Although it wasn’t sold on this rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, I was lucky enough to get my hands on a bag of Dulce de Leche Caramel M&M’s. A co-worker brought back several bags after a family trip to Southern California. And because I tend to kiss the butts of everyone I work with, she gave me one.
According to this AdAge article, Dulce de Leche Caramel M&M’s was marketed at Hispanics and introduced in August 2001, but only in five markets, which included Los Angeles, Miami, and San Antonio. The chocolate and caramel inside the candy shell were swirled, which seems odd since I don’t know of anyone who consumes M&M’s by biting them in half and looking at the chocolate.
I can’t remember if I liked them or loved them. But I’m guessing I loved them because I kept the wrapper, which is in the photo above. I mean, what kind of person would keep a wrapper of something they just like?
Sadly, Dulce de Leche Caramel M&M’s were on shelves for only a year because the product didn’t create a large enough following. But perhaps it was just ahead of its time. Dulce de leche is a common flavor now. There’s been dulce de leche Cheerios, Chips Ahoy cookies, Milano cookies, and hand wash.
Would you like Dulce de Leche Caramel M&M’s to make a comeback?
These were the best! I got them on a family vacation at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, on what was the best trip of my life in the middle of my awful freshman year of high school. I specifically remember bringing back a few packs to extend the good vibes back to Ohio.
I’m a M&Ms aficionado and never knew these existed. What year did they come out?
I found these in an AM-PM mini mart soon after moving to CA and was instantly hooked. Alas, my addiction came too late in this product’s all-too-short life cycle, because I think I was only able to scarf them two or three times before they disappeared… FOREVER! We got crispy back, maybe we can get these back too.
LET’S DO IT. I’m willing to bet that at least 8/10 people (maybe more like 90-95%) who tried them when they were out would say they want them back if they found out the candies have been discontinued. Sadly, most people who were lucky enough to indulge (I live in Burbank, CA and they were sold at a Universal Citywalk store for a short period of time, around 2000-2001 I believe), have only had the pleasure once or twice!?! They just weren’t around long enough, and/or available to enough people. I have faith that as long as more of us keep talking about our longing for this glorious special edition to make a comeback, the dudes at M&M’s will find out and take appropriate action. Mmmmmmmm..yes, it’s just a matter of time. HAVE FAITH!
WE MISS YOU, DULCE DE LECHE CARAMEL!!!!
I want to bring these back! I have always wondered what happened to them. Everytime I ask people if they’ve heard of them, they had no idea what I was talking about. They had these at my old high school back in 2002
Anonymous, Had them in Vegas. Absolutely loved them . Please bring the back. Caramel M&M’s best invention ever.
PLEASE BRING THE CARAMEL M&M’s BACK!!! WE LOVE THEM…OUR VERY FAVORITE OF ALL!!!
Also these were in Puerto Rico. My husband used to bring them back from business trips.
There is an auction for a new unopened 14oz ‘big bag’ on eBay. Is it worth it?