In April 2025, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced an ambitious action plan to phase out seven of the most widely used synthetic food dyes by the end of 2026.
These petroleum-based colorants—which include Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, and Red 3—are found in countless popular food products, including cereals, candies, snacks, beverages, and even pet food and medications.
The ban is intended to tackle growing health concerns, especially the behavioral effects these dyes could have on children. Research suggests the use of the chemicals contributes to problems including hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral issues.
Kennedy’s initiative is part of a broader effort to overhaul the food supply and reduce exposure to harmful additives, signaling a significant shift in the industry. As manufacturers scramble to reformulate products or face discontinuation, many colorful and familiar grocery staples could vanish from stores. Let’s take a look at some products that may be affected.
Colorful Frostings
Brightly colored frostings rely heavily on synthetic dyes such as Blue 1, Red 40, and Yellow 5 to achieve their vivid hues. With the ban, manufacturers will need to reformulate these frostings using natural colorants.
However, natural alternatives may not replicate the exact brightness or stability, potentially leading to less visually appealing frostings or even product discontinuation if consumer demand drops.
Fruit-Flavored Yogurts
Many fruit-flavored dairy products use synthetic dyes like Red 40 and Blue 1 to enhance their appearance and make their fruit flavors more enticing to consumers.
Removing these dyes will force manufacturers to find natural color substitutes, which could alter the appearance and possibly the taste, risking a decline in sales or removal from shelves if reformulation fails.
Colorful Marshmallow Cereals
Marshmallow cereals are known for their multicolored marshmallow pieces, which use artificial dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1.
However, reformulating these cereals using natural dyes poses challenges due to the difficulty of maintaining the same colorful appearance that consumers have come to expect. This results in reformulations that may not be popular or, in some cases, discontinued altogether.
Colorful Ice Pops
Ice pops often use synthetic dyes such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 to create bright, appealing colors. However, suppose manufacturers are forced to switch to natural colorants, which are not nearly as stable or visually striking.
In that case, there may be fewer flavors available, or some flavors may be discontinued if consumer acceptance declines.
Cherry-Flavored Drink Mixes
These drink mixes rely on Red 40 to achieve their signature bright red color. There may be no equivalent natural alternatives that could replicate the color or shelf life required for reformulation.
If manufacturers are unable to satisfy consumer demands regarding color and taste, these drink mixes may be discontinued.
Spicy Cheese-Flavored Snacks
Snacks with bright red-orange coloring, often achieved with Red 40 and Yellow 6, will face reformulation challenges.
The use of natural colorants can change the appearance and flavor profile of the product, which may decrease its acceptability by consumers. Consequently, some snack varieties will be withdrawn from the market.
Gummy Bears
Gummy bears are known for their vibrant, assorted colors, achieved through the use of synthetic dyes such as Red 40 and Yellow 6.
The ban will force manufacturers to look for natural dyes, which may not render as vibrant a color or as intense a flavor, threatening to dampen consumer appeal and phase out the product altogether.
Colorful Hard-Shelled Candies
These candies’ colorful shells, which are part of their brand identity, rely heavily on artificial dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1.
Rereformulation with natural colorants may not create the same colors or have the shelf-stability that threatens the products’ appeal to the consumer, potentially leading to their removal from shelves.
Fruity Cereals
Fruity cereals use multiple synthetic dyes, including Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1, to create their multicolored pieces.
The dye ban means reformulating cereals with natural substitutes that could alter their looks and flavors or discontinuing some if consumers reject the changes.
Confetti Cake Mixes
Confetti cake mix has colorful sprinkles made with artificial colorings, such as Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1.
Natural dye alternatives may affect the sprinkles’ color vibrancy and baking performance, resulting in reformulated mixes that disappoint consumers or the withdrawal of these products from the market altogether.
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