Home / Health / M&Ms Get Makeover: Artificial Dyes Out, Beetroot In
M&Ms Get Makeover: Artificial Dyes Out, Beetroot In
19 Jun
Summary
- Mars is investing millions to reformulate M&Ms without artificial dyes.
- US health secretary pushed for removal of dyes linked to children's health issues.
- New M&Ms will use beetroot and turmeric; blue dye faced production challenges.
Mars is undertaking a multi-million dollar initiative to reformulate its iconic M&Ms, removing artificial dyes in response to health concerns. This significant investment reflects pressure from US health officials who link artificial dyes to various health issues in children, including cancer.
New M&Ms will feature colors derived from natural sources like beetroot and turmeric. Initially, challenges emerged in recreating the blue hue using spirulina, an algae-based superfood, due to stickiness and mold issues, necessitating factory upgrades.
Mars also experimented with purple and pink, but faced difficulties with ingredient ratios and vibrancy. Despite these hurdles, the company is pressing forward with the reformulation, acknowledging the complexity of altering an 85-year-old product. These "healthy makeover" M&Ms are available alongside the traditional versions.
