Which Food Companies Are Removing Artificial Food Dyes?

Many food companies are responding to federal pressure to remove artificial food dyes from their products.  Mounting evidence links synthetic food dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5 to behavioral issues such as hyperactivity and even allergic reactions-especially in children- so the pressure is on to reformulate foods.  Because the FDA has a 2025 initiative to phase out petroleum-based dyes, the food industry is responding.     

What is the FDA Initiative?

In April 2025, the head of the Food and Drug Administration announced they were working to eliminate several artificial food dyes including Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and Blue 2.  Another dye, Red 3 is scheduled to be banned by 2027 as research has found it caused cancer in laboratory rats.  Additionally, FDA announced it was approving “four new natural additives”. 

📊How prevalent are artificial food dyes in our foods?

According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Academics, about 20 percent of packaged foods and drinks contain artificial food dyes.  The study also noted that 28% of the top 5 categories of foods and beverages marketed to kids contained artificial food dyes. 

🏭Which food companies are stepping up to remove artificial food dyes? 

A number of companies are making real changes to eliminate artificial food dyes from their products.  PepsiCo will remove artificial food dyes from some products by the end of 2025.  Other products later.  Sam’s Club will remove artificial food dyes from its private label brands by the end of 2025. 

🌿 What’s Replacing Bright Colors?

Instead of synthetic dyes, companies are turning to nature’s palette:

• Beet juice, red cabbage, hibiscus, pomegranates for reds
• Purple sweet potato for purples
• Radish extract for pinks
• Gardenia blue (recently FDA-approved) for blues
• Turmeric, paprika, carrot, pumpkin for yellow

These alternatives not only offer vibrant hues but also come with added nutritional perks.

🚫 Who’s Not on Board?

One notable holdout: Mars Inc., the maker of Skittles and M&M’s, has yet to commit to removing synthetic dyes. Mars has said it is “actively exploring choice product alternatives that satisfy scientific safety criteria, technical requirements and consumer preferences.”  For families trying to avoid artificial additives, they may want to be aware of ingredients in Mars’s products.

💬 Why It Matters

Artificial dyes have long been linked to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and other health concerns—especially in children. “A review of the existing research, published in 2022, found evidence from both animal and human studies that suggested artificial food dyes can affect behavior in children.”  Removing them isn’t just a marketing move; it’s a public health win. As consumers, we can influence these changes by choosing dye-free products and supporting brands that prioritize health and wellness.

✅ Final Thoughts

People shifting away from artificial food dyes isn’t just a trend-it’s a meaningful step toward protecting public health, especially for children.  With the FDA’s 2025 initiative pushing for reformulation and growing evidence linking artificial dyes to behavioral and allergic concerns, food companies are now taking action.  From beet juice to gardenia blue, nature is proving it can color our foods beautifully-and safely. 

As consumers, we play a powerful role in this transformation.  By reading labels, asking questions, and choosing dye-free products, we send a clear message: health matters more than artificial colors in our foods.  The food in your pantry can still be vibrant-just without the chemical additives.

Thankfully FDA and other government agencies are promoting this change. 🌿

Sources:  food dyes, Initiative , Journal of Nutrition and Academics , companies, nature’s palette, said , Artificial dyes, children , public health

Image Sources:  Artificial Food Dyes, Candy