More than 10 of the largest food corporations in the United States have pledged to remove artificial food dyes and other additives voluntarily. The moves come after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s request in April for companies to phase out petroleum-based synthetics from the food supply.
The Hershey Company, maker of Reese’s, Jolly Rancher, and SkinnyPop, is the most recent food manufacturer to join the contingent, announcing Monday its plan to phase out artificial dyes by 2027. The J.M. Smuckers Company, the jelly-maker, announced similar plans last week.
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Kennedy and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary made a big public splash in April when they announced their intention to phase out a host of artificial dyes.
The administration received some flak from critics once it came to light that it was not pursuing regulation of chemicals in food but rather asking companies to comply voluntarily.
In April, Makary said that the Kennedy HHS had an “understanding” with large food corporations and that they would comply voluntarily.
As various states have subsequently implemented “Make America Healthy Again” laws to regulate chemicals in food at the state level, some food corporations have said it is significantly easier to phase out problem chemicals from their entire portfolios than comply with state-by-state requirements.
“There is a patchwork of state regulations emerging that is creating confusion and will ultimately increase consumer costs,” a Hershey spokesperson told Bloomberg Monday, adding that removing artificial colors is “a natural next step in our program.”
Here’s a list of all the companies that, as of July 1, have announced removing certain artificial chemicals following Kennedy’s MAHA crusade:
McCormick & Company
The quintessential spice company announced in March that it was working with restaurants and food manufacturers to reformulate its products in anticipation of a ban on synthetic food dyes from the Kennedy administration. Although most McCormick spices, seasoning mixes, and condiments do not contain artificial dyes, the company did not publicly announce a timeline for when its products would be entirely free from synthetics.
In-N-Out Burger
The fast food chain announced on May 14 that it would be removing artificial ingredients from its strawberry milkshakes and pink lemonades and transitioning away from the use of high-fructose corn syrup in its ketchup.
Mars, Incorporated
Mars’s Skittles candies are no longer made with titanium dioxide, a chemical that whitens food, brightens colors, and adds shine. The company told Bloomberg in May that the chemical was removed from its product at the end of last year, which received praise from Kennedy. “When corporations take steps that help make our children—and America—healthy again, it’s a move in the right direction,” Kennedy said following the announcement.
Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club announced on June 5 that it would eliminate more than 40 ingredients, including artificial dyes and aspartame, from its generic brands. The company has already released products under the “Made Without” branding effort to appeal to a younger audience seeking all-natural alternatives. Sam’s Club says its phase-out will be complete by the end of 2025.
Starbucks
Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol met with Kennedy on June 17 to discuss a “MAHA-ification” of its food and beverage menu. Kennedy posted on social media that Starbucks already does not use “artificial dyes, artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and other additives.”
The Kraft Heinz Company
Kraft Heinz announced June 17 that it would remove all artificial dyes by the end of 2027 and not roll out new products with synthetic dyes. Almost 90% of its U.S. products already do not contain artificial colors, the company said.
General Mills
General Mills announced its intention to remove artificial dyes within hours of the same announcement from Kraft Heinz on June 17. General Mills will remove artificial dyes by the end of 2027 and synthetics from all cereals and food served in K-12 schools by summer 2026.
Nestlé USA
Nestlé announced on June 25 that it would “fully eliminate” artificial colors from its portfolio by mid-2026. The company said it has been working over the last decade to find alternative solutions. The company said that over 90% of its portfolio already does not include synthetic colors.
Conagra Brands
The parent company of Duncan Hines, Slim Jim, and other brands announced on June 25 that it would discontinue using artificial dyes for its products sold to K-12 schools for the 2026-2027 school year and remove them completely by the end of 2027.
The J.M. Smuckers Company
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TARGETS ARTIFICIAL FOOD DYES
Smuckers announced on June 27 that it would remove artificial colors from its products by the end of 2027. The company said it would act faster for products sold in K-12 schools, removing synthetic dyes in time for the 2026-2027 school year. Smuckers also owns Hostess Brands, the makers of Twinkie, Sno Balls, and Little Debbie snacks, all of which contain artificial dyes.
The Hershey Company
Hershey announced on Monday, June 30, that it would remove synthetic dyes by the end of 2027. The most prominent Hershey brand candies that contain artificial dyes include Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, and Reese’s Pieces.