Snickers and Mars. Two iconic candies. But how do they differ and which one are you going to enjoy more?
Well, other than having a taste test (which I would strongly recommend that you do), you can keep reading.
Why? Because this is the ultimate Snickers vs Mars comparison you are really going to want to read.
Besides, I am going to be delving deep into each candy bar and outlining all you need to know; from the taste to the availability to everything in between!
Contents
What are the main differences between Snickers and Mars?
The main differences between Snickers and Mars are to do with their ingredients, taste and texture, nutritional value, popularity and variants.
In a nutshell, while both Snickers and Mars belong to the same family and share a sweet legacy, they are two distinct entities in the world of chocolate bars.
Their differences make them unique, carving out individual spots in the hearts (and mouths) of candy lovers worldwide.
From ingredients to taste, to texture, nutrition, popularity, and available variants, Snickers and Mars each have their distinguishing traits.
And it’s these very differences that make the Snickers vs Mars debate so rich and enduring!
Let’s get down to the crux of the matter and directly answer the question at hand: What are the main differences between Snickers and Mars?
Ingredients
Snickers contains a layer of roasted peanuts, which Mars lacks. This crucial difference not only affects the taste but also the texture of the two candy bars.
Taste and Flavors
The taste is where these two candy heavyweights significantly differ.
The Snickers bar brings together nougat, caramel, and peanuts, all enrobed in a milk chocolate coating.
It’s a texture adventure, balancing chewy, creamy, and crunchy in one delightful bite.
On the other hand, Mars ditches the peanuts and instead opts for a simpler combination of nougat and caramel, all tucked beneath a luscious layer of milk chocolate.
It’s a smoother ride on the taste buds, with fewer flavors vying for attention.
Availability
Interestingly, Snickers are available globally.
And that is mostly true of Mars, too.
Except, Mars are not available in the US. At least for the most part.
Instead, Milky Way is the candy the parent company, sell there.
Nutrition
Looking at nutrition, neither candy bar is particularly healthful (they’re indulgent treats, after all), but they do have some differences.
A standard Snickers bar has slightly more calories and fat than a Mars bar, largely due to its peanut content.
However, the peanuts also make Snickers a bit more protein-rich than Mars.
Varieties
Both Snickers and Mars have explored their fair share of varieties.
Snickers has ventured into almond, dark chocolate, peanut butter, and even ice cream bar territory.
Mars has also been innovative, launching variants like dark chocolate, almond, and mint.
Popularity
Snickers seems to have a slight edge in global popularity—it was the top-selling chocolate bar in the world as of 2019.
But let’s not discount the following that Mars has amassed, particularly in countries like the UK and Australia.
Are There Similarities Between Snickers and Mars?
There are key similarities between Snickers and Mars which are related to their parent company, availability, core ingredients, chocolate coating and more.
Absolutely! Snickers and Mars may have their differences, but they share a lot, too.
They’re both the brainchildren of Mars, Inc., and they both center around a nougat and caramel core.
Plus, they’ve each put their spin on similar flavor variants over the years, with dark chocolate and almond versions available for both.
Let’s go into more detail about the similarities between these two candy giants.
Parent Company
First, let’s unwrap the origins. Both Snickers and Mars hail from the same candy-making powerhouse—Mars, Incorporated.
This family-run business started in 1911 in Tacoma, Washington, and has since produced a plethora of popular treats, Snickers and Mars being two of their standout creations.
Core Ingredients
At their heart, both Snickers and Mars share a common core of nougat and caramel.
These ingredients make up the base upon which each bar builds its unique taste.
Chocolate Coating
Both Snickers and Mars are covered in a layer of creamy milk chocolate, which adds to their shared allure.
Variants
Both brands have explored and introduced various flavors and versions, including dark chocolate and almond, among others.
This shows their shared innovative streak and a commitment to cater to a variety of taste buds.
Who Would Prefer Snickers over Mars?
Those who are nut lovers, texture enthusiasts and protein wanters will prefer Snickers to Mars.
Let’s go into detail about the individual factors that might determine whether Snickers is the bar for you in this contest.
Nut Lovers
If you’re a nut aficionado, particularly if peanuts are your jam, Snickers is the bar for you.
The crunch and flavor that peanuts add to the Snickers bar are unmistakably delicious and can sway anyone who loves a little nutty goodness in their treats.
Texture Enthusiasts
For those who enjoy a mix of textures in their candy bars—soft nougat, gooey caramel, crunchy peanuts, and smooth chocolate—Snickers offers a symphony of sensation with each bite. The variety of textures makes every nibble an exciting experience.
Protein Seekers
While neither Snickers nor Mars is a protein bar by any stretch, if you’re choosing between the two and want a slightly higher protein content, Snickers comes out on top, thanks to the peanuts.
Adventurous Palates
For those who enjoy complexity in flavor, Snickers might be the preferred choice.
The added layer of peanuts provides a different taste profile to the bar, introducing an element of savory-sweetness to balance the overall sweetness of the chocolate, caramel, and nougat.
So, if you find yourself in any of these categories—or perhaps all of them—Snickers might just be your candy bar of choice. It’s a treat that delivers on multiple fronts: flavor, texture, and a smidgen more protein, making it a beloved choice for many.
Who Would Prefer Mars over Snickers?
Those who are peanut averse, lovers of smooth textures, and/or looking for a lower calorie snack, would prefer Mars over Snickers.
Let’s go into detail about the individual factors that might determine whether Mars is the bar for you in this contest.
Peanut Averse
First and foremost, if you’re allergic to peanuts or simply don’t enjoy them, Mars is undoubtedly your bar.
Its peanut-free composition makes it a safe and delicious choice for those who need or prefer to avoid nuts.
Smooth Texture Seekers
If you love your chocolate bars silky and smooth, without any added crunch, Mars is the way to go.
With soft nougat and creamy caramel under a chocolate layer, Mars provides a consistent, unvarying texture in each bite.
Simplicity Lovers
If you prefer a simpler flavor profile—just the unadulterated blend of chocolate, caramel, and nougat—then Mars would likely be your preferred choice.
The lack of peanuts allows the traditional candy bar flavors to shine through.
Lower Calorie Option Seekers
Although neither bar is a low-calorie option, if you’re comparing the two, Mars does come with slightly fewer calories and fat due to the absence of peanuts.
Finally
As we’ve unwrapped in this exploration of Snickers vs Mars, both these iconic candies have their distinct appeal.
They cater to different taste buds, different textures preferences, and even different dietary considerations.
But, they share a common lineage and a universal mission—to bring a moment of sweetness into our lives.
The best part? You don’t really have to choose. Whether you’re Team Snickers, Team Mars, or even Team “Why Not Both?” like me, there’s more than enough candy to go around.
At the end of the day, the Snickers vs Mars debate boils down to personal preference.
So whether you prefer the nutty, layered complexity of a Snickers or the smooth, straightforward sweetness of a Mars, rest assured, there’s no wrong choice in this delicious debate.
FAQs
Is Mars Just Snickers Without The Peanuts?
Mars are very similar to Snickers, just without the peanuts. They both feature a nougat and caramel core, with a milk chocolate coating.
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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.