In a notable shift within the confectionery landscape, Mars, the parent company of M&M’s, has announced that it will temporarily halt the production of two well-known colours of the iconic candy. This decision comes amidst ongoing changes in response to a broader movement toward eliminating artificial dyes from food products.
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As of 2025, M&M’s will discontinue the widespread availability of blue and brown sweets. This development has left many fans surprised, given M&M’s long history as a staple treat since its introduction by Mars Wrigley Confectionery in 1941. The halt in production will only affect items sold through Amazon.
The announcement, made in July 2025, revealed that the forthcoming M&M’s Chocolate line would soon feature options that do not contain FD&C (Food, Drug, and Cosmetic) colours. The company plans to introduce four versions of the product that utilise natural colours derived from sources such as beets and turmeric. However, Mars has indicated that sourcing these natural dyes has proven to be more challenging and costly than initially anticipated.
This move aligns with the goals of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who launched the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign. The initiative aims to phase out artificial food dyes in favour of naturally-sourced alternatives. During discussions, Mars employees reportedly explored various colour combinations, contemplating a three-colour mix of red, orange, and yellow. Ultimately, concerns over the visual impact of such a palette led them to conclude that it would be too intense for the beloved M&M’s brand.
Anton Vincent, who leads Mars’s North American snacks division, described the process of changing an 85-year-old icon as a complex challenge. He acknowledged the difficulty of modifying a cherished product that has been a part of many people’s lives for decades.
In April 2025, Kennedy and then Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary unveiled plans to ban artificial food dyes, claiming these substances contribute to a “toxic soup of synthetic chemicals.” Kennedy expressed confidence that the food industry had agreed to eliminate these petroleum-based colourings by 2026, fostering expectations of a more health-conscious market.
Prior to this announcement, there had been indications from Mars that blue and brown M&M’s would be available indefinitely. The company reassured consumers that existing colour varieties, including red, yellow, orange, green, blue, and brown, would still be accessible both in-store and online. They promised to provide additional updates as they developed effective solutions to meet their new commitments.
Despite the temporary suspension of blue and brown sweets from Amazon, both colours are not being completely eliminated. A spokesperson for Mars confirmed that in addition to M&M’s, options made without FD&C colours will also be launched for popular brands like Skittles, Starburst, and Extra gum. These new products are expected to emerge later this year.
As consumers become increasingly aware of the ingredients in their food, Mars’s decision reflects a broader trend towards transparency and health consciousness in the food and beverage industry. Many are waiting to see how the introduction of these colour-free options will be received by the public, as the company strives to balance consumer preferences with modern nutritional guidelines.
The adjustment to the M&M’s product line is significant, considering the brand’s established presence in the market and its role in the confectionery culture. As the company navigates through these changes, it will be interesting to observe the ramifications on both consumer behaviour and industry standards regarding artificial ingredients.