Nestle says it will stop using artificial dyes in U.S. foods, beverages by mid-2026

Nestle recently made a significant announcement, stating that they will be removing artificial colors from their U.S. food and beverage products by mid-2026. This decision follows similar pledges made by other major food companies, including Kraft Heinz and General Mills, who have committed to eliminating artificial dyes from their products by 2027.

General Mills, in particular, has stated that they will also be removing artificial dyes from their U.S. cereals and all foods served in K-12 schools by the middle of 2026. This move towards more natural ingredients has garnered widespread support, with two-thirds of Americans expressing a preference for processed foods to be reformulated to remove ingredients like added sugar or dyes.

The push for cleaner, more natural ingredients is not limited to just food companies. State governments, such as California, West Virginia, and Texas, have taken action to ban artificial dyes in foods served in schools. In fact, Governor Greg Abbott of Texas recently signed a bill requiring foods made with artificial dyes or additives to carry a safety label starting in 2027.

The federal government is also getting involved in the issue, with U.S. regulators banning the dye known as Red 3 from the nation’s food supply due to its potential cancer risk. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary have announced plans to eliminate synthetic dyes from food products by the end of 2026 through voluntary efforts from the food industry.

Nestle’s decision to remove artificial dyes is not new, as they had previously made a similar commitment in 2015 but failed to follow through. However, the company has stated that they have been gradually removing synthetic dyes from their products over the past decade, with 90% of their U.S. portfolio now free from these additives. One example of a product that still contains artificial dyes is Nesquik Banana Strawberry milk, which uses Red 3.

Nestle’s U.S. CEO, Marty Thompson, emphasized the company’s commitment to meeting the evolving nutritional needs and preferences of their customers. He stated, “We are always looking for different ways to offer great tasting, compelling choices for our consumers. As their diverse dietary preferences and nutritional needs evolve, we evolve with them.”

Overall, the move towards eliminating artificial colors from food products reflects a growing trend towards cleaner, more natural ingredients in the food industry. Consumers are increasingly demanding transparency and healthier options, and companies like Nestle are responding to these changing preferences.