Health revolution hits the candy industry

Nestlé will be first U.S. candy manufacturer to remove artificial flavors and colors from its products

Nestlé will be the first candy manufacturer in the U.S. to remove artificial ingredients in its existing products.
Nestle/for PhillyVoice

Chocoholics, be warned.

Nestlé USA – the company that makes your beloved Butterfinger, Crunch and Baby Ruth bars – has announced its plan to remove all artificial flavors and colors from its products by the end of the year.

In doing so, the company will be the first candy manufacturer in the U.S. to make the health-conscious move, following its customers' feedback and requests.

The recipe tweaks will include swapping Red 40 and Yellow 5 in Butterfingers with annatto, a type of seed, as well as replacing the artificial vanilla flavor found in Crunch bars with the natural alternative, said Doreen Ida, Nestle’s president of confections and snacks.

But before you flock to the grocery store checkout aisles to snatch up the last of the unadulterated treats, know that the company has pledged to maintain the candies’ flavor and cost. 

Whew.