Mars Wrigley U.S. Extends Consumer Choice - Introducing Product Options Made Without FD&C Colors Next Year
In 2026, products made without Food, Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) colors will be available in the United States across gum, fruity confection and chocolate candy from several of our iconic brands - EXTRA, SKITTLES, STARBURST and M&M’S
Mars Wrigley North America has been on an innovation journey over the past few years, dedicated to bringing products that provide consumers delicious choices when they treat.
In the United States, we are engaged closely with regulators and aware of the increased dialogue and activity regarding colors. All our products meet the high standards and applicable regulations set by food safety authorities around the world, including the FDA.
Our experts are exploring alternatives that satisfy scientific safety criteria, technical requirements and consumer preferences. As an extension of these continued efforts, Mars Wrigley is pleased to share our intention to be among the first major CPG companies to offer choice products made without FD&C colors in 2026.
Details include:
- Introducing four options made without FD&C colors in 2026.
- Making these products available nationwide online across the United States.
- Offering these choice items under the umbrellas of our biggest brands across our biggest categories such as gum, fruity confection, and chocolate candy.
- Brands that will soon have options made without FD&C colors: M&M’s Chocolate, Skittles Original, Extra Gum Spearmint and Starburst Original fruit chews. When we have identified fully effective, scalable solutions across the entire portfolio, we will share additional item commitments and timelines.
Our team in North America is always working hard for our consumers and in partnership with our stakeholders to make positive contributions to the treating and snacking categories. Some of our Mars Wrigley North America accomplishments include:
- Leading for over a decade as a founding member and major contributor to the efforts and successful outcomes of the National Confectioners Association (NCA) “Always A Treat”(Opens a new window) initiative. As a result of Mars Wrigley’s contribution, the entire confectionary industry exceeded voluntary commitments(Opens a new window).
- Voluntarily introducing lower sugar version of iconic brands like STARBURST, such as STARBURST Goodies – a plant-based, reduced sugar, and gluten-free product made with real fruit juice that are already available on the market and made without FD&C colors.
- Proudly being the first confectionery company to launch front-of-pack nutrition labeling globally(Opens a new window), making it easier for consumers to understand caloric content and help make informed choices at a glance.
- Committing to variety in pack sizes and smaller portion options, we offer treats that contain no more than 200 calories per serving.
- Leading the way with Mars' Global Marketing Code, launched in 2007 as one of the first of its kind, committed to avoiding advertising to children under 13, promoting transparency and compliance, and encouraging healthy, balanced diets and active lifestyles across all food-related brands.
Anton Vincent, President of Mars Wrigley North America & Global Ice Cream, commented on the journey: “At Mars Wrigley, we are in the business of delighting and treating the millions of consumers who love our products. Our approach is always consumer-focused and science-led, and all of our delicious Mars Wrigley products meet the high standards and applicable regulations set by food safety authorities around the world, including the FDA.”
For more than 100 years Mars has been proud to bring our consumers safe products they love, and we are always evolving to meet market preferences while delivering exceptional quality and taste. We will continue to deliver against this standard, always guided by The Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom.
