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Food Dyes Are Lurking in Surprising Places
Synthetic dyes are in far more foods in the U.S. than hot red candies and electric blue freezer pops. They lurk in a huge variety of foods and beverages — even ones that don’t scream “food coloring.”
A recent study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics shows just how prevalent the dyes are. Using a large database of foods sold in the U.S., researchers analyzed their labels for seven synthetic dyes, almost all of which are derived from petroleum. Currently, nine synthetic dyes are permitted in what we eat and drink. (The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned one, Red Dye No. 3, in Jan. 2025, and is in the process of revoking authorization for two others, Orange B and Citrus Red No. 2; all synthetic dyes are targeted to be phased out of the U.S. food supply.)
In addition to finding these dyes in brightly colored processed foods, the researchers also found them in more muted foods like blueberry bagels, taco shells, carbonated drinks, and hot dog buns. Overall, they were present in about 1 out of every 5 foods and beverages.
These Foods Will Be Labeled ‘Not Recommended for Human Consumption’ in Texas
A new law in Texas will require many popular products to have a label warning consumers that it contains ingredients “not recommended for human consumption.”
It targets M&Ms, Doritos, Mountain Dew, and probably at least one of your grocery store guilty pleasures.
The law, which was officially signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, requires any food containing one of more than 40 additives to include the label on its packaging by 2027.
Here’s a closer look at the additives in question, what nutritionists have to say about the MAHA-adjacent legislation, and more. The law aims to align the Lone Star State with the more cautious approach to processed food seen in Europe. There, food additives — like artificial dyes and preservatives — are strictly regulated.
Hershey to Drop Synthetic Dyes From Its Snacks by 2027
Hershey said on Tuesday it would remove synthetic dyes from its snacks by the end of 2027, making it the latest in a growing list of companies seeking to align with directives from U.S. health authorities.
In April, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary rolled out plans to remove synthetic food dyes from the U.S. food supply to address health conditions such as ADHD, obesity and diabetes.
“Removing these colors is a natural next step in our program to ensure consumers have options to fit their lifestyle while maintaining trust and confidence in our products,” Hershey’s spokesperson said in a statement. The company’s snack brands include Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels, SKINNYPOP popcorn and FULFIL protein bars.
Kennedy’s Battle Against Food Dyes Hits a Roadblock: M&M’s
The health secretary has used peer pressure to persuade food makers to nix synthetic dyes. The candy industry is holding out, arguing American consumers like bright sweets.
Less than three months after he declared war on synthetic food dyes, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has already secured the cooperation of the makers of some of America’s most colorful culinary products. If they fulfill their promises, Jell-O snacks, Kool-Aid beverages, and Lucky Charms cereals, among a host of other foods, will be rid of synthetic dyes by the end of 2027.But the candy industry and its most colorful chocolate treat, M&M’s, are a big obstacle standing between Mr. Kennedy and the ability to claim total victory.
Other than Froot Loops cereal, perhaps no food carries as much symbolism as M&M’s for Mr. Kennedy and the movement he calls “Make America Healthy Again.” Upon taking the reins at the Department of Health and Human Services, he made synthetic dyes the first target in his plan to rid the nation of ultra-processed foods.
When Mr. Kennedy announced in April that he had an “understanding” with food makers to remove petroleum-based dyes by the end of 2026, citing research showing they were linked to behavioral problems in children, critics scoffed at his voluntary approach. Yet his peer-pressure campaign appears to have produced some results.
Last month, Nestle and ConAgra joined Kraft Heinz, General Mills and PepsiCo in signing on to the secretary’s plan. Candy manufacturers, which lean on artificial colorings for the bright treats they market to children, are still holding out.
Ultraprocessed Foods Dominate the US Diet and Drive Chronic Disease
When you visit the grocery store, you’ll see hundreds of boxes and bottles lined up nicely all vying for your attention and money. While they’re tempting to try, these ultraprocessed foods and drinks put your health at risk.
Ultraprocessed foods are designed to be cost-efficient, convenient, and addictive, but unfortunately, not many people are aware of their effects. According to research, majority of the purchases made by consumers nowadays are ultraprocessed foods and drinks.
A study published in Public Health Nutrition analyzed nationwide grocery scanner data to reveal how much ultraprocessed foods are making their way into American homes, and which groups are most affected. Pulling data from 59,939 households that collectively scanned 33,054,687 products during 2020, the researchers were able to identify the purchasing habits of consumers across the U.S.
