Big Food Companies Ditching Artificial Colors

J. M. Smucker Company is making a significant change to its products. By the end of 2027, they plan to remove all artificial colors from their jams and other items. This move is part of a bigger trend in the food industry. Many large companies are now choosing to use more natural ingredients. Smucker is not alone in this effort. Other major players like Nestle, Conagra Brands, Kraft Heinz, and General Mills have also announced plans to phase out synthetic dyes. This shift is happening because of increasing concerns about the safety of artificial colors. The federal government has been paying more attention to this issue as well. In January, the U. S. banned a dye called Red 3 from food. This dye had already been banned from cosmetics for over 35 years due to potential cancer risks. More recently, the FDA has been working to eliminate synthetic dyes by the end of 2026. They are encouraging food companies to make these changes voluntarily. Smucker's decision affects not only its own brands but also products from Hostess, which it acquired in 2023. Some popular Hostess items, like Twinkies and Snoballs, currently contain artificial colors. These will need to be reformulated to meet the new standards. While many of Smucker's products are already free of synthetic dyes, some still contain them. Sugar-free jams and ice cream toppings are examples of products that will need to be updated. The company is also committed to removing artificial colors from foods sold to K-12 schools by the 2026-2027 school year. This shift towards natural ingredients is a positive step for consumers. It shows that food companies are listening to concerns about artificial additives. However, it's important to note that these changes are voluntary. The FDA is relying on companies to make these adjustments on their own.