Overview

• Mars will offer naturally colored options next year for four flagship candies, including M&M’s and Skittles.
• The company stopped short of a full-portfolio dye phase-out, saying it needs proven, scalable natural color solutions before broader implementation.
• An FDA spokesperson and Commissioner Marty Makary praised the move as a win for public health and consumer demand.
• Hershey has committed to eliminate artificial dyes across its entire portfolio by the end of 2027, setting a more comprehensive industry benchmark.
• State measures such as West Virginia’s 2028 ban on synthetic dyes and HHS policy priorities continue to intensify pressure on candy makers to transition to natural alternatives.