Dive Brief:
- Mars may be considering removing its candies from sugary dessert treats at fast food restaurants, such as McDonald's McFlurry or Burger King's Snickers Pie, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
- Such a move would be in line with Mars' public commitment to reduce sugar content across its portfolio to match guidelines from the FDA, World Health Organization, and other national and international nutrition committees.
- Sources told Reuters that Mars has been in discussions with its partners about its candies' inclusion in these products, which could lead to the candies' removal or reformulations. A Mars spokesperson did not confirm any details to Reuters, but said, "We are now working alongside our suppliers and customers to bring this commitment to life."
Dive Insight:
This rumor sheds light on just how far-reaching and impactful changes in the perception of sugar, at the consumer and regulatory levels, will be for manufacturers. For Mars to stay true to its commitment, the company has to do more than reduce sugar within its own product formulations.
Mars has been successful in establishing brand partnerships, ranging from fast food partners to other manufacturers, such as Hostess and its Mars candy-topped brownies. But those partnerships are now thrown into question. As a widely accepted indulgence, candy hasn't been as negatively affected by sugar concerns as other processed foods with "hidden" added sugar.
Mars has often been ahead of competitors when it comes to addressing health, transparency, and sustainability issues within its portfolio and supply chain, from reducing salt and sugar to GMO labeling. It has also been vocal in supporting regulatory changes that promote consumer health, such as the new added sugar line on Nutrition Facts panels.