Vivid, colorful original Trix is returning to stores

It turns out some Trix eaters prefer artificial colors and flavors.

More than two years after General Mills removed artificial colors and flavors from Trix, the company is bringing back the original formula of the fruity, sugary cereal for people who prefer its "vibrant colors."

The "Classic Trix" — as it is now being called — will appear alongside the current version with no artificial flavors or colors.

"Our Trix fans have been calling us, e-mailing us and reaching out to us on social media asking if we would consider bringing back the original formulation of Trix cereal with its vibrant colors," General Mills said in an announcement Thursday. "Consumers have differing food preferences, and we heard from many Trix fans that they missed the bright vibrant colors and the nostalgic taste of the classic Trix cereal."

The internet, as it so often does, served as a breeding ground for nostalgic outrage earlier this year.

Many of these classic fans are also hoping General Mills brings back the fruit shapes. The Golden Valley-based company said it hopes to do so in the future.

Many consumer advocates and Wall Street analysts heralded General Mills' 2015 decision to rid its cereals of artificial colors and flavors, saying it showed adaptability by the cereal giant to consumers' desire for healthier breakfast choices.

But as General Mills discovered, not all consumers are alike.

"Not everyone likes the same thing — and that's perfectly OK. Our job is to make cereal people love," the company said in its statement.

More than 90 percent of the company's cereals are currently without artificial flavors and colors, derived from natural sources like turmeric, radishes, beets and strawberries.

Most of the artificial colors, which come from dyes like Red 40 and Blue 1, remaining in General Mills' cereals were in the marshmallows in Lucky Charms.

But that changes now with the return of the original Trix.

Kristen Leigh Painter • 612-673-4767