Kraft Heinz just made a major move that’s shaking up the food industry, and it’s all about ditching artificial dyes.
The company behind iconic favorites like Heinz Ketchup and Kraft Mac & Cheese has confirmed that every new product it releases will now be free of synthetic colors. This game-changing shift in production aligns with the growing push from Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who’s on a mission to ban FC&C colors like Red Dye 40 altogether.
Kraft Heinz’s North America president Pedro Savio didn’t hold back. He revealed the food giant has already started tweaking its recipes to eliminate artificial dyes, even for existing staples. According to Savio, this wasn’t a tough decision since over 90% of Kraft Heinz products already steer clear of synthetic dyes. Some fan-favorite items like Heinz Tomato Ketchup have never contained artificial color, while Kraft Mac & Cheese made the jump to natural coloring way back in 2016. Savio said that for any remaining items, the company will either switch to natural dyes or invent new shades altogether.
The big reveal came after RFK Jr. hosted top industry players in April for a closed-door conversation about phasing out artificial food dyes. He claimed the industry “voluntarily agreed” to make the change within the next two years. But not every brand rushed to confirm, major players like Mars, General Mills, and PepsiCo stayed quiet. Meanwhile, Kraft Heinz is fully leaning in, positioning itself as a leader in this cleaner food movement.
Kraft Heinz owns a massive lineup of household brands like Jell-O, Oscar Mayer, Velveeta, Lunchables, Capri Sun, Cool Whip, Bagel Bites, and more. That means this decision impacts dozens of everyday grocery staples. Everything from your Jet-Puffed marshmallows to Taco Bell sauces to those iconic Kraft Singles will fall under the new dye-free policy. The change also matches up with the latest FDA push to finally ban Red Dye 3 from food after outlawing it in cosmetics more than three decades ago. Manufacturers have until January 2027 to clean up their food labels, and until 2028 for medications.
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary isn’t mincing words either. He said American kids have spent decades “living in a toxic soup of synthetic chemicals” and that removing petroleum-based dyes is an important, if not complete, step toward better health. Studies have long linked artificial food dyes to increased hyperactivity in children, and now the government is making clear that the food industry has to adapt or risk getting left behind.
Retailers aren’t waiting either. Stores like Walmart and Target are beginning to reevaluate what goes on their shelves. Sam’s Club recently launched its own initiative, stripping 40 questionable ingredients, including synthetic dyes, from all Member’s Mark branded items.
While this change won’t magically solve every health issue, it’s still a big deal for families who want transparency in what they’re eating. And for Kraft Heinz, it’s a bold bet on a cleaner, more natural future, without compromising on taste or the iconic look of their products. Whether you’re biting into a Lunchable or scooping out some Cool Whip, it’s going to be just as good, only now, cleaner than ever.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
