M&M's adds a new Purple 'spokescandy' to the crew - but don't look for her in your packets

• M&M's is adding Purple to its cast of characters in the first change for a decade.
• Candymaker Mars Wrigley said the new member represents "inclusivity" and "acceptance".
• Purple has "self-awareness" and is releasing a song that will generate charitable donations.

The maker of M&M's is introducing a new "character" for the first time in a decade.

The candymaker is unveiling Purple as its latest addition to the M&Ms cast of characters, but fans may be disappointed to find that she will not be coming to their candy packets. 

Purple has "self-awareness" and the character presents "acceptance" and "inclusivity", as well as a "quirky nature", Mars Wrigley said in a press release and playful social media posts on Wednesday.

—M&M'S (@mmschocolate) September 28, 2022

"Why can't M&M's just be candy as it was intended," one person commented on Twitter, asking why it needed to make a statement. The official Twitter account for McDonald's teased that her and Grimace, its own purple character, "would be friends." 

The character is being launched alongside a song and music video called "I'm Just Gonna Be Me"as part of  M&M's FUNd initiative, which will donate $1 for every stream to non-profit Sing For Hope with a $500,000 ceiling. 

"Mars is thrilled to debut the newest member of the M&M'S cast of characters to the world. There is so much about our new spokescandy that people can relate to and appreciate, including her willingness to embrace her true self – our new character reminds us to celebrate what makes us unique," said Jane Hwang of Mars Wrigley.

"Our purpose story is just getting started and the introduction of our newest M&M's spokescandy is the next chapter, as the brand continues to delight fans with fun in a way only M&M's can."

For the past decade there have only been Red, Yellow, Orange, Brown, Blue and Green M&Ms in regular packets.

The candy was made in purple when M&Ms were launched in 1941, according to Teen Vogue, but it was replaced by tan eight years later. Customers can purchase bags of purple candy separately from the M&Ms online store, along with other single colors. 

The brand revamped its characters in January by replacing the Brown female character's high heels with sneakers. It also added laces on the shoes of its other cast members in a move some on social media labeled as an attempt to be "woke".