Utz Brands Takes Bold Step: Joining the Movement to Eliminate FD&C Colors from Food Products

Utz Brands is making a bold move. This well-known snack company, based in Hanover, Pennsylvania, has announced that they will remove artificial additives and colors from their products. By the end of 2027, all their snacks will be free from synthetic dyes, also known as FD&C colors.

Most of Utz’s snacks already fit this goal, with about 80% of their range free from these additives. The company plans to start highlighting the natural qualities of their products on packaging soon.

Their decision comes in response to growing consumer demand for cleaner eating. Recently, many food companies have been urged to remove these synthetic colors. This push gained momentum after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launched his Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) campaign, calling for companies to rethink their ingredients.

The FDA is also stepping in. They have plans to phase out petroleum-based synthetic food dyes by the end of 2026. This shift is more than just a trend; it reflects a changing mindset among consumers regarding what goes into their food.

Jeff Harmening, CEO of General Mills, noted that many consumers no longer want these certified colors in their food. He shared that 98% of their school foods and 85% of retail products are already free from these additives. General Mills plans to eliminate all certified colors from their entire US lineup by the end of 2027.

Kraft Heinz, too, is on board with this movement. They’ve pledged to remove FD&C colors from their products by the same deadline, emphasizing that 90% of their offerings already meet this requirement.

This trend is significant. According to a 2022 survey by McKinsey, over 70% of consumers expressed interest in buying food products without artificial ingredients. As the list of companies committing to reformulation grows, the FDA has begun tracking these pledges, which includes big names like Nestlé and PepsiCo.

These developments aren’t just about food safety; they’re about consumer choice and transparency. As more people seek simpler, more natural foods, companies are adapting to meet these desires.

The shift toward removing artificial colors and additives signals a broader change in the food industry. It reflects a growing desire for authenticity, where people want to know what is in their food. As we look to the future, it will be interesting to see how this evolving landscape shapes our eating habits and what businesses will do to keep up. For those interested in the ongoing developments regarding food safety and nutrition, you can read more about the FDA’s initiatives here.

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Utz Brands, food manufacturers, US Food and Drug Administration, savoury snacks, FD&C colours, General Mills, colourings