Mars to slim down calories in candy bars

Snickers bars may soon satisfy you a bit less. Mars Inc., the makers of popular candy brands including M&M's and Twix, says it will stop making chocolate products that exceed 250 calories by the end of next year.

That means king-sized versions of the company's chocolate bars will disappear from candy aisles. The privately-held company also makes Milky Way, Bounty, 3Musketeers, and Kudos bars.

Mars also owns Wrigley, Uncle Ben's and Whiskas pet food.

A representative from Mars was not available to provide details on its calorie goals. But in an emailed statement, the company maintained that it has shown a "broad -based commitment to health and nutrition" in recent years.

In 2007, for example, the company said it would no longer market its chocolate directly to children under 12.