The M&M rainbow is getting smaller.
The Mars Wrigley Confectionery candy has been a popular choice since they were brought to market in 1941. Now, the treat is losing two of its iconic colors.
In July 2025, the company announced that the sugar-coated, dragée chocolate would be available in four colors made without FD&C (Food, Drug & Cosmetic) this year.
“Our experts are exploring alternatives that satisfy scientific safety criteria, technical requirements and consumer preferences,” the company said. “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.”
M&M’s come in red, yellow, green, blue, orange, and brown, but in an effort to follow Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, the company aims to stop using artificial dyes.
“In the United States, we are engaged closely with regulators and aware of the increased dialogue and activity regarding colors,” Mars said. “All our products meet the high standards and applicable regulations set by food safety authorities around the world, including the FDA.”
According to Fox Businessand the Wall Street Journal, the search for natural dyes that replicate the candy’s colors has been more difficult and more expensive than anticipated.
Now, M&M’S will lose their blue and brown color.
This change will particularly affect Amazon purchases. The company will offer non-FD&C versions of M&M’S Chocolate, Skittles Original, Extra Gum Spearmint, and Starburst Original fruit chews.
For fans of the blue and brown M&M’S, reportedly not being eliminated, but will not be initially sold on Amazon.
