
Kraft Heinz shared on Tuesday that it plans to remove all artificial food dyes from its US products by the end of 2027.
This change will affect well-known items like Jell-O, Capri Sun, and Kool-Aid.
The company also said it will no longer launch new products that contain synthetic dyes, starting immediately.
This decision follows growing concern about the health effects of artificial dyes, especially on children.
It also comes in response to increased pressure from government officials, including US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is calling for food companies to move away from synthetic additives.
According to CBS News, Kraft Heinz revealed that around 10% of its products still contain artificial dyes. Many of these items fall under the company's beverage and dessert brands like Kool-Aid, Crystal Light, Jell-O, and Jet-Puffed marshmallows.
However, the company has already made changes in recent years. For example, Kraft Mac & Cheese removed artificial colors back in 2016, and products like Heinz Tomato Ketchup never included them.
"The vast majority of our products use natural or no colors," said Pedro Navio, president of Kraft Heinz North America. "We've been on a journey to reduce our use of FD&C colors across the rest of our portfolio."
🚨 JUST IN: General Mills announces they will be removing artificial colors from their ENTIRE U.S. product line, following RFK Jr’s directives
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 18, 2025
This comes just HOURS after Kraft Heinz announced they’d also be removing theirs.
MAHA is spreading QUICKLY! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0ePARuBLw1
Kraft Heinz to Eliminate Artificial Dyes by 2027
This shift aligns with the FDA's ongoing efforts to work with companies on phasing out synthetic food dyes in the US market.
Although the FDA has not banned all of them yet, it recently outlawed red dye No. 3, a chemical once used in candies and drinks.
Several states, like California and West Virginia, have already approved their own bans on specific artificial food colors, CNN said.
Kennedy praised Kraft Heinz's decision, saying it proves the food industry will act when clear, science-based standards are set.
He has been vocal about his belief that petroleum-based food dyes pose serious health risks. Some research suggests they may be linked to cancer or behavior problems in children.
Other food companies are following suit. General Mills, known for cereals like Trix and Cheerios, also announced plans this week to remove synthetic dyes from all its US products by 2027.
Kraft Heinz, based in Chicago, owns more than 200 brands. The company has been under pressure to offer healthier options as consumer habits shift.
Some of its longtime favorites, like Lunchables and Capri Sun, have lost popularity in recent years.
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