The MM Color Mystery: Origins, Health Concerns, and Evolution

Introduction to MM Colors

Named after the classic American confectionery company, MMs, are beloved for their distinctively small and colorful milk chocolate candies. Over the years, the variety of colors in MMs has led to much curiosity and speculation among consumers. One of the most intriguing changes in MM history is the elimination of a particular color in 1976, a decision tied to significant health concerns. This article delves into the origin of MM colors, the specific reasons behind the removal of red from the mix, and the evolution of MM colors over the decades.

Origins of MM Colors

When MMs first graced store shelves in 1941, they came in a limited but vibrant palette. The original colors were red, yellow, green, brown, and orange, sometimes including violet. Back then, the candy was marketed as simply “plain” MMs, reflecting their uniform milk chocolate flavor.

Violet and Tan: The Original Colors

Interestingly, the original lineup included violet, which was phased out in 1949. At the time, tan had a more favorable public image compared to violet, which led to its removal from the mix. Tan, on the other hand, remained a part of the lineup until 1995, when it was eventually replaced by blue. The later addition of blue gave the MMs a more cohesive and modern color palette.

FDC Red No. 2 and the Red Dye Controversy

The shift toward a color-free MMs red occurred in 1976, driven by health concerns. This decision was influenced by a significant event that occurred in 1971, when a Russian study linked the synthetic dye FDC Red No. 2 (also known as amaranth) to cancer. FDC Red No. 2 was a popular red food dye used not only in MMs but in other food products as well.

The 1976 Red Dye Controversy

The Russian study, which garnered global attention, sparked public controversy and led to the widespread scrutiny of artificial food dyes. Consequently, in 1976, Mars, the company behind MMs, made the decision to eliminate the red version of the candies from their mix. This move was intended to avoid any potential health risks and consumer confusion.

Untangling the Facts: The Red Dye Controversy

It is crucial to note that MMs did not use the specific red dye (FDC Red No. 2) that was found to potentially cause cancer in the Russian study. Nevertheless, the company removed the red color from the MMs mix as a precautionary measure. This move was made to allay consumer fears and maintain public trust.

Aftermath and Evolution

Following the 1976 red dye controversy, MMs continued to evolve. In 1995, the candy manufacturer introduced blue to the MMs mix, replacing tan. This change was not only aesthetic but also reflected the company's ongoing commitment to quality and safety.

Current MM Color Palette

Today, the MMs color palette consists of red, yellow, green, brown, orange, and blue. The specific distribution of colors in the mix is as follows: 30% brown, 20% each for yellow and red, and 10% each for orange, green, and blue. This balanced and diverse color palette ensures that each bag of MMs is a delightful mix of flavors and colors, exactly as consumers have come to expect.

Conclusion

The elimination of red from MMs in 1976 was a pivotal moment in the confectionery's history. While the controversy surrounding FDC Red No. 2 was significant, it ultimately led to a more transparent and consumer-friendly approach by the MMs manufacturing company. Today, MMs stand as a testament to the enduring popularity and quality of American confectionery, with a vibrant and ever-evolving color palette that captivates both old and new generations.