All M&M's in the US contain Red Dye 40
It's a common misconception that only red M&M candies contain Red Dye 40. For M&M's sold in the United States, Red Dye 40 is a component in the coloring process for all the different colors found in the standard bag. It's combined with other dyes like Yellow 5 and Blue 1 to create the full spectrum of colors, including brown, green, and orange. Therefore, sorting out red candies won't help avoid this specific artificial color. Checking the ingredient label for any M&M's product is the best approach for those concerned, as the presence of Red 40 is required to be listed.
The History Behind M&M's and Red Dyes
The red M&M was removed from bags in the US in 1976 due to public concerns about Red Dye No. 2, which the FDA banned. Although M&M's used Red Dye No. 40, not No. 2, the color was temporarily discontinued. The red M&M returned in 1987.
Why Different M&M Flavors Use Red 40
Red Dye 40 is used across most US M&M's products, including Milk Chocolate, Peanut, and Caramel varieties. This helps achieve the brand's vibrant colors. The specific dye mix varies, but Red 40 is typically present in US formulas.
US vs. International M&M's Ingredients
Ingredients in M&M's differ between the US and other countries, like in Europe. European M&M's often use alternative colorants such as carmine (E120). Checking local ingredient lists is recommended if purchasing M&M's abroad.
A Look at the Labels: What to Search For
Consumers in the US can find Red Dye 40 listed under "Coloring" or "Colors" on M&M's packaging.
For a detailed comparison of M&M's varieties and their dyes in the US, as well as information on alternatives without artificial dyes and Mars Wrigley's plans for dye-free options, please refer to {Link: ABC News https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Food/mars-wrigley-announces-skittles-mms-candy-free-synthetic/story?id=124644924}.
This article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or food allergy consultation. Always consult a healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making dietary changes. {Link: Healthline https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/understanding-food-dye-allergies}
Key takeaways
- All US M&M's contain Red Dye 40: The artificial color is used in the overall coloring mixture for all standard M&M candies, not just the red ones.
- Ingredients are listed clearly: US packaging is legally required to list Red 40 (or Red 40 Lake) under the "Coloring" section of the ingredients list.
- Dye is used for all candy colors: Even brown, green, and white M&Ms contain a mix of dyes, including Red 40, to achieve their final appearance.
- International formulas differ: European M&M's use different colorings, such as carmine (E120), and do not contain Red Dye 40.
- Alternatives are available: For those avoiding artificial dyes, there are other brands like Unreal and YumEarth that offer similar dye-free chocolate candies.
- Mars is exploring dye-free options: Mars Wrigley has announced that dye-free options for some products, including M&M's, will become available in 2026.
FAQs
Question: Do any M&M's contain Red Dye 40, or is it just the red ones? Answer: In the United States, all varieties of M&M's contain Red Dye 40, as it is part of the dye blend used to create all the candy colors.
Question: Is Red Dye 40 the only artificial color in M&M's? Answer: No, Red Dye 40 is typically used in combination with other artificial colors like Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and Blue 2 to create the full range of M&M candy colors.
Question: Why did M&M's stop making red candies in the 1970s? Answer: Mars removed the red M&M in 1976 due to consumer fears over a different dye, Red No. 2, which had been linked to cancer and banned by the FDA. Although M&M's never contained Red No. 2, the company removed the color to avoid public confusion.
Question: Are M&M's sold in Europe different from the ones in the US? Answer: Yes, M&M's sold in Europe often use different colorants, such as carmine (E120) derived from insects, to comply with different food safety regulations.
Question: How can I check if a bag of M&M's has Red Dye 40? Answer: You can check the ingredients list on the packaging under the "Coloring" or "Colors" section for ingredients listed as "Red 40" or "Red 40 Lake".
Question: What are some alternatives to M&M's that do not contain Red Dye 40? Answer: Some alternatives include brands like Unreal and YumEarth, which produce chocolate candies colored with natural ingredients like beetroot and turmeric.
Question: Are M&M's going to remove artificial dyes from their products? Answer: Mars Wrigley has announced that options of certain candies, including M&M's, will be available without synthetic dyes starting in 2026.
Question: Is Red Dye 40 only in the red M&M's during holidays? Answer: No, even in holiday-themed assortments like Christmas blends, Red Dye 40 is a component in the coloring process for all the M&M candies, not just the red ones.
