# Mars transition to dye-free confectionery products > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mars-transition-to-dye-free-confectionery-products > Updated: 2026-08-21T00:09:00.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. Mars has begun rolling out new versions of several confectionery brands in the United States, including M&M’s, Skittles, and Starburst, that do not use synthetic Food, Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) colors. The initial launch, available through Amazon, replaces petroleum-derived additives with natural ingredients such as beet juice, turmeric, spirulina, and beta-carotene. This transition is driven by regulatory pressure, including an FDA announcement that six synthetic dyes will be prohibited by 2027, and ongoing discussions regarding potential links between synthetic dyes and behavioral issues in children. The move aligns with broader industry trends, as other major food companies have also pledged to phase out synthetic colors. Mars has noted that maintaining color intensity and consistency, particularly for blue and purple hues, remains a significant technological challenge during large-scale production. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-21: Mars launches confectionery brands without synthetic food dyes Mars Snacking is launching new versions of M&M’S, Skittles, Starburst, and EXTRA gum in the US without synthetic FD&C colors, following a broader industry trend to remove artificial dyes. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mars-launches-confectionery-brands-without-synthetic-food-dyes ### 2026-08-13: Mars launches synthetic dye-free M&M’s and Skittles in the U.S Mars has launched synthetic dye-free versions of M&M’s, Skittles, and Starburst in the U.S., using natural ingredients like beet juice and turmeric to meet upcoming regulatory standards. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mars-launches-synthetic-dye-free-mms-and-skittles-in-the-us --- Cite as: Mars transition to dye-free confectionery products. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mars-transition-to-dye-free-confectionery-products