Nutrition Diet: Do M&Ms have GMOs? A Comprehensive Guide

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2016, candy manufacturer Mars began adding GMO labeling to its products, including M&Ms, following new US regulations, which has prompted many consumers to ask: Do M&Ms have GMOs?. The presence of genetically modified organisms is not uniform across all products, and the answer depends on factors like geography and specific ingredients derived from crops like corn and soy.

Quick Summary

US-sold M&M's typically contain ingredients sourced from genetically engineered crops, leading to mandatory "Partially produced with genetic engineering" labels. This practice is common in many processed foods, and the ingredients involved primarily include corn derivatives like corn syrup and soy lecithin. In contrast, European M&M's are explicitly non-GMO due to stricter regional regulations.

Key Points

GMO Labeling: US M&M's packaging states they are "Partially produced with genetic engineering" due to ingredients derived from genetically modified crops.
US vs. Europe: M&M's sold in the US contain ingredients from GMO crops, while those sold in Europe are non-GMO due to regional regulations.
Key Ingredients: The potential GMO content comes from corn derivatives (corn syrup, cornstarch) and soy lecithin, which are widely sourced from genetically engineered crops.
Mars' Position: The company maintains that GMO ingredients are safe but committed to transparent labeling in the US in 2016.
Focus on Nutrition: Regardless of GMO status, M&M's are a high-sugar, high-calorie treat that should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Identifying Non-GMO Products: Look for certifications like the USDA Organic or Non-GMO Project Verified seals to be certain a product is free of genetically engineered ingredients.

Understanding GMOs and Food Labeling

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are plants, animals, or microorganisms whose genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. This is typically done to introduce desirable traits, such as resistance to certain pests or herbicides, increased crop yields, or enhanced nutritional content.

What Are GMOs?

For food production, this often involves introducing genes from one species to another. For example, some corn crops are modified to produce a protein that is toxic to certain pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Common genetically engineered crops include corn, soybeans, canola, and sugar beets. A significant portion of the global supply of these crops is genetically modified, meaning they are frequently used in a wide range of processed food products.

Mars' Stance on GMOs

Candy maker Mars, the parent company of M&M's, holds the position that genetically engineered ingredients are safe for consumption, a view supported by a wide array of regulatory agencies and scientific experts. However, in a move toward transparency, the company updated its product labeling in the US in 2016. This was in response to a new Vermont law mandating GMO labeling, and rather than create a separate distribution system just for Vermont, the company decided to label affected products nationwide. For M&M's and other products, this resulted in the words "Partially produced with genetic engineering" appearing on the packaging.

The Ingredients That Raise the Question

The most common GMO-derived ingredients found in US M&M's include corn derivatives and soy lecithin. These ingredients are standard in many confectionery and processed foods and are not unique to M&M's.

Corn Syrup and Corn Starch

Corn syrup and cornstarch are key ingredients in M&M's, helping to create the crisp candy shell. Because a high percentage of corn grown in the United States is genetically modified, it is highly likely that these corn-based ingredients are derived from genetically engineered crops. High-fructose corn syrup, another common sweetener, is also typically made from genetically modified corn.

Soy Lecithin

Soy lecithin acts as an emulsifier in M&M's, helping to mix ingredients that normally wouldn't combine, like the cocoa butter and the sugar. Similar to corn, a large portion of the global soy crop is genetically modified, making soy lecithin a frequently cited GMO ingredient.

US vs. European M&M's: A Key Difference

The GMO status of M&M's depends heavily on where you purchase them. This is because food safety and labeling regulations differ significantly between regions.

European M&M's

In Europe, Mars has a policy of not using GMOs in its products. This was demonstrated by a recall of M&M's Crispy products in the UK and Ireland in 2021 after an unauthorized GM ingredient was discovered from a supplier. This incident underscores the company's commitment to stricter European standards and the regional differences in manufacturing practices.

Comparison of M&M's in the US and Europe


Feature	US M&M's	European M&M's
GMO Status	Partially produced with genetically engineered ingredients.	Produced without genetically engineered ingredients.
Ingredient Sourcing	Uses corn and soy derivatives from the US supply chain, which includes GMO crops.	Sourced from non-GMO crops, adhering to stricter EU regulations.
Labeling	Packaging includes a statement indicating the use of genetically engineered ingredients.	Packaging does not carry a GMO statement, as products are non-GMO.
Recalls	Not subject to recalls for unauthorized GM ingredients.	Recalled in 2021 after an unauthorized GM ingredient was found in a specific product line.

Nutritional Context Beyond the GMO Debate

While the presence of GMO ingredients is a concern for some consumers, it is important to consider the broader nutritional context of M&M's. These candies are a high-sugar, high-calorie treat that should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, regardless of their GMO content. The primary health considerations associated with M&M's are their sugar content, which contributes to dental issues and can impact blood sugar levels, and high saturated fat content. Focusing solely on the GMO status can distract from the overall dietary impact of such a processed snack.

What to Look for on Food Labels

For consumers concerned about GMOs, reading food labels is crucial. In the US, the Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (or 'BE' symbol) now provides more standardized labeling than the pre-2016 language.

Look for Specific Labels: In the US, products with a USDA Organic seal are also required to be non-GMO, as per organic farming standards. Another reliable indicator is the Non-GMO Project Verified seal, which independently tests and verifies products are free from genetically engineered ingredients.
Check Ingredient Lists: Look for key ingredients that are frequently genetically modified, such as cornstarch, corn syrup, soy lecithin, and canola oil. While not a guarantee, if these are listed, there is a higher probability of GMO content unless a non-GMO certification is present.
Consider International Products: If you prefer to avoid GMOs, opting for versions of products manufactured for the European market can be an effective strategy.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

So, do M&Ms have GMOs? In the US, the answer is yes, due to common ingredients like corn syrup, cornstarch, and soy lecithin derived from genetically engineered crops. This is clearly stated on the packaging. However, M&M's sold in Europe do not contain GMOs, reflecting different regional regulations. Ultimately, understanding the presence of GMOs allows consumers to make informed purchasing decisions based on their dietary preferences. For most people, the nutritional impact of a high-sugar, processed snack is a more significant consideration for overall health than the source of its ingredients. By carefully reading labels and understanding what's in their food, consumers can better manage their nutrition and diet.

Learn more about food labeling and ingredient standards.

Authority Link

Mars, Incorporated GMO Policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Mars began adding GMO labeling to its products nationwide in 2016 in response to a new Vermont law that required such disclosures. The company opted for national labeling rather than creating a separate supply chain just for that state.

In the United States, many varieties of M&Ms contain ingredients from genetically engineered crops. However, this is not the case for M&Ms sold in Europe, where the products are non-GMO.

The ingredients most likely to be derived from GMO crops are corn derivatives like cornstarch and corn syrup, as well as soy lecithin, which acts as an emulsifier.

While some sugar beets are genetically modified, the sugar used in M&Ms could potentially be sourced from them. However, corn syrup is also a major sweetener, and it is almost certainly sourced from GMO corn.

According to candy maker Mars and many regulatory agencies, genetically engineered ingredients are safe for consumption. The labeling is primarily for consumer transparency and choice.

The artificial food dyes themselves are not genetically engineered, but they are often added to processed foods that contain other GMO-derived ingredients. The dyes have been a subject of other health debates, separate from the GMO discussion.

To check for GMOs in other candies, you can read the packaging for 'Bioengineered' or 'Partially produced with genetic engineering' labels. You can also look for official non-GMO certifications like the USDA Organic seal or the Non-GMO Project Verified label.