Mars commits to offering options with natural colors starting 2026
The new versions of these iconic candies will be made without Food, Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) synthetic color additives.
USA – Mars Incorporated, a global leader in confectionery and snacking, has announced a major shift in its confectionery lineup, revealing plans to release Skittles, M&M’s, Starburst, and Extra Gum without artificial dyes starting in 2026.
This move marks a significant milestone in the company’s long-standing commitment to cleaner ingredients and responds to growing consumer demand for transparency and natural alternatives in food products.
The new versions of these iconic candies will be made without Food, Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) synthetic color additives, which are commonly derived from petroleum and have faced increasing scrutiny from health advocates and regulators.
Mars Inc. stated that the reformulated products will feature natural coloring agents. However, the company has not yet disclosed the complete list of replacements or the timeline for transitioning its entire portfolio.
The company initially pledged in 2016 to remove all artificial colors from its products but reversed course after discovering that many consumers globally do not perceive artificial colors as problematic in confectionery products.
According to the company, many customers did not perceive synthetic dyes as problematic, which complicated the transition.
Mars Inc. has since taken a cautious approach, emphasizing consumer preference and technical challenges in finding natural alternatives that meet safety, taste, and shelf-life requirements.
However, recent regulatory pressure, particularly from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and initiatives like “Make America Healthy Again”, has accelerated industry-wide reform.
Several states, including California and West Virginia, have already moved to ban certain synthetic dyes from school meals, citing potential health risks such as hyperactivity and neurological effects in children.
Mars Inc. emphasized that its approach is science-led and consumer-focused, noting that all products will continue to meet FDA safety standards.
The company is working closely with regulators to ensure that the new formulations are both effective and scalable across its global supply chain.
The shift positions Mars alongside other major food manufacturers, such as Kraft Heinz, Grupo Bimbo, and the American Bakers Association (ABA), that have recently announced similar plans to phase out artificial dyes.
Industry analysts view this as part of a broader trend toward clean-label innovation, where ingredient simplicity and health-conscious branding are becoming central to consumer loyalty.
The transition away from artificial dyes remains challenging in the confectionery industry due to difficulties in replicating the vibrant colors consumers expect from candies like Skittles and M&M’s. Factors such as limited natural dye supply, stability, price, and taste impact the pace of change.
Mars’ 2026 launch of naturally colored options for key candy brands represents a measured but significant step toward meeting consumer demand for cleaner ingredients while balancing the technical complexities of confectionery production.
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