Do M and MS Use Red 40?

According to ingredient lists for M&M's sold in the United States, yes, they do use Red 40, alongside other artificial food dyes. The answer to "Do M and MS use Red 40?" is surprisingly dependent on your geographic location, as recipes vary due to different regulations.

Quick Summary

US-sold M&M's contain Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and other artificial colorings, while versions in Europe do not. This reflects differing food safety regulations between regions, prompting recent scrutiny of artificial dyes in US confections.

Key Points

• US M&M's contain Red 40: M&M's sold in the United States use Red 40 and other synthetic FD&C dyes for their vibrant colors.

• European M&M's do not: In contrast, M&M's sold in Europe are formulated without artificial colors, using natural alternatives instead.

• Different regional regulations: The difference in ingredients reflects varied food safety regulations and consumer preferences between the US and Europe.

• History of red dye controversies: Red M&M's were temporarily removed in 1976 due to consumer anxiety surrounding the unrelated Red Dye No. 2, and returned in 1987.

• Upcoming changes in the US: Mars has announced plans to introduce dye-free options for some US products, including M&M's, starting in 2026.

M&M's Ingredient List and Red 40

M&M's sold in the United States contain Red 40 and other synthetic food colorings to achieve their vibrant colors. The ingredient list typically includes various artificial dyes such as "COLORS (INCLUDES BLUE 1 LAKE, YELLOW 6, RED 40, YELLOW 5, BLUE 1, YELLOW 6 LAKE, RED 40 LAKE, YELLOW 5 LAKE, BLUE 2 LAKE, BLUE 2)". Both Red 40 and Red 40 Lake are used, representing different forms of the same dye.

The Red Dye Scare of 1976

Public concern about food dyes in 1976 led to Mars temporarily removing red M&M's, although they did not contain the banned Red Dye No. 2. Red M&M's, dyed with Red Dye No. 40, were reintroduced in 1987.

International Ingredient Differences

Food regulations cause M&M's recipes to differ internationally. European M&M's use natural colorings instead of artificial dyes like Red 40, due to stricter regulations.

Feature	US Market M&M's	European Market M&M's
Use of Red 40	Yes	No
Artificial Colors	Use of synthetic FD&C colors like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1	No artificial colors, uses natural alternatives like carmine (E120) and beetroot concentrate
Primary Reason for Difference	Compliance with US FDA regulations; consumer expectations	Compliance with EU regulations; consumer demand for 'clean label' products
Recent Developments	Under renewed scrutiny from officials and advocacy groups in the US	Largely free of artificial dyes for several years, setting a precedent

Consumer Awareness and Advocacy

Growing consumer awareness has put pressure on manufacturers like Mars. Advocacy groups have urged Mars to remove artificial colors from US products to match European standards. While Mars initially cited differing consumer preferences, they are now reportedly working towards offering dye-free options for some US candies, including M&M's and Skittles, by 2026.

Conclusion

Whether M&M's contain Red 40 depends on location. US M&M's include Red 40, following FDA regulations. European versions use natural colorings due to stricter rules. Mars is moving towards offering dye-free options in the US by 2026. Consumers should check ingredient lists to confirm [Source for recent Mars updates: https://www.livenowfox.com/news/mars-mms-skittles-artificial-dyes-2026].

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Red 40 used in all types of M&M's?

Red 40 is listed on the ingredient labels for many varieties of M&M's sold in the United States, including Milk Chocolate and Peanut versions. However, M&M's formulas vary by region, so products sold outside the US, particularly in Europe, do not use Red 40.

Why do some countries have stricter rules about food dyes?

Regulations on food additives differ worldwide based on varying food safety assessments and public health priorities. The European Union, for instance, has stricter rules on synthetic food colorings and requires products containing certain dyes to carry warning labels, which has prompted manufacturers to switch to natural alternatives.

Are the natural colors used in European M&M's derived from insects?

Some red food colorings are derived from natural sources, such as carmine (also known as E120), which comes from cochineal insects. European versions of M&M's use natural alternatives, and their specific labels would need to be checked to see which colorings they contain.

When did the red M&M's disappear and why?

Red M&M's were removed from the classic mix in 1976. This was a preemptive move by Mars to calm public fears over certain food dyes after the FDA banned Red Dye No. 2, even though M&M's never contained that specific dye.

Are the new, special-edition M&M's flavors also made with Red 40?

Many limited-edition and specialty M&M's flavors in the US also use artificial colors, including Red 40. The most reliable way to check is to always read the specific ingredient list on the product packaging, as formulations can vary.

What is the difference between Red 40 and Red 40 Lake?

Red 40 is a water-soluble dye, while Red 40 Lake is an insoluble pigment formed by precipitating Red 40 with a metallic salt. Both are used in food production, with Red 40 Lake often chosen for coloring coatings, as it is more stable and less prone to bleeding than the water-soluble version.

Are M&M's planning to remove artificial dyes in the US?

Yes, Mars has announced intentions to offer products like M&M's and Skittles without FD&C colors in the US starting in 2026, joining other companies in a move away from synthetic additives.