Dyes: How Processed becomes Natural

Dear Lowdown:

I’ve heard a rumor that blue M&Ms taste better than all the rest of the colors because of some substance that’s only found in blue dye. Is this true?

- Caroline Shadle (Chicago)




Dear Caroline:

Original milk chocolate M &Ms are basically made up of two things: the milk chocolate inside, and that crunchy outer shell that comes in different colors. The inside always has the same ingredients: cocoa butter, sugar and milk. The outermost layer of the shell is where the different dyes are used for color. Here is an overview of how exactly those M&M’s are made:

First off, it should be noted that M&Ms are factory made, and as such are produced in huge quantities (just think of how many are in only one bag!). The process starts with making the interior of the candies. Liquid milk chocolate is poured into the rounded M&M shape mold, and left to harden. Then, several layers of color neutral coating, made from corn syrup and sugar, are applied to the chocolates. This process is known as panning. After the coating on all the candies has reached a certain desired thickness, the last layer of coating is swiped on; the layer which also happens to give the candies their differing colors (Jenkins). For red M&Ms, the dye red 40 is used, for blue M&Ms, blue number 1 and 2 are used, for green, green 3, for brown, a mixture of dyes, for yellow, yellow 5, and for orange, yellow 6 (“Basic Food Guide to Food Color Concentrates”). Then, to minimize the cracking of your precious M&Ms, they are placed on a conveyor belt, and a rubber roller rolls over them, coming out with the characteristic “M”. Sorted by color and accordingly put into bags, they are then sealed, and shipped off to stores (Jenkins). This is where you come in: tempted by your favorite candy that’s only 3 bucks, you grab a bag (or two) pay, open, enjoy.

Now back to the dyes. As previously mentioned blue M&M’s are made with the dye Blue Number 1 and/or Blue Number 2, which are both FDA approved dyes. Blue Number 1, or “brilliant blue” is made from an oil base, while Blue Number 2 is a synthetic version of indigo, and alternately called indigotine. Now do they give blue M&Ms a “better” taste? Well technically, no.

Food coloring or food dyes have one purpose which they carry out quite well; they have the power to give a bland looking food a vivid attractive color. This makes the food more appealing to consumers while keeping the food’s flavor intact. Psychologically, however, different colors do influence people in the food they choose. If a person prefers a specific color, say like blue, they might be inclined to eat the blue M&Ms more. Other people with a preference for blue might be so in love with the color that they believe that blue M&Ms taste way better than those of other colors. In other words, the taste of the same foods of different colors is different for individuals with different preferences for color.

Food dyes, however, are not confined to M&M’s and candy; they are actually quite versatile, appearing most often in other processed foods (which are stored or packaged). In these cases, the dyes are used to cover up the unappealing appearance of the processed foods to make them look “natural”. Blemishes disappear, colors become more vibrant and the foods have even color throughout. One fine example is the Maraschino cherries that are used to top ice cream sundaes. The cherries usually appear beige in color after being dipped in a preservative solution (a brine solution with either sulfur dioxide or alcohol). They are dipped in red food dye to make the cherries more “natural” looking, more appealing (“Food Color Facts”). The epitome of artificial, Maraschino cherries owe their natural visual appeal to food dyes. M&M’s also fall into this category, as the natural chocolate is covered with a sugary, dye-infused outer shell. Sometimes even those good-for-your-health fruits are “fixed” with dyes!

In addition to faking natural, food dyes commit the more serious crime of actually influencing the behavior of young children. Parents of children who consume Capri Sun, Lunchables, various hard candies, candy bars, etc. (which, in this day in age, is quite a lot of kids) report a change in their children’s behavior. The kids are hyperactive, throw more tantrums, and have fitful sleep. When parents eliminate all the processed and preserved foods from their children’s diets, their children’s behavior improves considerably: the kids sleep better, are calmer, and are less prone to mood swings (Weigel). And still, the FDA stands by its approval of food dyes, allowing these processed and preserved foods to continue to be sold and eaten, causing these problems to continue, especially if their people are ignorant of what may be contributing to these difficult behaviors.

To come all the way back to your question, my answer is this: if your favorite color is blue, then blue M&Ms’ might very well taste better to you.

Sincerely,

Irina Mondescu







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