A History of Red Dyes and M&M's
The relationship between M&M's and red dyes is a long and storied one, dating back to public scares and subsequent product reformulations. M&M's famously removed their red candies in 1976 amid controversy surrounding a different red dye, Red Dye No. 2, even though M&M's did not use that specific colorant. The company acted out of caution to soothe consumer fears. The red candies were reintroduced in 1987, and while they initially included a mix of Red Dye No. 3 and Red Dye No. 40, the company has since updated its formulas.
What Dyes Are Currently Used in M&M's?
Today, Mars, the maker of M&M's, no longer uses Red Dye No. 3 in its U.S. products. The red color in U.S. M&M's is primarily achieved with Red Dye No. 40, also known as Allura Red. This is not the same chemical as the recently banned Red Dye No. 3 (erythrosine). However, even Red Dye No. 40 is not without controversy, with some research linking it to potential health concerns, particularly behavioral issues in sensitive children. European versions of M&M's have long used alternative, non-synthetic colorings to comply with stricter regulations in the EU.
The Impact of the FDA Ban on Red Dye No. 3
In January 2025, the FDA announced a nationwide ban on Red Dye No. 3, citing evidence that the additive can cause cancer in lab animals. This decision, made under the federal Delaney Clause, marked the end of a decades-long regulatory delay and requires manufacturers to reformulate their food and drug products by January 2027. While M&M's were not a primary target of this ban due to prior reformulation, it highlights the increasing scrutiny on artificial food additives and pushes many other brands to find alternative, safer colorings for their products, including beet juice and carmine.
U.S. vs. European M&M's Dyes
The difference in ingredient lists for M&M's sold in the United States versus Europe is a clear example of varying food safety standards across regions. Mars and other companies often create different formulations to meet local regulatory requirements.
| Feature | U.S. M&M's | European M&M's |
|---|---|---|
| Red Dye | Red 40 | Often carmine (E120), beetroot concentrate, or other non-synthetic colors |
| Presence of Red Dye No. 3 | No | No (long banned by EU) |
| Other Dyes | Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2 | A mix of E-number dyes, which are often different from U.S. versions |
| Regulatory Framework | FDA regulations (recently banned Red Dye No. 3) | European Union regulations (stricter, banned Red Dye No. 3 since 1994) |
| Consumer Concerns | Focus on artificial dyes and health effects | Concerns have historically led to proactive ingredient changes |
Navigating Food Dyes as a Consumer
For consumers concerned about artificial dyes, the best practice is always to read the ingredients label. Manufacturers are required to list all color additives by name. While M&M's specifically do not contain Red Dye No. 3, the ongoing debate serves as a powerful reminder to stay informed about food additives. For those who want to avoid artificial colors entirely, many companies, including Mars, have developed alternative products using natural sources for color. The FDA's recent ban accelerates this trend across the food industry.
The Takeaway: Is Red Dye No. 3 in M&M's?
No, red dye no. 3 is not in M&M's sold in the United States and has not been for some time. The red color in U.S. M&M's is derived from Red Dye No. 40, while European versions use natural colorings. This distinction arose from changing regulatory standards and public health concerns over the years. The recent nationwide FDA ban on Red Dye No. 3 further solidifies its removal from the food supply, although it was already absent from M&M's. Consumers can check ingredient labels for the specific dyes used and choose alternatives if they wish to avoid synthetic colorings.
Center for Science in the Public Interest: Red 3: FDA finally bans cancer-causing food dye
Conclusion: A Shift Toward Safer Colorings
The ongoing conversation and recent regulatory actions surrounding Red Dye No. 3 reflect a broader movement toward greater transparency and a preference for safer ingredients in the food industry. The case of M&M's, with its history of adapting to consumer and regulatory pressures, demonstrates how companies respond to shifts in public perception and scientific understanding. While Red Dye No. 3 is now officially out of the U.S. food supply (and out of M&M's), it marks a significant step forward, prompting both manufacturers and consumers to reevaluate the role of artificial colorings in everyday products.
