Mars launches confectionery brands without synthetic food dyes

Mars Snacking has launched new versions of several major brands in the United States that do not use Food, Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) synthetic colors. The initial rollout, available on Amazon, includes Skittles Original in five fruit flavors, Starburst Original Fruit Chews in four flavors, EXTRA Spearmint gum, and M&M’S Milk Chocolate in a blend of red, orange, green, and yellow.

This shift follows industry-wide trends and government initiatives to reduce petroleum-based dyes in the American food supply. Other major food companies, including WK Kellogg, General Mills, and Kraft Heinz, have also made pledges to phase out synthetic colors from their product portfolios. The move comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the potential links between synthetic dyes and behavioral issues in children.