Nestle abandons artifical flavors

Nestle USA, the company whose brands includes 100 Grand, Crunch and Butterfinger announced plans to get rid of artificial flavors and colors from their chocolate bars by the end of the year. Artificial ingredients used for coloring such as Red 40 or Yellow 5 will be replaced by annatto. The decision comes as Americans are becoming more health conscious, and prefer all-natural foods.

"Consumers have been telling us that artificial colors and flavors are becoming a decision factor when they're making food purchases,” said Leslie Mohr, nutrition, health and wellness manager for Nestle. Although consumers will be aware that the artificial vanilla in their Crunch bar was swapped for natural vanilla, Nestle insists the change will not affect their ability to produce standard chocolate.

"When making these changes to more than 75 recipes, maintaining the great taste and appearance consumers expect from the chocolate brands they know and love is our No. 1 priority," said Mohr.