What is the red coloring in M&Ms? A deeper look into food additives and your Nutrition Diet

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

In the 1970s, red M&M's were famously pulled from shelves due to public fear over a synthetic dye, even though the candy did not contain that specific substance. This historical event brings attention to the common consumer question: What is the red coloring in M&Ms?, highlighting how additives impact decisions within a mindful Nutrition Diet.

Quick Summary

The red color in M&M's has a complex history tied to food safety scares, with modern versions using different dyes in various regions. US M&M's contain synthetic Red 40, while European versions often use natural carmine. Public interest drives candy makers to reformulate their products, influencing decisions for healthier eating patterns.

Key Points

1970s 'Red Scare': Red M&M's were removed in 1976 to avoid public confusion and concern about Red Dye No. 2, a banned dye at the time, although M&M's used Red Dye No. 40.
Red 40 in the US: Red M&M's sold in the United States primarily use Red Dye 40, a synthetic dye.
Carmine in Europe: European versions of red M&M's often contain carmine, a natural dye derived from cochineal insects.
Health Concerns: While Red 40 is generally considered safe by the FDA, some studies link certain food dyes to hyperactivity in sensitive children.
Industry Shift: Mars has committed to removing synthetic dyes, including Red 40, from its US products by 2026, responding to demand for natural ingredients.
Nutrition Diet Implications: The changes in M&M's coloring illustrate how consumer demand for natural ingredients influences the food industry and aligns with a Nutrition Diet focus on whole foods.

The bright red color of M&M's is a signature feature of the iconic candy, yet it carries a history filled with public misconceptions and evolving food science. Understanding the journey of this particular shade from the 1970s 'Red Scare' to its current formulation offers insight into how food additives are perceived and regulated. It also provides a valuable case study for those following a Nutrition Diet and seeking more natural food alternatives.

The great red dye scare of the 1970s

In 1976, Mars, Inc. removed red M&M's from their assortment to avoid consumer fears related to an FDA ban on Red Dye No. 2 (amaranth). Despite the fact that red M&M's used Red Dye No. 40, a different chemical, the company decided to remove the color to prevent confusion following studies suggesting Red Dye No. 2 might be carcinogenic. Red M&M's were brought back in 1987.

Synthetic vs. natural red dyes today

Currently, the red coloring in M&M's differs depending on the region due to varying food additive regulations and consumer demand for natural ingredients.

United States M&M's

Red 40 (Allura Red AC): This synthetic, petroleum-based dye is the main red colorant in US M&M's. It is FDA-approved, but in Europe, products containing Red 40 require a warning label about potential effects on children's activity and attention.
Other synthetic dyes: Other synthetic dyes like Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 are also used in combination.

European M&M's

Carmine (E120, Cochineal extract): European M&M's often use carmine, a natural dye made from cochineal insects, as their red coloring. This dye has been used for centuries but is not suitable for vegans due to its animal source.

The ongoing push for reformulation

Consumer pressure regarding food additives has prompted Mars to commit to removing synthetic dyes from US products. Mars intends to offer candies without synthetic colors like Red 40 by 2026, which aligns with consumer preference for cleaner labels and transparency {Link: abcnews.go.com https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Food/mars-wrigley-announces-skittles-mms-candy-free-synthetic/story?id=124644924}.

Health implications of red dyes in a nutrition diet

Food dyes such as Red 40 are generally considered safe in standard amounts by regulatory bodies, though there is ongoing discussion about their health effects, particularly in children. Some studies suggest a possible connection between certain food dyes and increased hyperactivity in children, but more research is needed. Many parents opt to limit these additives in their children's diets. Both artificial and natural food colors can occasionally cause allergic reactions. A balanced Nutrition Diet prioritizes whole, unprocessed foods like fruits and vegetables, which offer natural color and reduce exposure to artificial dyes.

What is the red coloring in M&Ms? A comparison

A comparison of US and European M&M's shows differences in the primary red dye used, source, regulation, suitability for vegans, associated concerns, and long-term outlook. This table highlights that US M&M's typically use the synthetic Red 40, while European M&M's often use natural carmine.

The future of M&M's and food dyes

The candy industry is evolving to meet consumer demand for natural ingredients {Link: abcnews.go.com https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Food/mars-wrigley-announces-skittles-mms-candy-free-synthetic/story?id=124644924}. Mars' decision to shift towards natural color alternatives for US products suggests future candies may derive colors from ingredients such as beetroot juice or paprika. This aligns with consumer interest in clean labeling and provides support for those following a clean Nutrition Diet and seeking transparency in their food.

Conclusion

The history of red coloring in M&M's, from the 1970s scare to the current variations in the US and Europe, reflects the changing landscape of food additives. Manufacturers are moving towards natural alternatives driven by consumer preferences. While the health risks of modern food dyes are generally considered low for most individuals at typical consumption levels, the changes in M&M's coloring exemplify a broader movement towards healthier eating and greater transparency in food production. For those focused on a mindful Nutrition Diet, the story of the red M&M underscores the value of being aware of all ingredients, even in occasional treats. For further details on food dyes and health, refer to Healthline {Link: Healthline https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/red-dye-40}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red M&M's were discontinued in 1976 because of public fear and confusion surrounding Red Dye No. 2, which was banned by the FDA at the time due to inconclusive safety studies. Mars temporarily removed the color, even though they used a different dye (Red 40), to avoid consumer anxiety.

For most people, Red Dye 40 is considered safe to consume by regulatory bodies like the FDA and World Health Organization. However, some studies suggest a link between the dye and hyperactivity in sensitive children, and rare allergic reactions have been reported.

Carmine is a natural red dye derived from cochineal insects. It is used in many European versions of M&M's to provide the red color, as regulations differ from the United States. Its animal origin makes it unsuitable for vegans.

To avoid synthetic red dyes, focus on a diet rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, which naturally contain no additives. Always check food labels for ingredients like 'Red 40,' 'Red 3,' or 'E129'.

No, Mars never used Red Dye No. 2 (amaranth) in M&M's. The company always used Red Dye No. 40 in the US for its red candies, but removed them in 1976 to prevent public confusion over the dye ban.

Mars has announced plans to phase out synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, from its US products by 2026. This is in response to increasing consumer demand for more natural ingredients and a cleaner label.

For the vast majority of people, the color of an M&M does not affect its flavor, as the coloring is largely tasteless and overwhelmed by the chocolate. Any perceived difference is psychological. The dyes are used purely for visual appeal.