Kraft Heinz to Remove Artificial Dyes from All Products

Big changes are on the horizon for some of your favorite childhood treats. Kraft Heinz artificial dyes will be removed from its U.S. products by the end of 2027, a major step in the growing shift toward cleaner ingredient labels. 

The company says it’s already made significant progress (about 90% of its American product lineup is free of synthetic dyes) but, now, it’s taking things all the way. From Jell‑O to Kool‑Aid, the bright, bold colors we’re used to will soon be replaced with hues from natural sources.

Kraft Heinz Phases Out Synthetic Dyes in Jell‑O, Kool‑Aid

If you’re wondering which products are getting a makeover, it’s mostly the bright beverages and colorful desserts in Kraft Heinz’s portfolio. Think Crystal Light, Jell‑O, Kool‑Aid, and Jet-Puffed marshmallows. These longtime favorites have relied on synthetic FD&C dyes to create their eye-popping colors. But, those days are numbered.

The company says that, while creating vivid colors using natural ingredients is more complex  and sometimes pricier, it’s worth the effort. Blue shades, in particular, are tricky to reproduce without synthetic help. 

Still, Kraft Heinz is committed to synthetic food coloring removal in lieu of natural alternatives, and the change starts now: the company will no longer launch dyed products, going forward.

Jell‑O’s Glow-Up: Natural Dyes on the Way

Jell‑O, the wobbly classic found in lunchboxes and dessert tables everywhere, is one of the big-name brands undergoing a transformation. 

Soon, those neon reds and electric greens will be replaced with colors from nature – beet juice, turmeric, or spirulina. While the final shades may look a little softer, Kraft Heinz says the change is part of a long-term plan to make its treats a little cleaner and a little better for everyone.

Kool‑Aid Reformulation in the Works

Remember stirring up a pitcher of Kool‑Aid and watching it turn a shocking shade of blue or purple? That signature burst of color is another casualty of Kraft Heinz’s synthetic dye phaseout. 

But, don’t worry, the flavor isn’t going anywhere. Kool‑Aid will still bring the fun, just with more natural-looking hues, thanks to the company’s new commitment to using plant- and mineral-based dyes.

A Changing Food Landscape

This move isn’t happening in a vacuum. The FDA synthetic dye ban will phase out petroleum-based dyes altogether by the end of 2026, with the cooperation off food companies. 

That announcement followed growing concern over synthetic dyes, especially in relation to children's behavior and mental health. While the Consumer Brands Association stands by the safety of existing ingredients, the tide is clearly turning.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. put it plainly: “We’re going to get rid of the dyes and then, one by one, get rid of every ingredient and additive in food that we can legally address.”

A History of Change: From Mac & Cheese to Ketchup

This isn’t Kraft Heinz’s first time saying goodbye to synthetic dyes. About ten years ago, the company reformulated Kraft Mac & Cheese, swapping out artificial colors for turmeric and paprika to keep that familiar orange hue. 

And, if you’re wondering about their iconic Heinz Ketchup, it’s actually never contained artificial dyes. So, they’ve had a head start in some areas.

The Bigger Picture: Beverage & Dessert Color Change

What makes this shift especially notable is how it will affect the beverage and dessert aisles, where synthetic dyes are still quite common. Reformulating these products is no easy feat, especially when natural alternatives come with challenges in cost, availability, and vibrancy. 

But, with three new all-natural dyes recently approved by the FDA, companies like Kraft Heinz have more tools than ever to make the switch.

The End of Kraft Heinz Artificial Dyes

By the end of 2027, Kraft Heinz artificial dyes will be a thing of the past, at least in the U.S. From Jell‑O natural dye to Kool‑Aid, the brand’s colorful favorites will soon be reflecting both consumer demand and a broader industry shift. 

While your dessert or drink might look a little bit different in the future, this change is all about better ingredients and cleaner labels. And, honestly, that’s something to toast with a newly reformulated glass of Kool‑Aid.