Mars Replaces Artificial Dyes in M&M's, Skittles, Starburst With Natural Ingredients

Mars Inc. has begun transitioning its popular M&M's, Skittles, and Starburst candies to artificial dye-free formulations, utilizing natural ingredients to achieve their signature vibrant colors. This significant change, announced by the company last year, responds to evolving consumer preferences and the anticipated 2025 FDA initiative to phase out synthetic petroleum-based dyes from the U.S. food supply.

Historically, candies have relied on dyes such as Red No. 4 and Yellow No. 5 to maintain bright appearances. However, scientific studies over the past 15 years have increasingly linked these synthetic pigments to childhood hyperactivity and potential allergic reactions. Mars has opted for natural alternatives, including beet juice for red hues and turmeric for yellow. Green candies, such as the green M&M, now derive their color from a blend of turmeric, beet juice, and spirulina, while orange colors come from beta-carotene and carotenoids. Grape juice is used for the purple coloring in Skittles.

Claire Hewitt, Mars' senior director of ingredient transformation, noted that achieving consistent blue and brown colors using natural ingredients presents a greater challenge. "I think it’s the vibrancy," Hewitt stated in an interview, highlighting the need for consistent color on a large scale. "And I think the scale, we need to be consistent."

The move aligns with a broader consumer trend toward wellness, with products like collagen supplements and organic foods gaining popularity. Mars, however, asserts that this initiative is the result of over a decade of research, testing, and development in ingredient revision and manufacturing processes. The company has engaged over 13,000 consumers in the past year for input on these changes.

The new, naturally colored candies are available on Amazon at the same price point as their artificially colored counterparts. Consumers can identify the updated products by looking for the "no FD&C colors" label. Traditional versions of the candies, still containing synthetic dyes, will remain available for the time being.