M And Ms Colors Switching From Artificial To Natural Ingredients

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – The vibrant colors will remain, but where they come from will change drastically.

Mars, Inc., the manufacturer of products like M&M and dozens of other candies, gum, foods and drinks, announced last week it will no longer use artificial colors in its “human” foods. The manufacturing giant also has a line of pet foods.

“Though many of the company’s products are already free of artificial colors, by expanding the scope of the effort to its entire human food portfolio, Mars is making a commitment of significant depth and breadth. Products across the range of the company’s chocolate, gum, confection, food and drink businesses will be affected by the change, which will take place incrementally over the next five years,” the company said in a statement.

The company stood behind its current system and conveyed it was making the change to please customers more than anything else.

“Artificial colors pose no known risks to human health or safety, but consumers today are calling on food manufacturers to use more natural ingredients in their products. Against this backdrop, Mars will work closely with its suppliers to find alternatives that not only meet the its strict quality and safety standards, but also maintain the vibrant, fun colors consumers have come to expect from the company’s beloved brands,” the statement said.

President and CEO Grant Reid doubled down on the statement, adding, “We’re in the business of satisfying and delighting the people who love our products. Eliminating all artificial colors from our human food portfolio is a massive undertaking, and one that will take time and hard work to accomplish. Our consumers are the boss and we hear them. If it’s the right thing to do for them, it’s the right thing to do for Mars.”

The company said it will partner with suppliers to identify new ingredients and formulas that meet its current safety and quality standards, adding, “Removing all artificial colors from a human food portfolio that features more than 50 brands represents a complex challenge.”

Mars North America’s largest distribution facility is located on High Street in Hackettstown.