WASHINGTON — Mars Inc., the company behind M&M's, plans to eliminate blue and brown from its iconic candy lineup as part of a broader initiative to remove artificial dyes from the product, according to multiple reports.

The changes coincide with the candy's 85th anniversary in August, marking a significant evolution for one of the world's most recognized confectionery brands. The company has been working to develop naturally colored alternatives for several years, facing technical and cost challenges in replicating certain hues.

Blue and brown have proven particularly difficult to produce without synthetic additives. Mars has successfully recreated red and yellow using natural ingredients such as turmeric and beets. However, achieving stable blue requires spirulina extract, a concentrated blue-green algae powder that presents manufacturing complications.

Spirulina does not fully dissolve in water, potentially causing clogs in spray nozzles and buildup in production equipment. The ingredient also carries a significantly higher cost compared to traditional dyes, ranging from $20 to $100 per pound versus approximately $10 per pound for turmeric.

Company executives reportedly considered limiting colors to red, orange and yellow, evoking a sunset theme, but ultimately decided against that approach. The transition will........

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