When you walk down the candy aisle, two names show up again and again: Hershey’s and Mars. Both brands have created some of the world's most popular chocolates, candies, gums, and snacks, earning loyal fans for generations.
So, which one actually offers the better lineup? By the end of this guide, you'll see which brand comes out on top and which snacks are worth adding to your shopping list.
The History of Hershey's and Mars
Both Hershey's and Mars have been shaping the candy industry for more than a century. While they started with different goals and products, both companies grew into household names through innovation, quality, and iconic snacks enjoyed around the world.
Hershey's
Hershey's began in 1894 when Milton S. Hershey founded the Hershey Chocolate Company in Pennsylvania. His vision was simple: make milk chocolate affordable for everyone, not just a luxury item.
That vision became a reality in 1900 with the launch of the original Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar, which quickly became one of America's favorite chocolate bars. Over the years, the company expanded its lineup with well-known products like Hershey's Kisses, Reese's, Milk Duds, Kit Kat (licensed for the U.S. market), Jolly Rancher, and Twizzlers.
Today, Hershey's is one of the largest snack companies in North America. In addition to chocolate and candy, it also owns popular snack brands such as SkinnyPop, Dot's Homestyle Pretzels, and Pirate's Booty, giving consumers a wider variety of sweet and savory options.
Mars
Mars was founded in 1911 by Frank C. Mars in Washington. The company started as a small candy business but soon became known for creating some of the world's most recognizable chocolate brands.
One of its biggest breakthroughs came in 1930 with the introduction of Snickers, followed by favorites like 3 Musketeers, M&M's, Twix, Milky Way, Skittles, Starburst, and Dove. These products helped Mars establish a strong presence in markets across the globe.
Unlike Hershey's, Mars has expanded far beyond confectionery. Today, the privately owned company also operates major businesses in pet care, food, and nutrition. Even so, its candy division remains one of the largest in the world, with many of its brands consistently ranking among the best-selling snacks internationally.
How We Compared Them
Comparing Hershey's and Mars isn't easy because both companies make dozens of popular snacks. So, we have picked 10 products from both brands for a matchup, and whoever wins more will be the final winner.
For each matchup, we considered factors such as taste, texture, ingredients, variety, popularity, and overall snack appeal. While personal preference always plays a role, these comparisons highlight the strengths of each product so you can decide which brand deserves a spot in your snack stash.
Hershey's vs Mars: Head-to-Head Comparison
1. Hershey bar vs 3 Musketeers
These two chocolates offer very different experiences. The Hershey Bar is a classic milk chocolate bar with a rich, creamy taste that has remained popular for generations. It is simple, versatile, and works well on its own or in desserts like s'mores.
3 Musketeers features a fluffy whipped nougat covered in milk chocolate. While lighter in texture, it doesn't satisfy those looking for a rich chocolate flavor.
Winner: Hershey Bar. Its rich chocolate flavor, versatility, and timeless appeal make it the stronger choice for most chocolate lovers.
2. Milk Duds vs M&M's
Milk Duds combine chewy caramel with a chocolate coating, creating a candy that lasts longer while you eat it. They are especially popular at movie theaters and among fans of caramel treats.
M&M's feature smooth milk chocolate inside a colorful candy shell and are available in many varieties, including Peanut, Peanut Butter, Caramel, and Pretzel. Their bite-sized design also makes them easy to share.
Winner: M&M's. The wider variety, balanced texture, and global popularity give them a clear advantage over Milk Duds.
3. Kit Kat vs Twix
Kit Kat is famous for its crispy wafer layers coated in smooth milk chocolate. The light, crunchy texture and signature "break" design make it one of the most recognizable chocolate bars in the world. It delivers a satisfying crunch without feeling overly rich.
Twix combines a crunchy biscuit with a layer of caramel, all covered in milk chocolate. The mix of biscuit and caramel creates a sweet, chewy bite that has made Twix a longtime favorite.
Winner: Kit Kat. Its perfectly balanced wafer-to-chocolate ratio, lighter texture, and iconic crispy crunch make it a more versatile and enjoyable snack for most people.
4. Hershey's Kisses vs Dove Promises
Hershey's Kisses have been a favorite for generations. Their small size makes them perfect for sharing, baking, or enjoying as a quick chocolate treat.
Dove Promises focuses on delivering a smoother chocolate experience. Each individually wrapped piece has a silky texture that feels more premium than everyday chocolate.
Winner: Dove Promises. The creamier chocolate and more luxurious taste make them the better pick for pure chocolate enjoyment.
