The Quest for Dye-Free M&M's
For years, brightly colored candies like M&M's have been a staple of candy aisles, but recent consumer demand has driven a significant change in the industry. Health-conscious shoppers, particularly parents, have grown increasingly concerned about synthetic food dyes linked to potential health issues. This has spurred a quest for dye-free versions of classic snacks, including M&M's.
Official M&M's Dye-Free Options
For those wondering, "can you buy M&M's without food dye?", the landscape is about to change significantly. In August 2025, Mars Wrigley announced plans to offer options without synthetic Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) colors for some of their most popular brands, including M&M's Chocolate. These new, naturally colored alternatives are expected to be available to consumers nationwide starting in 2026, though initially as options rather than a full brand-wide replacement.
Popular Dye-Free Alternatives on the Market
Until Mars' new line becomes widely available, several other brands offer excellent alternatives that deliver a similar crunchy, chocolate-coated experience without artificial colors. These options are often found in natural food stores or dedicated sections of larger supermarkets.
Here are a few popular brands providing dye-free versions of chocolate-coated candies:
- Unreal: This brand is frequently recommended by consumers seeking dye-free alternatives. They use natural coloring from sources like beet juice, turmeric, and purple cabbage juice. Unreal offers several varieties, including milk chocolate and peanut gems, which directly compete with classic M&M's.
- Trader Joe's: Many customers note that Trader Joe's offers a delicious, natural food dye-free version of candy-coated chocolates. These are a fan-favorite for their taste and natural ingredient list.
- No Whey Chocolate (Choco NoNo's): This brand provides an allergen-friendly alternative that is free of milk, peanuts, tree nuts, and most other common allergens. Their Choco NoNo's use vibrant, natural colors and have a crunchy shell similar to M&M's.
- YumEarth: Known for its commitment to organic and allergy-friendly products, YumEarth also offers a variety of dye-free candies, including chocolate gems.
Natural vs. Artificial Dyes: A Comparison
To understand why consumers are moving towards dye-free options, it's important to compare the two types of colorings.
| Feature | Artificial Food Dyes (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5) | Natural Food Dyes (e.g., from beets, spirulina) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Petroleum derivatives | Natural ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and algae |
| Vibrancy | Produce very bright, consistent, and stable colors | Colors can be more subtle, earthy, and may vary batch to batch |
| Taste Impact | Generally no impact on flavor | May slightly alter the flavor of the final product |
| Health Concerns | Linked to hyperactivity in sensitive children; some linked to cancer in animal studies | Generally considered safer, though some may cause allergic reactions in a small percentage of people |
| Regulation | FDA-approved in the U.S., but some countries (like the UK) require warning labels or have bans | Regulation is typically less stringent than for artificial dyes, but still subject to safety standards. |
The Impact of Artificial Dyes on Health
Research into artificial food dyes continues to raise concerns, particularly regarding their potential effects on children. Multiple studies have explored the link between synthetic dyes and neurobehavioral issues. For example, the Center for Science in the Public Interest has extensively covered the risks, including the link between Red 3 and cancer in animals. While the FDA has previously maintained that approved dyes are safe for most people, the increasing body of evidence has led to regulatory pressure and, subsequently, industry changes.
How to Find and Identify Dye-Free Candy
If you're committed to avoiding artificial dyes, there are several steps you can take:
- Check the Label: Look for products that explicitly state "No Artificial Colors" or "Colored with Fruit and Vegetable Juices." Check the ingredient list for specific color names like Red 40, Blue 1, or Yellow 5.
- Shop at Health Food Stores: Stores like Sprouts, Whole Foods, or Trader Joe's often have dedicated candy sections with healthier alternatives.
- Explore Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon offer a wide selection of dye-free candy options from brands like YumEarth and Unreal.
- Look for Specialty Brands: Keep an eye out for brands that specialize in allergen-friendly or naturally colored foods. No Whey Chocolate's Choco NoNo's are an example of this.
Making Your Own Dye-Free Treats
For a fun, hands-on approach, you can even make your own naturally colored chocolate candies at home. Natural food coloring can be made from a variety of everyday ingredients:
- Red/Pink: Beet juice or freeze-dried strawberry powder
- Orange: Carrot juice or paprika
- Yellow: Turmeric
- Green: Matcha powder or spinach powder
- Blue: Red cabbage juice mixed with baking soda
You can incorporate these natural colorings into a simple recipe for candy-coated chocolates, ensuring complete control over the ingredients. While they may not be as perfectly uniform as commercial brands, they offer a wholesome, dye-free indulgence.
Conclusion: A Shift Towards Natural Ingredients
The question, "can you buy M&M's without food dye?" is no longer just wishful thinking. As of 2026, Mars Wrigley will officially enter the market with its own dye-free options, offering consumers more choices directly from a mainstream brand. In the meantime, several established alternative brands, such as Unreal and No Whey Chocolate, continue to provide excellent options for those avoiding artificial colors. This industry-wide shift highlights a growing consumer preference for more natural ingredients and reinforces the power of consumer demand in shaping food production. With more options available than ever, enjoying a dye-free chocolate treat has never been easier.
Center for Science in the Public Interest - Synthetic Food Dyes: A Rainbow of Risks
