The Milky Way Bar: 5 Shocking Secrets, The 100th Anniversary, And A New 'All Caramel' Relaunch
The Milky Way chocolate bar, a staple of the candy aisle for a century, is currently in the spotlight for a number of exciting and surprising reasons, making it a must-read topic as of late 2025. This iconic confection, known for its distinct layers of creamy caramel and fluffy nougat, is not only celebrating a massive milestone but is also poised to introduce a highly anticipated new product that has fans buzzing.
In a major update for candy enthusiasts, Mars, Incorporated is gearing up to celebrate the bar’s 100th anniversary, while simultaneously announcing the return of a beloved flavor profile. The upcoming Milky Way All Caramel bar, a nougat-free version, is set to hit national shelves soon, proving that even a classic can evolve and surprise its dedicated consumer base.
The Sweet Centennial: Milky Way's 100th Anniversary and the All-Caramel Relaunch (2024-2026)
The Milky Way bar is not just another candy; it is a piece of confectionery history. Created by Frank Mars, the bar first hit the market in 1924, making 2024 its momentous centennial anniversary. This milestone solidifies its status as the oldest chocolate bar brand still manufactured by Mars, Inc.
To keep the celebration going into the next century, the brand has announced a significant product relaunch that addresses years of fan requests. The new Milky Way All Caramel bar is scheduled to be available nationally starting in January 2026.
The Return of a Fan Favorite: Milky Way All Caramel
The Milky Way All Caramel bar is essentially a simplified version of the classic, featuring a thick, gooey layer of caramel coated in milk chocolate, with "none of the nougat." This product brings back the flavor profile of the previously discontinued Milky Way Simply Caramel bar, which was removed from shelves in 2023. By rebranding and relaunching this nougat-free option, Mars is tapping into a market segment that craves the pure, unadulterated taste of its signature caramel.
This strategic move not only satisfies consumers who enjoyed the Simply Caramel version but also modernizes the brand's offerings. The focus on a single, rich filling—the caramel—highlights the quality of one of the bar's core components.
A Sustainable Future: Packaging Changes
In another major, modern update, Mars Wrigley has committed to more sustainable practices. The company is transitioning a large portion of its chocolate bar portfolio, including the Milky Way bar, to new recyclable paper-based packaging. This change, which is being rolled out in markets like Australia, reflects a growing global trend toward reducing plastic waste and improving the environmental footprint of snack products.
The Great Candy Confusion: US Milky Way vs. The World's Mars Bar
One of the most confusing and fascinating aspects of the Milky Way bar is its identity crisis across international borders. The bar you enjoy in the United States is fundamentally different from the one sold in the United Kingdom and most other global markets. This difference is a major point of curiosity for travelers and international candy lovers.
What is a US Milky Way?
In the United States, the Milky Way bar consists of a chocolate-malt nougat layer topped with a thick layer of caramel, all covered in milk chocolate.
What is a UK/Global Milky Way?
Outside of the US, the bar labeled "Milky Way" is an entirely different product. The UK/Global Milky Way is simply a fluffy, whipped nougat center—without any caramel—covered in milk chocolate.
This international version is virtually identical to the American 3 Musketeers bar, which is also just a chocolate-covered nougat bar.
The Mars Bar Connection
To make the confusion complete, the US Milky Way (caramel and nougat) is marketed as the Mars Bar in the UK and other global markets. Therefore, if you are an American craving a Milky Way while abroad, you should actually buy a Mars Bar, and if you are a European craving a Milky Way in the US, you should look for a 3 Musketeers bar. This complex naming convention is a result of decades of separate marketing strategies by Mars, Inc.
A History of Malt and Milk: Fascinating Milky Way Bar Facts
The history of the Milky Way bar is filled with interesting tidbits that go beyond its delicious taste. Understanding its origins adds a layer of appreciation for this century-old treat.
1. The Name is Not Astronomical
Despite the celestial name, the Milky Way bar was not named after the galaxy. It was actually named after the popular beverage of the time: the malted milkshake. Creator Frank Mars sought to capture the delicious, malt-flavored taste of a milkshake in a portable, candy bar form.
2. The Original Flavor Profile
The original bar was intended to taste like a malted milk drink, which explains the malt-flavored nougat. This malt undertone is a subtle but key part of the classic bar's unique flavor complexity.
3. The Earliest Mars Bar
The Milky Way bar, first sold in 1924, is the oldest chocolate bar brand still made by Mars, Inc. Its success paved the way for other iconic Mars candies, including the Snickers bar, which was introduced several years later in 1930.
4. The Caramel-Free Cousin
The 3 Musketeers bar, which is the US equivalent of the global Milky Way, was originally introduced in 1932. It was initially sold with three small pieces in a package, each with a different flavor: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry nougat. Due to wartime rationing and cost, it was eventually reduced to a single, all-chocolate nougat bar, creating the caramel-free cousin we know today.
5. Early Chocolate Sourcing
Before Mars, Inc. began producing its own chocolate, the chocolate coating for Milky Way bars was supplied by rival company Hershey's. This partnership lasted until 1965 when Forrest Mars abruptly ended the contract, a key moment in the history of American candy manufacturing.
From its groundbreaking 100th anniversary in 2024 to the exciting new Milky Way All Caramel launch slated for 2026, the Milky Way chocolate bar continues to be a dynamic and evolving brand. Whether you prefer the classic nougat and caramel combination, the upcoming all-caramel version, or are simply trying to navigate the confusing global naming conventions, the Milky Way bar remains a fascinating and enduring icon of the candy world.
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