• by Danielle Oster , October 11, 2023

No one wants to be caught empty-handed by trick-or-treaters on Halloween. Now revelers can rest assured M&Ms has a solution for just such an emergency.

The Mars brand is introducing its “M&Ms Halloween Rescue Squad,” which will be on call this Halloween, beginning at 3 p.m. EST, to deliver free candy from Mars to participating locations across the country, to avoid the implied threat in “trick-or-treat.” Mars partnered with GoPuff on the offering, which promises a delivery within the hour (presumably to the areas where GoPuff delivers, which is more than half the U.S.)

Mars developed the initiative after commissioning a survey by Morning Consult  that found nearly half of Americans who celebrate worry about running out of candy on Halloween and leaving trick-or-treaters empty-handed, while 89% admit to eating at least some of the candy intended for trick-or-treaters prior to Halloween night. Who amongst us….?

It’s not the only fresh treat M&Ms is passing out for Halloween. The brand is also debuting M&M'S Campfire S'mores to accompany your spooky storytelling sessions.

Mars is also making Skittles and Life Savers Gummies available in trick-or-treat-friendly fun size packages, and variety bags; Snickers and Twix Ghoulish Green Bars in single serve; and bringing back Skittles Shriekers – which mixes sour Skittles in with the typical variety in each bag.

The confectionary colossus is also offering an incentive for consumers to stock up on its candy varieties ahead of the festivities, giving consumers who purchase $15-$30 of participating Mars Halloween candy through October 31, and upload their receipts, an opportunity to claim up to three months of the Peacock Premium streaming service.

"The Halloween season is expanding, and enthusiasm is driving consumers to shop earlier and more frequently,"  Tim LeBel, president of sales and chief Halloween officer at Mars Wrigley said in a statement. "As the authority on Halloween, we plan for the season years in advance to ensure we satisfy shoppers' needs. From our first ever M&M'S Halloween Rescue Squad to new product innovations, we're doing everything we can to inspire more moments of everyday happiness this season."