Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Kraft Heinz to Remove Artificial Dyes from U.S. Products by 2027
Kraft Heinz is set to eliminate certain synthetic food colorings from its U.S. product lines, starting in 2027. The company will also refrain from introducing any new items containing these artificial dyes.
This decision follows close on the heels of statements from U.S. health authorities, who have encouraged food manufacturers to gradually discontinue the use of petroleum-derived artificial colors in the national food supply.
On Tuesday, Kraft Heinz announced that nearly 90% of its U.S. products are already free of Food, Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) colors. The remaining products that still utilize these synthetic additives will have them removed by the close of 2027. FD&C colors are synthetic additives sanctioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for incorporation into food, drugs, and cosmetics.
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Product Categories Affected by the Change
Kraft Heinz indicated that many of its U.S. offerings that still include FD&C colors are within the beverage and dessert sectors. These include specific items sold under brands such as:
- Crystal Light
- Kool-Aid
- Jell-O
- Jet Puffed
The company affirmed that it will transition to using natural colors in these products.
Company Statement on Eliminating Synthetic Food Colorings
“The vast majority of our products use natural or no colors, and we’ve been on a journey to reduce our use of FD&C colors across the remainder of our portfolio,” stated Pedro Navio, North America President at Kraft Heinz.
Kraft Heinz previously removed artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives from its macaroni and cheese in 2016 and has historically avoided using artificial dyes in its ketchup.
The company intends to collaborate with its brand licensees, encouraging them to also eliminate these artificial dyes.
FDA’s Position on Synthetic Dyes
In April, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary conveyed at a news conference that the agency would take actions to phase out synthetic dyes by the end of 2026, primarily through voluntary cooperation from the food sector.
Health Concerns and Regulatory Landscape
Health advocates have consistently urged the removal of artificial dyes from foods, citing various studies suggesting they could contribute to neurobehavioral disorders in some children, including hyperactivity and attention deficits. However, the FDA maintains that approved dyes are safe, stating that “the totality of scientific evidence shows that most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives.”
The FDA presently permits the use of 36 food color additives, including eight synthetic dyes. In January, the agency announced a ban on the dye known as Red 3 — commonly found in candies, cakes, and certain medications — in food products by 2027, due to its carcinogenic effects observed in laboratory rats.
Global Trends in Food Coloring
Artificial dyes are commonly used in U.S. food products. In contrast, manufacturers in Canada and Europe—where synthetic colors must carry warning labels—generally opt for natural substitutes. Several U.S. states, including California and West Virginia, have enacted legislation to limit the use of artificial colors in food.
Alternative Color Sources in Food Manufacturing
According to Sensient Colors, a major producer of food dyes and flavorings, many U.S. food businesses are already modifying their recipes. Food manufacturers may utilize natural pigments derived from beets, algae, crushed insects, purple sweet potatoes, radishes, and red cabbage as replacements for synthetic dyes.