Kraft Heinz will remove food coloring from their products. By the end of 2027, the company plans to change its product formulations. All artificial Food, Drug & Cosmetic colors will be eliminated from its U.S. product lineup.
Nearly 90% Dye‑Free Already
In its announcement on June 17, Kraft Heinz highlighted that nearly 90% of its U.S. products are already free of synthetic colors. Products like Kraft Mac & Cheese (which replaced artificial dyes with turmeric and annatto in 2016) and Heinz Tomato Ketchup (naturally red from tomatoes) serve as early examples of the shift.
Foods Impacted by the Change
The transition primarily affects beverages and dessert mixes that still carry artificial dyes. Iconic brands—including Kool‑Aid, Crystal Light, Jell‑O, Jet‑Puffed marshmallows, Capri Sun, Lunchables, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Velveeta, and Weight‑Watchers—will undergo reformulation to remove synthetic dyes by 2027.
How Kraft Heinz Will Proceed
The company outlined a three-pronged strategy to achieve its goal:
- Remove artificial colors where not needed
- Replace synthetic dyes with natural alternatives (like beet juice, turmeric, or paprika)
- Develop new, natural color formulations when no direct substitutes exist
- Kraft Heinz emphasizes that taste won’t be compromised, while acknowledging that slight visual differences are likely. Natural colorants often carry subtle flavor notes and are more sensitive to lighting stability.
Driving Forces Behind the Move
Regulatory Pressure
In April, Secretary RFK Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary called for removal of petroleum-based synthetic dyes—especially Red No. 3, 40, Yellow No. 5 and 6, Blue No. 1 and 2—from U.S. foods by end of 2026, citing mounting studies linking these additives to cancer and neurobehavioral effects in children.
Public and Advocacy Momentum
Consumer Reports and other advocacy groups have lauded Kraft Heinz’s leadership, saying the move is “long overdue” and in line with global trends that limit or warn against synthetic dyes. State-level bans—such as California’s on Red No. 3 and West Virginia’s broader dye prohibition—further push the industry toward reformulation.
Broader Industry Trend
Kraft Heinz isn’t alone. General Mills recently unveiled plans to eliminate artificial colors from its products—especially school‑served cereals and foods—by mid‑2026, and to remove remaining dyed items in store shelves by end of 2027. Large food manufacturers and retailers including Tyson Foods, PepsiCo, McCormick, and Kellogg’s are also reformulating in response to consumer demand and policy direction .
Consumer Impact: Taste, Price & Perception
Removing artificial dyes may raise production costs and affect product appearance, but experts from Kraft Heinz argue flavor will remain consisten. DW and Cornell researchers caution that natural dyes aren’t as shelf-stable and could subtly alter hue or texture . Yet, the overwhelming emphasis on health, transparency, and child wellbeing may outweigh minor cosmetic or financial trade-offs for consumers .
Conclusion
Kraft Heinz’s commitment to phase out all artificial FD&C colors by 2027 marks a significant milestone in the growing consciousness surrounding food additive safety. With RFK Jr. and the FDA advocating for tighter regulations, and consumer and legislative pressure mounting, the move reflects an industry-wide pivot toward natural ingredients. While the aesthetic and cost implications may raise questions, the ongoing reformulations underscore a broader shift toward nourishing, cleaner food definitions in America’s pantries.
