Nestle is officially bowing to pressure, announcing a major candy recipe change that will see artificial dyes removed from its US food and drink lineup by mid-2025.
The decision comes in response to sweeping new food regulations and mounting public health concerns, following in the footsteps of General Mills and Kraft Heinz. Lawmakers across the country, including in Republican-led states, are cracking down on synthetic food additives, and big brands have little choice but to clean house.
The update follows a growing national movement to eliminate ingredients like Red Dye No. 3 from American shelves. California and West Virginia have already banned synthetic dyes from school cafeterias, while Texas Governor Greg Abbott just signed a law requiring labels that say food with synthetic dyes is “not recommended for human consumption.” That’s a massive red flag for food producers, especially those still using petroleum-based chemicals in everyday products.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been loud and relentless on the issue, calling out food corporations for quietly feeding Americans ingredients he says pose “real, measurable dangers to our children’s health.” In a bold press statement, Kennedy said, “These poisonous compounds offer no nutritional benefit… that era is coming to an end.”
Nestle’s move to ditch artificial colors has actually been years in the making, at least on paper. The company promised to remove synthetic flavors and dyes back in 2015, but little follow-through was seen. Now, with major regulatory pressure and other brands already making changes, the company’s stepping up. CEO Marty Thompson said the goal is to keep up with evolving customer needs: “As their diverse dietary preferences and nutritional needs evolve, we evolve with them.”
Kraft Heinz recently confirmed its own commitment to removing synthetic dyes by 2027. According to North America President Pedro Savio, it wasn’t a tough decision, 90% of the company’s products were already dye-free, including iconic items like Heinz Ketchup, which has never contained artificial coloring.
The spotlight is currently on Red Dye 3, also known as erythrosine. This ingredient was banned from cosmetics in the US decades ago due to cancer links in lab rats but somehow stuck around in food until now. The FDA has ruled that Red 3 must be pulled from all food products by January 15, 2027, and from medications by early 2028. The ban applies to both domestic products and international goods shipped into the US.
Among the many products still containing Red Dye 3 are Brach’s candy corn, Yoo-hoo Strawberry Drink, Betty Crocker’s loaded mashed potatoes, Trolli Sour Crunchy Crawlers, and some brands of maraschino cherries and cough syrups. Even unexpected items like green and blue Don Pancho tortilla chips and Dubble Bubble gum are on the chopping block.
Nestle’s renewed pledge puts it back on the side of consumers, at least for now. With growing transparency around food safety, especially for kids, Americans are demanding change, and companies can’t afford to ignore it any longer. Whether the candy aisle ever looks the same again remains to be seen. But for now, the die is cast, literally and legally.
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