What Brands Offer Dye-Free Candy?

December 26, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2025 announcement by Mars Wrigley, options of Skittles, M&M's, and other popular candies will be available without synthetic FD&C colors starting in 2026, signaling a growing trend toward cleaner ingredients. Parents and health-conscious consumers are seeking out alternatives, leading many to ask: what brands offer dye-free candy?

Quick Summary

Several brands cater to the dye-free candy market, utilizing natural colors derived from fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based sources. These options range from fruity gummies and lollipops to chocolate bars and coated gems, providing alternatives for those with sensitivities or a preference for fewer artificial additives.

Key Points

YumEarth: Offers a wide range of certified organic and allergy-friendly products, including lollipops and gummies, colored with fruit and vegetable juices.
Unreal: Specializes in cleaner-ingredient chocolate alternatives like Milk Chocolate Gems, naturally colored and Fair Trade certified.
SmartSweets: Features low-sugar, high-fiber, and plant-based dye-free gummies like Peach Rings and Sweet Fish.
Label Reading: Critical for identifying dye-free candy; look for phrases like “no artificial colors” or the USDA Organic seal and check the ingredient list for specific FD&C colors.
Chocolate Options: Many solid chocolate products from mainstream brands like Hershey's, Reese's, and Lindt are naturally dye-free, although colored versions are not.
Natural Colorants: Common natural colors are derived from sources such as beetroot, turmeric, spirulina, and fruit and vegetable juices.
Mars Wrigley Shift: Major companies are adapting, with Mars Wrigley announcing dye-free versions of popular candies like Skittles and M&M's starting in 2026.

The Rise of Dye-Free Candy: A Natural Shift

Concerns about the potential health effects of artificial food dyes, including links to hyperactivity in some children and general safety worries, have driven a significant shift in consumer preferences. In response, a growing number of candy manufacturers are innovating, moving away from synthetic dyes towards natural colorings derived from fruits, vegetables, and plant extracts. This movement offers a spectrum of vibrant, and often organic, alternatives to traditional candies, without compromising on flavor.

Popular Brands Offering Dye-Free Candy

For those seeking treats without synthetic colors, a variety of brands offer delicious alternatives. From classic chocolate to chewy gummies, there's a dye-free option for every sweet tooth.

YumEarth: A pioneer in the organic candy space, YumEarth is known for its wide selection of allergy-friendly, non-GMO products. Their range includes Organic Lollipops, Organic Giggles (a dye-free Skittles alternative), and Organic Chewys, all colored with fruit and vegetable juices.
Unreal: This brand specializes in chocolate treats that mimic popular favorites but with cleaner ingredients. Unreal's Milk Chocolate Gems, for example, are a well-regarded M&M's alternative that are colored naturally.
SmartSweets: Focusing on low-sugar and high-fiber candy, SmartSweets also avoids artificial colors and flavors. They offer popular dye-free options like Peach Rings and Sweet Fish, which are plant-based.
Black Forest Organic: Another great source for organic gummy bears and fruit snacks. Black Forest uses natural sources like real fruit juice concentrates for coloring their gelatin-based candies.
Lovely Candy Co.: With a variety of products, Lovely offers dye-free fruit chews and caramels. Their organic candies are often vegan and made without artificial ingredients.
Cocomels: For caramel lovers, Cocomels provides delicious coconut milk caramels that are plant-based, organic, and free from synthetic dyes.

Comparing Popular Dye-Free Candy Brands

Making the switch to dye-free doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or variety. Here is a comparison of some of the leading brands and their offerings.


Brand	Product Type	Natural Color Source	Key Differentiator	Availability
YumEarth	Lollipops, Gummies, Chews	Fruit & Vegetable Juices	Certified organic and free from top allergens	Major grocery stores, online
Unreal	Chocolate Gems, Bars, Cups	Vegetable Juices, Beetroot	Fair Trade certified chocolate alternatives	Whole Foods, online, specialty stores
SmartSweets	Gummy Rings, Fish	Fruit & Vegetable Juices	Low sugar, high fiber, and plant-based	Target, Walmart, online
Black Forest Organic	Gummy Bears, Fruit Snacks	Fruit Juice Concentrates	Affordable, organic gummy options	Major grocery stores, online
Lovely Candy Co.	Caramels, Chews	Fruit & Vegetable Juices	Diverse product line, including chews and caramels	Whole Foods, Sprouts, online

How to Identify Dye-Free Candy in the Aisle

Label reading is crucial when shopping for dye-free candy. Look for specific claims on the packaging, such as “no artificial colors,” “colored with fruit and vegetable juices,” or the USDA Organic seal, as USDA Organic products are prohibited from using synthetic food dyes. Always check the ingredient list for specific color additives like FD&C Blue No. 1, Red No. 40, or Yellow No. 5. As some conventional brands offer dye-free varieties alongside their traditional products, don't assume a product is clean simply based on the brand name. Mars Wrigley's recent announcement to roll out dye-free versions of Skittles and M&M's shows how this is becoming more common.

The Move to Natural: Why It Matters

The shift to natural colorings is more than a marketing trend; it reflects a broader consumer interest in cleaner, more transparent food. Natural colors, derived from sources like beets, turmeric, and spirulina, are often less processed and can offer peace of mind to consumers concerned about the effects of artificial additives. For individuals with sensitivities or dietary restrictions, this growing market provides more inclusive and safer options. This movement is a testament to the power of consumer demand, driving big food companies to re-evaluate their ingredients and prioritize wellness without sacrificing taste.

Conclusion: A Colorful and Conscious Choice

The market for dye-free candy has expanded dramatically, with numerous brands now offering tasty and naturally colored alternatives. From organic fruit-flavored gummies to ethically sourced chocolate gems, options like YumEarth, Unreal, and SmartSweets demonstrate that you can enjoy delicious treats without artificial dyes. By learning to read labels and seeking out specific brands, consumers can make informed choices that align with their health preferences. The rise of dye-free candy is a sweet success story for natural food options, proving that the future of confectionery is both colorful and conscious. Learn more about the ingredients in candy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people seek dye-free candy due to concerns about the health effects of artificial food dyes, including potential links to hyperactivity in children and other adverse reactions.

While most plain milk and dark chocolate products are naturally dye-free, it's important to check the label for any colored coatings or fillings, as these often contain artificial dyes. Brands like Unreal specialize in naturally colored chocolate gems.

To identify dye-free candy, look for specific packaging claims like “no artificial colors” or check the ingredients list for named FD&C colors (e.g., Red 40, Blue 1). Products with the USDA Organic seal are also guaranteed to be free of synthetic dyes.

Natural food coloring alternatives are derived from sources like fruits (beetroot, berries), vegetables (spirulina, cabbage), and spices (turmeric). Manufacturers use extracts or juices from these plants to achieve various colors.

While the taste profile can vary by brand and recipe, most dye-free candies are formulated to taste very similar to traditional candies, ensuring a satisfying flavor experience.

Yes, many brands that focus on dye-free options also use organic, non-GMO, and natural ingredients. Some, like SmartSweets, are also low in sugar and high in fiber.

Dye-free candy can be found at major retailers like Target and Walmart, health food stores such as Whole Foods, and online marketplaces like Amazon and specialty sites.