August can’t come soon enough for Mars, Inc., as the company prepares to launch its first line of M&M’s without artificial colors. However, this change of heart comes with a catch: blue and brown M&M’s will be absent from store shelves for a while.
The Artificially-Colored Truth
Until now, M&M’s have contained a cocktail of artificial colors, including Blue 1, Yellow 6, and Red 40. However, consumer demand for more natural ingredients has forced Mars to reevaluate its approach. This decision follows a similar move by General Mills, which in 2020 swapped artificial colors in its Fruity Cheerios for more natural alternatives.
The New Colors: Not as Rainbow as You Think
While the absence of artificial colors is a step in the right direction, the temporary loss of blue and brown M&M’s might leave some fans disappointed. The new lineup will feature red, orange, yellow, and green pieces, but the iconic blue and brown are on indefinite hiatus. Mars claims that its research has led to the conclusion that blue and brown M&M’s can be made with natural colors, but the company hasn’t yet perfected the formula.
What this means
Consumers will now have a more natural M&M’s option available, which may appeal to health-conscious buyers. However, it’s worth noting that Mars will likely revisit its blue and brown recipe once they’ve ironed out the kinks. In the meantime, blue and brown fans will have to look elsewhere for their fix. This development is a testament to the ongoing conversation between food manufacturers and consumers about the importance of more natural ingredients.
