Snickers Maker Mars Inc. To End Sales Of Chocolate With More Than 250 Calories

Feb 15 (Reuters) - Mars Inc, the maker of Snickers and Twix candy bars, will stop selling chocolate products with more than 250 calories in them by the end of next year, a spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

The McLean, Virginia-based company, which also makes M&Ms and Skittles candies and Juicy Fruit chewing gum, said the goal is part of an ongoing effort to improve the nutritional value of its products and to sell them in a responsible way.

The new calorie limit target means fans of the 540-calorie king-size Snickers bar might want to enjoy the big bar while they can. Come 2014, it's going to be gone, part of what Mars says is a broader push for responsible snacking.

In 2007, the privately held company said it would stop buying advertising time or space if more than a quarter of the audience was likely to be under 12 years old.

Mars has also said it will reduce sodium levels in all its products 25 percent by 2015.

Spokeswoman Marlene Machut said the plan to stop shipping any chocolate product that exceeded 250 calories per portion by the end of 2013 - a target first announced last fall - was part of Mars' "broad-based commitment to health and nutrition."

Several media organizations, including National Public Radio, reported on the chocolate bar down-sizing this week.

Mars is one of the world's leading food manufacturers. In addition to candy, it makes Uncle Ben's rice and Dove ice cream bars as well as Pedigree and Whiskas brand pet food. (Reporting by James B. Kelleher; Editing by Daniel Trotta and Todd Eastham)

Comments

[Greg Tubbs]

02:10 AM on 02/26/2012

The interesting thing about this story is that I am still unclear as to whether Mars employed doctors and health experts to make this decision or if accountants were. In either case I wonder if as many meetings were held to drop the price in proportion to the product size or if they will be the same price due to "the healthier content". (feel free to substitute oil company representative here) Thank God due to the high gas prices I can buy microwave popcorn and stay home to watch a movie. (anyone ever wonder why the economy isn't taking off?)

[JackSchidt]

06:44 AM on 02/26/2012

well put. one thing this story neglects, which I noticed at the convenience store tonight, is that M&M's 6 ounce packet...formerly the one we bought for one person to eat, is now the SHARING size. same size as the old single serving...but now it's magically got two tiny servings instead of one NORMAL serving.

[Bike Commuter]

12:32 PM on 02/20/2012

I have to say, if you want to reduce the size of your product by 10%, and thus your production costs, then this is a good way to spin it.

But, its not going to keep people from eating a whole bag of fun size in one sitting.

[Bike Commuter]

12:27 PM on 02/20/2012

I just wish they would make the caffeine version again. It was actually a little smaller with fewer calories.

[martha high]

01:51 AM on 02/20/2012

sad thing nothing taste like it use to..and the taste will probably change again..

[King7David]

09:14 PM on 02/19/2012

Probably going to charge the same full size price.

[Argento1966]

08:31 PM on 02/19/2012

HAHAHAHA, it's like prescription Ibuprofen contains 800mg, but over the counter just 200mg. So I just take 4 instead of 1? Oh, America!

[nanaofmysky]

08:22 PM on 02/19/2012

It really will not make a difference. People are going to eat what they want and how much they want. I do not like Snickers.Very seldom do I buy candy but when I do I do not want someone to tell me what size I should eat. Actually I have bought a chocolate bar and put it on the fridge and forgotten about it. Guess I didn't really want it. LOL I actually prefer to buy the small bars,that way I can have 1 and feel fine with it. Last time I did that I took them to work and staff pigged out on them. Even so I do not think the price will change.

[bestlol]

06:25 PM on 02/19/2012

You know, you ain't tasting calories anyway and don't complain that you have one less chance of getting chubby, in general less calories is a good thing for our public. Don't like it? well then vote with your money.

[AlsoSarah]

06:11 PM on 02/19/2012

People aren't as stupid as the Banks, the Government, and marketers think. Clue to Mars...think Netflix.

[AlsoSarah]

06:10 PM on 02/19/2012

And the price of the smaller, "healthier", bars???? The same?????? Of course.

[DXM]

03:33 PM on 02/19/2012

All Mars is going to do is decrease the size of their candy bars to get under the 250 calorie limit while keeping the price the same. They'll get some good press for their allegedly "healthy" decision while improving the company's bottom line.

[justoneguy60]

11:05 AM on 02/19/2012

Two things will happen. People will horde the big bars and freeze them. The price for the smaller bar will either be the same or more. I'm going with more.

[Food Review 101 Web-Site]

08:43 PM on 02/18/2012

Big deal..they're only cutting like 30 calories from most bars

[DrugSniffingCat]

05:52 PM on 02/18/2012

The end of Supersizing didn't end obesity either.

[roudy]

01:56 AM on 02/18/2012

Does this mean no more free Snickers at the Snickers soccer tournament?

[justoneguy60]

11:14 AM on 02/19/2012

Your kids will get them, but in one bite sized forms, but the price will go up. So, pony up and suck it in.

[roudy]

10:52 AM on 02/20/2012

If I eat many Snickers I won't be sucking anything in.