We recently received a shipment of one of our favorite licorice items - in case you don't know, we're big licorice fans - and the candy looked different than it did before.
Gone were the bright pastel colors that made this candy so visually appealing.
At first, we figured that something was wrong with the manufacturing process, but after tasting a few pieces, this candy was as delicious - and sadly, as addictive - as ever.
Ever curious, we reached out to the manufacturer, and here's what we learned.
On March 24, 2025, Governor Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia signed into law HB 2354, which will impose a ban on specified food additives, including seven food dyes, in food, drink, confectionery, or condiment products in the state.
Effective August 1, 2025, the law will ban the use of Red Dye No. 3, Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6, Blue Dye No. 1, and Green Dye No. 3 in any meal served in a school nutrition program.
As of January 2028, no food products containing these ingredients will be allowed for sale.
Being proactive, the manufacturer, along with several others, began removing these additives, and this has become the norm.
Although this doesn't change the taste of the candies in question, it's likely to change their appearance.
As to whether you want to continue enjoying a beloved candy that may look different, that's a matter of personal preference.
Candy lovers can rest assured that every manufacturer will have to follow the new ingredient laws, which will change how a beloved candy may look.
After all, as the old saying goes, " the only constant in life is change."
In an age when classic candies disappear far too frequently, we encourage consumers to view these new laws as "one small step backward for two big steps forward."
Your favorite candy may - and probably will - look different, but chances are, it still tastes as good and will be much healthier too!
