Nestle to Remove Artificial Colors from U.S. Food and Beverages by Mid-2026
By DEE-ANN DURBIN
Nestle announced on Wednesday that it plans to eliminate artificial colors from its U.S. food and beverage products by the middle of 2026.
This decision follows similar pledges from other major food companies like Kraft Heinz and General Mills, who have committed to removing artificial dyes from their U.S. products by 2027. General Mills is also aiming to eliminate artificial dyes from its U.S. cereals and all foods served in K-12 schools by mid-2026.
The move to remove artificial colors has received widespread support, with about two-thirds of Americans in favor of reformulating processed foods to remove ingredients like added sugar or dyes. States like California and West Virginia have already banned artificial dyes in school foods.
Recent legislation signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott will require foods containing artificial dyes or additives to carry a safety label starting in 2027, indicating that they contain ingredients not recommended for human consumption in certain countries.
The federal government has also taken steps to regulate artificial colors, with the FDA banning Red 3 dye from the nation’s food supply in January. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary have announced plans to eliminate synthetic dyes by the end of 2026.
Nestle had previously pledged to remove artificial flavors and colors from its products in 2015, but the promise was not fully realized. The company stated that it has been gradually removing synthetic dyes from its offerings over the past decade, with 90% of its U.S. portfolio now free from these additives.
Nestle’s decision to eliminate artificial colors reflects its commitment to meeting the evolving nutritional needs and preferences of its U.S. customers. CEO Marty Thompson emphasized that customer satisfaction is a top priority for the company.
Originally Published: June 25, 2025 at 3:04 PM MDT
