FAQ
1. What’s changed?
Smarties are now made with no artificial colours so there’s one more reason for Mom to choose her kids’ favourite treat.
2. What do you mean prepared from natural sources?
"Prepared from natural sources" means that materials used to manufacture these colours are from vegetable, mineral or animal sources and are drawn from the CFIA list of Permitted Natural Colours in Canada http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/labeti/decisions/coloure.shtml
3. Why are you making the change?
The move fits with the trend to healthier lifestyles and greater demand for fewer artificial ingredients.
4. Why now?
We’re always looking for ways to introduce product improvements and have been working on the change for a while. We wanted to maintain the great Smarties taste and appearance Canadians have come to expect. In order to meet our quality standards a considerable amount of research and time were required. We’ve now successfully developed recipes with no artificial colours that meet our standards, including keeping the same great Smarties taste.
5. Will the colours change?
The colours are a little bit different. They are pastel-like versions of the old colours, although they’re still vibrant. It’s proving very difficult to find a non-artificial blue and subsequently green colour (green is derived from blue and yellow) which meets all of our requirements. We’re still working on it and hope to bring these colours back soon.
6. Has the taste changed?
No, Smarties still have the same great taste. In fact, recent improvements in our factory and our processes deliver an even creamier chocolate.
7. Are Smarties made without artificial flavours too?
Vanillin is the only artificial flavour still used in Smarties. It’s very difficult to find a non-artificial vanilla flavour that meets all our requirements in terms of quality and affordability. We’re continuing to look for a solution to remove or replace Vanillin.
8. Can I still buy the ‘old’ Smarties?
No
9. Are the new Smarties peanut-free?
Only Nestlé Fav*rites treat size are always made in a peanut-free facility. While other Nestlé chocolate formats are also made in a peanut-free facility, sometimes we import brands from other Nestlé markets. So, we encourage consumers with peanut allergies to ALWAYS check the label on any food or beverage before consuming.
10. Are the new Smarties healthier?
Smarties have always been a treat and that doesn’t change with our move to no artificial colours. We are simply addressing a consumer trend to healthier lifestyles and demand for fewer artificial ingredients.
11. Has the sugar/fat/carbohydrates/protein/fibre/sodium/calorie content changed?
The nutritional value of Smarties without artificial colours remains the same. Only the colour components have been changed.
12. Where can I buy them?
You can buy Smarties with no artificial colours anywhere you’ve purchased Smarties in the past including grocery and drug stores, convenience stores and more. They’ll be available starting in March 2009.
13. How are you communicating the change?
There is a ‘No Artificial Colours’ flash on the front of Smarties packaging. Information is also posted on our web-sites at smarties.ca and nestle.ca. Additionally, look for our exciting print, transit, and outdoor campaign starting June 1, 2009.
