When it comes to iconic chocolate bars, the Mars Bar and Milky Way are both legendary contenders.
As a chocolate lover, I have always been curious about the differences between these two popular bars, and why some people favor one over the other.
In this article, I will dive into the unique characteristics of each, comparing their taste, texture, and history, to give you a better understanding of what sets them apart.


Contents
Main Differences Between Mars Bars and Milky Way
Ingredients
While both bars contain caramel, nougat, and milk chocolate, there is a difference in the type of nougat that they have.
Mars Bars contain a more dense and chewy nougat, compared to the lighter, fluffier nougat in a Milky Way.
Additionally, Mars Bars have a layer of caramel on top of the nougat, while Milky Way bars have the caramel infused into the nougat itself.
Flavors
I have always found that Mars Bars have a richer, more complex flavor profile, due to the combination of dense nougat, caramel, and milk chocolate.
The caramel in Mars Bars is also typically slightly saltier than the caramel in Milky Way bars.
On the other hand, Milky Way bars have a lighter, sweeter taste, mainly from the fluffy nougat and caramel-infused nougat.
Nutritional Value
A typical Mars Bar contains more calories and fat than a similar-sized Milky Way bar.
For example, a 58g Mars Bar contains around 260 calories and 10g of fat, while a 52.2g Milky Way bar has approximately 240 calories and 9g of fat.
As for protein content, Mars Bars usually have slightly more protein (4g) than Milky Way (2g).
Packaging
Mars Bars often have a red and black wrapper, with white, bold lettering displaying the product name.
In contrast, Milky Way bars have a blue and white wrapper, featuring the product name in a white font with a distinctive shooting star logo.
Similarities Between Mars Bars and Milky Way
History
Both Mars bars and Milky Way bars have a rich history in the world of confectionery.
The Mars Bar was created in 1932 by Forrest Mars, who was the son of Frank C. Mars, the founder of Mars, Incorporated.
On the other hand, the Milky Way bar was introduced in the United States of America in 1923, also by Mars, Incorporated.
It’s fascinating to know that both of these popular chocolate bars have their origins with the same company and family.
Appearance
Both of these bars are covered in a delicious chocolate coating, which is smooth and uniform in appearance.
They both have a delightful, soft, and chewy nougat interior.
This gives them both a satisfying, sweet texture that appeals to chocolate lovers worldwide.
Chocolate Quality
As a fan of both Mars bars and Milky Way bars, I can confidently say that the chocolate quality in each of these bars is excellent.
Both chocolate bars involve a lush and flavorful chocolate coating made with a careful blend of cocoa, sugar, and other ingredients.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend either of these bars to a fellow chocolate connoisseur, as I believe they both represent the high standards of confectionery that Mars, Incorporated is known for.
Who Would Prefer Mars Bars Over Milky Way?
If you prefer a denser, more indulgent bar, opt for a Mars bar.
Who Would Prefer Milky Way Bars Over Mars Bars?
If you prefer a softer and lighter texture, opt for a Milky Way.
A Milky way bar features vanilla nougat covered in smooth milk chocolate, while the Mars bar has a more substantial filling of nougat and caramel coated in chocolate.
For those who are fans of other candy bars like Snickers Almond and 3 Musketeers, they might find similarities in the taste and texture of a Milky Way bar.
However, it’s important to note that the makeup of these candy bars does differ in terms of ingredients and flavors, but they all fall under the same chocolate-covered category.
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Hello, I’m Matthew, a candy expert and enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the candy industry. My passion for candy started at a very young age. Since then, I have worked in numerous, large candy stores, and have been fortunate enough to try out hundreds of brands of candies, different types and flavors. In addition to my work, I enjoy sharing my extensive knowledge with others, and decided to create Sugar Stand in order to do so. My mission is to make the world a sweeter place, one candy at a time.