What is synthetic food dye reform?
- The FDA is pushing to phase out synthetic food dyes due to health concerns
- Major food brands are reformulating products to meet new regulations and consumer demand
- Natural dyes pose challenges in stability, cost and supply chain logistics
- The industry faces pressure to innovate while ensuring safety and transparency
The food industry is undergoing a significant transformation as regulatory bodies, consumers and manufacturers move away from synthetic food dyes.
Historically used for their vibrant colors and stability, synthetic dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5 and Blue 1 have come under increasing scrutiny due to potential health concerns.
Why is there concern over synthetic food dyes?
Studies correlate some artificial dyes to hyperactivity and allergic reactions, which have in part prompted public health advocates and lawmakers to push for stricter oversight.
In 2025, the FDA began taking steps to phase out synthetic dyes, following California’s earlier legislative actions. Big food businesses including Nestlé, General Mills and Conagra responded by pledging to eliminate these dyes from products by 2027.
US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F Kennedy Jr has shouted loudest about the need to shift away from synthetic food dyes. So committed to the cause, and despite experts’ concerns, he has passionately defended the FDA’s fast-tracked approval of three new natural dyes.
When will synthetic food dyes be phased out?
Kennedy also pushed manufacturers to eliminate dyes like Red 40 by the end of 2026.
His stance has sparked debate, with some lawmakers and experts questioning the speed of regulatory changes and the safety of newer alternatives.
This shift is not just supported by Kennedy, it also reflects broader and growing consumer demand for transparency, clean labels and natural ingredients.
However, the transition is not without challenges. Reformulating products with natural dyes presents technical hurdles, including color stability, sourcing limitations and higher costs.
Natural alternatives often behave differently in various food matrices, requiring extensive R&D and supply chain adjustments. There are also concerns that the rush to replace synthetic dyes could lead to the approval of under-tested natural alternatives, raising new safety questions.
Here are the stories you must read to stay fully briefed on the phasing out of synthetic food dyes…
FDA moves shaping US food so far in 2025
The FDA has announced a sweeping plan to eliminate synthetic colors from the US food system, marking a major shift from state-level efforts to a unified federal approach. This move is expected to reshape ingredient sourcing and reformulation strategies across the food industry.
General Mills and Kraft Heinz wade in on dye removal
In a proactive response to regulatory momentum, big food manufacturers General Mills and Kraft Heinz have committed to phasing out synthetic dyes from their US portfolios. This aligns with growing consumer demand for clean-label products and anticipates future FDA mandates.
Natural color options for synthetic dyes
Sparxell, a start-up focused on plant-based colorants, is gaining traction as CPG companies scramble to replace synthetic dyes. Its upcycled ingredients offer a sustainable and scalable alternative, helping brands meet clean-label goals without compromising vibrancy.
JM Smucker, Nestlé USA and Conagra to eliminate synthetic dyes
Three major food manufacturers – JM Smucker, Nestlé USA, and Conagra – have pledged to phase out synthetic dyes from their US lines by the end of 2027. The move follows growing regulatory pressure and consumer demand for cleaner, more transparent ingredient lists.
CPGs need-to-know: Reformulating ahead of food dye bans
As state-level bans on synthetic food dyes gain momentum, CPG brands are being urged to proactively reformulate products to avoid disruption. Here is everything a manufacturer needs to know about navigating the regulatory changes, sourcing natural alternatives and maintaining product appeal.
Natural dye demand surges after color ban
The FDA’s phase out of synthetic food dyes has triggered a sharp rise in demand for natural alternatives, with suppliers reporting record interest from food and beverage manufacturers. Industry experts say this shift is accelerating innovation and investment in plant-based color technologies.
FDA says yes to 3 natural dyes
The FDA has added three new natural colorants to its approved list, offering food manufacturers more options as they move away from synthetic dyes. These additions are part of a broader regulatory push to support cleaner labels and safer ingredient alternatives.
Natural dyes clash
RFK Jr rallied against criticism over the speed in which a series of natural dye alternatives had been given government approval. The clash underscores growing tensions around replacing synthetic dyes with newer, less-tested ingredients amid mounting consumer and political pressure.
Broader food safety issues side-lined in dyes focus
As the FDA intensifies its scrutiny of synthetic dyes and chemicals in food, some experts warn that this narrow focus could divert attention from other pressing regulatory responsibilities.
Long-term F&B challenges post dye ban
While demand for natural food dyes is rising, manufacturers face significant hurdles in reformulating products, including stability issues, supply chain constraints, and cost implications. Experts warn that transitioning away from synthetic colors is a complex, time-intensive process that requires strategic planning and innovation.
GRAS loopholes in crackdown on ultra-processed foods
California is intensifying its scrutiny of ultra-processed foods by challenging the use of synthetic dyes and questioning the FDA’s GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) determinations. The state’s actions could set a precedent for broader national reform in food labeling and ingredient transparency.