Mars is stepping up its efforts to remove artificial colours from its confectionery products, the company said today (13 September).

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The Starburst brand will be free from all artificial colours by the end of year, Mars told just-food this afternoon.


The company will also take steps to remove certain artificial colours from its Skittles brand by the end of the year.


“Skittles will be free from all the artificial colours highlighted in the study by Southampton University by the end of this year,” a Mars spokesperson said.


The moves follow the publication last week of a study from Southampton University that claimed to show a link between certain artificial food additives and colourings and hyperactivity in children.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The Mars spokesperson added: “”We have already removed four colours mentioned in the Southampton study from Peanut and Choco M&M’s and we will remove E104 by the end of this year.


“We will continue to review the use of additives in our brand portfolio.  All additives are clearly listed on the packs.”