Food Theory: The Green M&M's Urban Legend

Introduction

• Topic: Investigating the rumors about green M&M's
• Background: Previous theory involved M&M's as cannibals; today exploring the myth that green M&M's are aphrodisiacs.

Urban Legends and Theories

• Rumor: Green M&M's induce heightened arousal/make you more likely to procreate.
• Three Theories of Origin:
  1. Nature and Fertility Link: Green is associated with nature and fertility.
  2. Rarity: In early days, green M&M's were only 10% of the mix.
  3. Commercial Influence: Old commercial linked green M&M's to home runs in baseball (relationship milestones metaphor).

Factors and Evidence

• Mars Corporation's Reaction

  • Initially ignored the rumors.
  • Legal issue with a rival candy named "The Green Ones" led to Mars marketing green M&M's as aphrodisiacs.
  • Examples: Green-themed ad campaigns, sexy green M&M mascot.

• Scientific Exploration of Color and Arousal

  • Study by University of Melbourne: Light colors affect the autonomic nervous system influencing heart rate and arousal.
  • Study on Color Arousal in Males: Red is more arousing than green which suggested green makes skin clammier but not as arousing as red.
  • Color Psychology: Longer wavelengths (like red) tend to be more stimulating than shorter ones (like blue/green).

Experiment and Findings

• Research Question: Do green M&M's affect libido?
• Hypotheses:
  1. Green M&M's increase amorous feelings.
  2. Red M&M's are actually more potent aphrodisiacs than green.
  3. Both are just urban legends.
• Experiment Design:
  • 40 participants, split into four groups (green M&M's, red M&M's, mixed colors, no M&M's).
  • Task: Rate attractiveness of photos on a scale of 1-10 while exposed to different M&M conditions.
• Results:
  • Green group: Average attractiveness rating 6.24.
  • Red group: Average attractiveness rating 6.48.
  • Control group (no M&M's): Highest at 6.84.
  • Mixed M&M's: Significantly higher ratings overall.

Conclusion

• Insights:
  • Red does seem to be more stimulating than green.
  • No significant effect from either color when isolated; however, mixed colors showed higher attractiveness ratings.
  • Conclusion: Having a variety of candy may lift mood and increase attractiveness ratings, not the specific color.
• Future Research: More extensive participant set needed to solidify findings. Interest in involving viewers in future tests through subscription.