M&M's, Skittles, and Starburst launch versions without synthetic dyes in the U.S.

Candy giants M&M's, Skittles, and Starburst have launched versions in the U.S. free of synthetic dyes, marking a significant shift in their formulations. Manufacturer Mars announced the new products, which utilize natural colorants derived from sources like beet juice, turmeric, spirulina, and beta-carotene.

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One of the biggest challenges for Mars has been maintaining color consistency in large-scale production.

These natural alternatives replace the petroleum-based artificial dyes that have long given the candies their vibrant hues. Mars executives stated that the new formulations are the result of extensive research and testing involving approximately 13,000 consumers over the past year. The candies are initially available on Amazon.

Mars faced challenges in replicating the iconic colors, particularly blue and purple, due to the limited availability of natural sources for these shades. For instance, spirulina is used for blue, and grapes for purple. Maintaining color intensity and consistency across large-scale production remains a key focus for the company.

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Blue has been one of the most difficult to replace because there aren't many vegetables or everyday foods of that color.

This development aligns with broader trends and regulatory shifts, including the FDA's planned 2027 ban on six synthetic dyes. Several major food companies, including Mars, have committed to phasing out artificial colorants from their products in response to consumer demand and evolving health guidelines.

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I think there are two key aspects: color intensity and production scale; we need to maintain consistency.