Mars, the one-time maker of king-sized chocolate bars, is considering taking its M&Ms out of sugary dessert treats, including McDonald’s McFlurry.
An industry source familiar with Mars’ thinking said the company has had talks with the world’s largest fast-food chain and other partners about its candies’ inclusion in super sugary products.
The elimination of M&Ms – which contain 7.5 teaspoons of sugar, about a third as much as the large McFlurry, per serving – is just one idea on the table; also under consideration with McDonald’s and other partners, are recipe reformulations, the source said.
Mars is concerned desserts that feature its candies – such as the McFlurry, Burger King’s Snickers pie and Dairy Queen’s Blizzard – exceed in a single serving the amount of sugar the U.S. government recommends anyone eat in a day, the source said.
That kind of sugar load conflicts with Mars’ public stance that sweets are best enjoyed in moderation.
The company has promised publicly to limit sugar in all of its products to match guidelines from the world’s leading health authorities, including the World Health Organization and nutrition committees in the United States and United Kingdom.
A Mars spokesman declined to discuss details of any discussions with partners. But, in a statement to Reuters, the spokesman said, “We are now working alongside our suppliers and customers to bring this commitment to life.”
In 2008, Mars was the first confectionery company in the United States to list calories and sugar on the front of chocolate bars and other products. Competitors, initially baffled, later followed suit.
In 2013, Mars stopped selling king-sized candy bars and limited candy packages to 250 calories per serving.
And earlier this year, Mars advised customers to eat its most indulgent Dolmio pasta sauces and macaroni and cheese no more than once a week because of their high levels of salt, sugar and fat.
The company spokesman said Mars was promoting transparency and factual labeling, so that customers can enjoy its chocolate and confections as “occasional treats” in a balanced diet.
Read the entire story from NBC News here.
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