Kraft Heinz announced Tuesday that it will remove all FD&C artificial dyes from its U.S. product portfolio by the end of 2027, a major move that aligns with increasing federal pressure and a growing consumer demand for cleaner food labels. The company also pledged that it will not introduce any new products containing artificial dyes in the U.S. market going forward.
The sweeping reform will affect iconic Kraft Heinz brands that still use synthetic dyes, including:
-
Crystal Light
-
Kool-Aid
-
MiO
-
Jell-O
-
Jet-Puffed
Roughly 10% of Kraft Heinz’s U.S. product lineup currently includes FD&C colors—synthetic, petroleum-based additives commonly used to create bright, eye-catching food and beverage colors.
This decision comes as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), under the direction of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., ramps up its campaign to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes. The initiative is part of the broader “Make America Healthy Again” platform.
In April, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary announced that the agency would eliminate Red No. 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 2 by the end of 2025, due to mounting evidence of health risks—including links to cancer and behavioral issues in children.
Kennedy has said that while there is no formal regulatory mandate yet, there is a “mutual understanding” between the FDA and major food companies to transition away from artificial dyes. He personally met with executives from Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo, General Mills, Tyson Foods, J.M. Smucker, and the Consumer Brands Association in March to coordinate efforts.
Kraft Heinz has already taken significant steps to eliminate artificial ingredients in recent years:
-
In 2016, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese dropped artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors.
-
Heinz Ketchup has never used artificial dyes, according to North America President Pedro Navio.
The company stated Tuesday that it has reformulated over 1,000 products in the last five years to improve nutritional content.
“The vast majority of our products use natural or no colors, and we’ve been on a journey to reduce our use of FD&C colors across the remainder of our portfolio,” said Navio.
“Above all, we are focused on providing nutritious, affordable, and great-tasting food for Americans, and this is a privilege we don’t take lightly.”
The shift reflects increasing public scrutiny of artificial food additives. States like California have already banned Red No. 3, and many consumers—especially parents—have grown wary of brightly colored, chemically enhanced foods.
Still, Kraft Heinz faces some uncertainty. While removing artificial dyes may boost the brand’s health-conscious image, it could also alter the visual appeal of some products, especially for younger audiences accustomed to bold colors.
Nevertheless, the company sees the reform as an investment in public trust and long-term sustainability.
