Iowa Grocery Favorites Are About to Look Different
There is going to be a big change in how many of our favorite snacks and drinks look.
As you've likely heard, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced earlier this year that all synthetic dyes need to be removed from the nation’s food supply.
As a result, many of our favorites will likely look, though not necessarily taste, different.
For Iowa kids (and parents), snacks and some beverages will likely be a little less colorful.
Two Major Companies Announce a Shift in Artificial Colors
Yesterday (June 17), two major U.S. food companies announced that they will cease using synthetic dyes in their products by the end of 2027.
Kraft Heinz and General Mills announced within hours of each other plans to cease using unnatural colors and dyes.
The move comes as the FDA says it's speeding up the review process for natural food coloring options like calcium phosphate, butterfly pea flower extract, among others.
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They're also working on new guidance and offering regulatory flexibility to help industries transition away from synthetic dyes more easily.
Kraft Heinz actually began removing artificial dyes some time ago, but promised that it would remove dyes from products that still use them, including Crystal Light, Kool-Aid, Jell-O, and its Jet Puffed marshmallows.
Hours after the Kraft Heinz announcement, General Mills said it will remove dyes in its cereals and food items served in K-12 schools by the end of 2026, and all other products by the end of 2027.
What Will Replace Artificial Food Dyes?
There are several other natural options companies can use to replace artificial food dyes.
CNN reported on some options that could replace artificial dyes, including:
- Galdieria extract blue
- Butterfly pea flower extract
- Calcium phosphate
- Gardenia blue
- Beet juice
- Cochenille/carmine
Many of these are plant or insect-based, and may be harder and more expensive to source.
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We'll likely hear about more companies switching in the near future. Time will tell what, if any, colorings will replace the artificial ones being removed.
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