Mars Removes Blue and Brown M&Ms in August, Cites Natural Dye Costs

Mars will debut artificial dye-free M&Ms in August as part of the Make America Healthy Again initiative, but two iconic colors will be missing. The company faces a cost and manufacturing dilemma: natural blue pigment costs over $100 per pound, compared to turmeric at $9-$11 per pound. This move affects MRS as the company spends millions reformulating its 85-year-old product.

Why Blue and Brown Are Disappearing

Mars successfully replaced red and yellow M&Ms using natural sources like beets and turmeric. But blue proved nearly impossible to replicate affordably. The company tested spirulina extract, a blue-green algae powder, which costs up to $20 per pound in raw form and over $100 per pound in concentrated form for food dyes. Turmeric costs just $9-$11 per pound by comparison. Brown M&Ms depend on blue coloring, so both colors will be absent from the August launch.

Manufacturing Headaches Push Costs Higher

Spirulina’s thick consistency has clogged factory spray nozzles and created film buildup in manufacturing equipment, creating potential safety hazards. These production problems forced Mars to spend millions seeking alternatives before the company’s 85th anniversary in August. Mars briefly considered launching only red, orange, and yellow M&Ms but rejected the idea because executives felt the sunset color scheme was too strong.

Regulatory Pressure Drives the Overhaul

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pushed companies to remove artificial dyes, citing links to behavioral issues and cancer risks. The HHS department has secured commitments from 27 companies to minimize artificial dyes and banned several petroleum-based additives including Red Dye No. 3. Mars originally announced dye removal in 2016 but reversed course after concluding consumers did not care. Political and regulatory pressure has now revived the initiative.

What Comes Next for Mars

The dye-free M&Ms will otherwise look and taste identical to the standard version, with remaining colors replaced using natural plant-based pigments. Mars confirmed it is continuing to work on natural replacements for blue and brown, with the goal of a full-color dye-free lineup eventually. The company joins a growing list of food manufacturers reformulating products after Kennedy made artificial dye removal a public priority.

Final Thoughts

Mars faces significant production costs and supply challenges reformulating its iconic candy for regulatory compliance. The August launch without blue and brown signals the company prioritizes meeting MAHA deadlines over product completeness, which could affect consumer perception and sales.

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