and it’s already generating buzz across social media and snack circles.
According to Mars Wrigley, the parent company behind M&M’s, Pop’d Caramel is designed to offer a new snacking experience that’s both fun and shareable. The candy retains its rich caramel center while gaining a puffed, airy shell thanks to the freeze-drying process—a technique more commonly associated with astronaut ice cream and TikTok candy hacks.
When and Where to Get It
Pop’d Caramel will launch in a 5.5-ounce stand-up pouch first appearing on M&M’s retail stores on November 10, with nationwide availability at major retailers beginning January 2026. Additional sizes are expected later in the year.
What Makes It Different
Unlike traditional M&M’s, Pop’d Caramel undergoes a freeze-drying process that removes moisture, resulting in a candy that’s crunchier and lighter than anything the brand has released before. The innovation follows the success of Skittles Pop’d, which debuted in 2024 and helped popularize freeze-dried candy among mainstream audiences.
Martin Terwilliger, VP of Marketing for Mars Wrigley North America, said in a statement:
“This fresh and fun new treat takes everything you love about M&M’S and gives it a light, crispy crunch, bringing the flavors and textures together in an unexpected new way.”
Fan Reactions and Early Reviews
Early testers have described Pop’d Caramel as “surprisingly addictive” and “a game-changer for caramel lovers.” AllRecipes praised the candy’s balance between crunch and chew, while USA Today highlighted its novelty appeal. TikTok users are already posting taste tests, with one creator saying, “It’s like a caramel cloud with a chocolate shell.”
;Resize,width=767;)
