Kraft Heinz says it will remove artificial dyes from its U.S. products by the end of 2027

Kraft Heinz, a major player in the food industry known for brands like Jell-O, Capri Sun, and Kool-Aid, recently announced plans to remove artificial dyes from its products sold in the U.S. by the end of 2027. This move is part of the company’s commitment to using natural colors and eliminating synthetic dyes from its offerings. In addition, Kraft Heinz will no longer launch new products containing these dyes, effective immediately.

According to a statement released by Kraft Heinz, approximately 10% of its current product lineup contains artificial dyes. The company has already taken steps to replace these dyes in some products, such as Kraft Mac & Cheese, which underwent a formulation change back in 2016. Additionally, iconic products like Heinz Tomato Ketchup have always been free of artificial dyes. This decision aligns with a broader industry trend towards cleaner, more natural ingredients in response to consumer demand for transparency and healthier options.

The push to eliminate synthetic dyes from food products is not new. In April, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) called on the food industry to phase out the use of synthetic food dyes. This initiative was driven by concerns about the health effects of these dyes, which are derived from petroleum-based chemicals. While the FDA currently permits 36 food color additives, including eight synthetic dyes, there is growing pressure to transition to more natural alternatives.

In response to this call to action, Kraft Heinz is taking proactive steps to reduce its reliance on artificial dyes and transition to natural coloring agents. The company’s North America president, Pedro Navio, emphasized that the majority of their products already use natural or no colors, and they are committed to further reducing the use of synthetic dyes across their portfolio.

Although Kraft Heinz has not disclosed a comprehensive list of products containing artificial dyes, a spokesperson confirmed that items in their beverages and desserts categories, including brands like Crystal Light, Kool Aid, Jell-O, and Jet Puffed, are among those affected. This shift towards natural colors reflects a broader industry trend towards cleaner labels and greater transparency in food production.

Overall, Kraft Heinz’s decision to remove artificial dyes from its products is a significant step towards meeting consumer demand for healthier, more natural food options. As the company continues to innovate and reformulate its offerings, consumers can expect to see a wider range of products free from synthetic dyes and filled with wholesome, natural ingredients.