Leading Food Brands like Conagra, Nestlé USA, and J.M. Smucker Take Bold Steps to Eliminate Artificial Dyes

Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are making a big shift. Major players like Conagra Brands, Nestlé USA, and J.M. Smucker have committed to eliminating artificial dyes from their products. This trend reflects changing consumer preferences for healthier, natural options.

Conagra, based in Chicago, plans to remove synthetic Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) colors from its frozen foods by the end of 2025. Tom McGough, COO of Conagra, stated, "By the end of 2025, our key brands like Birds Eye and Healthy Choice will be completely free from FD&C colors." Additionally, they will ensure that products sold to K-12 schools are dye-free by the 2026-2027 school year.

Nestlé USA, located in Arlington, Virginia, is also on board. They aim to eliminate these dyes from their food and beverage lines by mid-2026. Notably, over 90% of their current products already avoid synthetic colors. The company has been actively reformulating recipes over the past decade to replace these additives with healthier alternatives.

J.M. Smucker, based in Orrville, Ohio, plans to remove FD&C colors from all its consumer food products by the end of 2027. CEO Mark Smucker mentioned, "As consumer preferences change, we evolve. Our commitment to remove artificial colors is just one example of how we adapt and innovate."

This movement comes amid growing scrutiny of artificial additives. In January, the FDA banned red dye No. 3 from food products. Health officials, including HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have pushed for a phase-out of petroleum-based dyes, emphasizing health and safety.

Interestingly, a recent survey by the Food Advocates Group found that 70% of consumers prioritize natural ingredients when shopping. This shift in consumer behavior is influencing food industries to respond more rapidly to demands for transparency and health.

Moreover, Kraft Heinz recently announced that it would phase out all artificial dyes in its U.S. products by 2027 as well. This collective effort among major brands highlights a broader industry trend towards cleaner labeling and healthier ingredients.

In summary, the push to eliminate artificial dyes marks a significant change in how food companies approach product development. As the demand for healthier, more natural options continues to rise, we can expect further evolution in the industry.

For more detailed information on recent trends in food labeling and consumer preferences, you can check the FDA’s guidelines on food additives here.

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