What is the most common color used in M & M candies?

For many years, a bag of M&M's would have indeed been dominated by a single color, with that color making up a substantial 30% of the mix. This particular shade was one of the original colors introduced when the candies were first produced in 1941. The initial lineup of colors also included red, yellow, green, and violet, which was later replaced by tan. This color distribution remained relatively stable for a long period, establishing it in the minds of many as the most plentiful color.

The color landscape of these popular candies has, however, shifted over the decades. In 1995, a significant change occurred when tan was replaced by blue in a widely publicized consumer vote. Further adjustments to the color ratios have been made since then. According to data from Mars, the manufacturer, by 2008 the color proportions had become more balanced. For instance, blue and orange were reported to be the most common in some manufacturing facilities.

These changes reflect a dynamic history, including the temporary removal of red M&M's in 1976 due to a health scare over a particular red food dye, even though it wasn't used in the candies. Red was reintroduced in 1987. The evolution of the M&M's color palette demonstrates how consumer preferences and marketing campaigns can influence even the smallest details of a well-known product, leading to a more colorful and varied mix than in the past.