5. Bounty vs Almond Joy
Both candy bars are built around sweet coconut covered in chocolate, making them favorites among coconut lovers. Bounty keeps the recipe simple by pairing moist coconut filling with milk or dark chocolate, depending on the market.
Almond Joy adds whole almonds on top of the coconut filling before coating everything in milk chocolate. The crunchy almonds balance the sweetness and add another layer of texture.
Winner: Almond Joy. The addition of almonds makes it more flavorful and satisfying, giving it an edge over Bounty's simpler recipe.
6. Ice Breaker vs 5 Gums
Ice Breakers are available as both gum and mints and are well known for their cool, refreshing flavors. They are designed to keep your breath fresh while offering a strong minty taste.
5 Gum focuses on bold flavors and a modern image. It starts with an intense burst of flavor, although many people notice it fades faster during longer chewing sessions.
Winner: Ice Breakers. Better freshness, longer-lasting mint flavor, and more product options make it the stronger everyday choice.
7. Reese's vs Milky Way
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups combine creamy peanut butter with milk chocolate, creating one of the most iconic flavor combinations in the candy world. They are available in several sizes and seasonal shapes.
Milky Way features soft nougat and caramel covered in milk chocolate. It delivers a smooth and sweet experience but relies mostly on classic chocolate and caramel flavors.
Winner: Reese's. The peanut butter and chocolate pairing is more distinctive and continues to make Reese's one of the world's most popular candies.
8. Dot’s Home Pretzels vs Combos
Dot's Homestyle Pretzels are coated in a signature buttery seasoning blend that gives them a unique savory flavor. They are crunchy, well-seasoned, and enjoyable straight from the bag.
Combos pair a crunchy shell with fillings like cheddar cheese, pizza, or buffalo blue cheese. While they offer more flavor choices, the quality can vary depending on the variety.
Winner: Dot's Homestyle Pretzels. Their consistent seasoning, crisp texture, and balanced flavor make them the better overall snack.
9. Jolly Rancher vs Life Savers
Jolly Ranchers are famous for their intense fruit flavors and long-lasting hard candy. They also come in gummies and chewy versions, giving fans plenty of options.
Life Savers have been a classic candy for decades with their signature ring shape and assortment of fruity flavors. They are sweet and enjoyable but generally have a milder taste.
Winner: Jolly Rancher. The stronger fruit flavors and wider product selection make it the more exciting candy.
10. Twizzlers vs Starburst
Twizzlers are chewy licorice-style candy with a mild fruit flavor. They have become a popular movie theater snack because they are easy to eat and not overly sweet.
Starburst offers soft, chewy fruit candies packed with bold flavors like strawberry, cherry, lemon, and orange. Every piece delivers a juicy burst of sweetness that stands out.
Winner: Starburst. Its brighter fruit flavors, softer texture, and stronger overall taste make it the more satisfying candy choice.
Hershey's vs Mars: Which Brand Is Better?
After comparing ten popular snack matchups, Hershey's comes out on top. It wins six categories, while Mars takes four, giving Hershey's the overall edge.
However, the better brand depends on your taste. If you enjoy classic chocolate bars, peanut butter treats, bold fruit candy, and seasoned snacks, Hershey's is the better overall choice. If you prefer colorful chocolate candies, silky chocolate, and caramel-filled bars, Mars still has plenty of favorites worth trying.
Conclusion
After comparing 10 of their most popular snacks, Hershey's narrowly takes the win with six victories to Mars's four. Its lineup offers a strong mix of classic chocolate bars, peanut butter favorites, fruity candies, and savory snacks that appeal to a wide range of tastes.
That said, Mars is still a powerhouse with iconic products like M&M's, Dove Promises, Almond Joy, and Starburst. At the end of the day, the best brand comes down to what you enjoy most.
Whether you choose Hershey's or Mars, you really can't go wrong with either of these legendary snack makers.
FAQs
Who is Hershey's biggest competitor?
Hershey's biggest competitor is Mars. Both companies dominate the U.S. confectionery market and compete across chocolate bars, candy, gum, and other snacks.
Is Twix made by Mars or Hershey's?
Twix is made by Mars.
Is Kit Kat made by Hershey's or Nestlé?
The answer depends on where you live. In the United States, Hershey's manufactures and sells Kit Kat under a licensing agreement. In most other countries, Nestlé produces and distributes Kit Kat.
What is the best chocolate brand in the USA?
There isn't a single best chocolate brand. Hershey's and Mars are among the most popular, while Ghirardelli, Lindt, and Godiva are also well-known for their high-quality chocolate.
