M&Ms, the iconic candy, are set for a significant change. For the first time, they will debut without artificial dyes, aligning with Mars company’s move to support the ‘Make America Healthy Again’ initiative. This change will take place in August, with the new naturally dyed M&Ms launched on Amazon.
However, two familiar flavors, brown and blue, will no longer be included. Mars has not found a way to replicate their colors using natural ingredients.
Importance of the Change
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Health Secretary, has highlighted concerns about processed foods and chemicals. This marks a recent shift in the candy industry, similar to the 2025 Skittles change by Mars, eliminating titanium dioxide, previously banned by the EU.
How M&Ms Are Evolving
The switch to natural dyes reflects growing pressure from officials like Kennedy and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton has launched an investigation into Mars, scrutinizing the company’s previous claims that artificial colors were harmless.
In the announcement, Paxton questioned the safety of artificial food colorings, linking them to adverse health effects.
Concerns Over Food Coloring
Artificial food coloring is a major focus of the MAHA movement. Concerns pivot around potential health impacts on children and chemical additives in the food supply.
The Department of Health and Human Services and FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based dyes by 2025. Kennedy, supporting this, emphasized that these compounds lack nutritional value and threaten children’s health.
Globally, some regions, notably Europe, have imposed stricter regulations on artificial colorings, prompting manufacturers to seek alternatives or use warning labels.
This topic has gained traction beyond the capital, with states like West Virginia considering bans on certain dyes.
Changes are not limited to Mars. Nestlé has eliminated synthetic dyes from its U.S. products. Kennedy praised this move, forecasting significant changes in candy production.