A number of companies have committed to removing artificial dyes from their food and drink products since federal officials banned some of the dyes and said they would work with firms to remove others.
About 20 percent of packaged foods and drinks contain synthetic colors, according to a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in June. Nine dyes were cleared by regulators, but three were recently banned. Regulators said they would be working with companies to phase out the remaining six.
Research has linked the dyes to problems such as increased hyperactivity.
The Consumer Brands Association, which represents manufacturers, has stated that the additives are safe but that it appreciates the federal government stepping in versus companies having to deal with a confusing “state patchwork of differing laws.” It also stated that companies would be increasing their use of alternative ingredients.
Here are companies that have pledged to take synthetic dyes out of at least some of their products.
Conagra: The manufacturer stated in June that it is removing artificial dyes from its frozen products by the end of the year. Conagra is also planning to stop offering products with the dyes to schools starting in mid-2026 and to discontinue dyes in all U.S. products by the end of 2027.
Danone: The yogurt company is planning to remove artificial colors from its products in the United States, its CEO told Reuters in April.
General Mills: The company stated in June that it is going to remove artificial coloring from its brands, including Cheerios, by the end of 2027.
Kraft Heinz: The food manufacturer will remove artificial additives from its products by the end of 2027, according to a June announcement.
In-N-Out: The burger chain stated in May that it would be removing artificial coloring from its strawberry milkshakes, pink lemonade, pickles, chilis, and house spread.
J.M. Smucker: All consumer products will be free of artificial coloring by the end of 2027, the company stated on June 26.
Mars Inc.: The candy manufacturer stated in May that it has removed titanium dioxide from Skittles.
Nestle: The company intends to eliminate synthetic dyes from its U.S. stock by mid-2026, it stated in June.
PepsiCo: The food and drink manufacturer is quickening its transition away from artificial dyes and will provide dye-free products for some brands by the end of 2025, executives said in April.
Sam’s Club: The Walmart-owned shopping club will stop using artificial colors in products sold under its private label Member’s Mark brand by the end of the year, the company stated in June.
Tyson Foods: CEO Donnie King said in May that the company was eliminating artificial dyes from its food products.