Bye Bye, Blue No. 2: Nestle to Drop Ingredients

Nestle USA announced Feb. 17 that it would remove artificial flavors and colors from its candy products by the end of 2015

Those who go batty for Butterfingers and gaga for Goobers may notice a slight change in their favorite treats in the coming months.

Nestle USA has announced that it will remove artificial flavors and colors from its candy by the end of 2015.

"We know that candy consumers are interested in broader food trends around fewer artificial ingredients,” said Nestle USA President Doreen Ida in a press release. “As we thought about what this means for our candy brands, our first step has been to remove artificial flavors and colors without affecting taste or increasing the price. We're excited to be the first major U.S. candy manufacturer to make this commitment."

According to Nestle, consumers in the US prefer knowing their candy is free of artificial colors and flavors. That’s probably due in part to the fact that many Americans believe there is a link between food additives and cancer. But that link hasn’t been definitively proven.

The company says it will replace these flavors and colors with natural ingredients. And from here on, new candies and chocolates will also be free of artificial colors and flavors, according to the Nestle press release.

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