We all love those bright, colorful, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate candies. Whether you’re a child or an adult, odds are you can’t resist popping a handful in your mouth when you see them in the candy dish. Have you ever wondered exactly how they’re made? If so, check out our infographic to learn about each step of the process.

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</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p><strong>Please include attribution to R.W. Hartnett with this graphic.</strong></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p><a href=’https://rwhartnett.com/how-theyre-made-candy-coated-chocolates/’><img src=’https://rwhartnett.com/wp-content/uploads/rw-hartnett_infographic-candy.png’ alt=’How They’re Made: Candy-Coated Chocolates’ width=’800px’ border=’0′ /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p>

Disclaimer: we can’t be held responsible for any candy-cravings that ensue after reading this infographic. We recommend getting a bag to eat before you read on.

Step 1: Molding

Liquid chocolate is poured into tiny, round molds to form the chocolate center.
Once the candies are formed, they are “tumbled” to ensure a smooth outer surface.
Then they are laid out to cool and harden.

Step 2: Coating

The hardened chocolates are transported by a conveyor belt to the coating area.
The candies are dumped into large rotating bins. Several coats of liquid candy are sprayed into the bins at intervals to ensure a uniform coat on each piece.
A different color for each batch is added as a final coat, and the liquid shell is allowed to dry.

Step 3: Printing

The different colored batches are combined together and transported to a special confectionary printer.
Edible ink is used to imprint the mark onto the candies. The ink is gently rolled onto the candies with a rubber roller that protects the candy shell.
The printers are capable of outputting 2.5 million pieces per hour.

Step 5: Packaging
A special machine weighs the candies, deposits a pre-determined amount into each bag, and heat-seals the bags.
The bags move along the conveyor belt to another machine, which packs them into cartons and seals the cartons for shipment.

Step 6: Enjoy!
Candy is better when shared with a friend!

Sources:
http://www.madehow.com/Volume-3/M-M-Candy.html