Kraft Heinz announced it will stop using artificial food dyes in its U.S. products by the end of 2027. The company also said it will not introduce any new products containing these synthetic colors. This decision follows recent calls by U.S. health officials to reduce petroleum-based artificial dyes in the food supply.
Currently, nearly 90% of Kraft Heinz’s U.S. products already do not contain artificial dyes, known as FD&C colors, which are synthetic additives approved by the FDA for food, drugs, and cosmetics.
The remaining products that still use these dyes—mainly beverages and desserts like Crystal Light, Kool-Aid, and Jell-O—will have the dyes removed by 2027. Kraft Heinz plans to replace artificial colors with natural alternatives derived from sources like beets, algae, and purple sweet potatoes.
Pedro Navio, Kraft Heinz’s North America president, said the company has been working to reduce its use of artificial dyes for some time. The company removed artificial colors from Kraft Mac & Cheese in 2016 and has never used them in Heinz ketchup.
The FDA has allowed synthetic dyes for years but is now encouraging food companies to phase them out voluntarily due to health concerns. Some studies link artificial dyes to behavioral problems such as hyperactivity in children, though the FDA states these dyes are safe for most people.
This move by Kraft Heinz may influence other food companies to follow suit, as consumer demand grows for natural ingredients and safer food options.
This change will affect many popular products and marks a significant step toward healthier food choices in the U.S. market.
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