FDA to ban food dye: 10 foods that will look 'different' without food dyes

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking steps to ban or phase out several synthetic food dyes, including Red 3, due to concerns about potential health risks, particularly cancer in lab rats. They are also initiating the process to revoke authorization for other synthetic dyes, such as Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, and are working with the industry to eliminate six remaining synthetic dyes by the end of 2026.

However, last month, health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took this initiative a step further and announced that both the Department of Health and Human Services and the FDA will start to roll out a ban on the following synthetic food dyes: Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Citrus Red 2 and Orange B.


Now, these dyes aren’t just found in candy or snacks—some produce, dairy, meat, and other surprising products will be impacted by this new legislation. As the FDA is partnering with NIH to study the impact of food additives on children's health and development, while promoting the use of natural color additives as replacements, here are the 10 foods that will ‘lose their look’ without the color additives!


Cereal:


Cereals such as Lucky Charms and Froot Loops have long been known to contain food dyes like Red No. 40, Blue No. 1, and Yellow No. 5. However, the prevalence of these dyes in many cereals—including Fruity Pebbles, Trix, Fruity Cheerios, Apple Jacks, and Cap’n Crunch’s Crunch Berries—might be surprising. Manufacturers will need to explore alternative methods to achieve vibrant colors without using these particular dyes.


Salad Dressing:


Have you ever noticed the classic orange color of Kraft’s Creamy French Dressing? This hue is primarily due to the inclusion of Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6, which will be banned. Additionally, Kraft’s Classic Catalina dressing contains Red No. 40 and Blue No. 1. Regardless of whether these products contain dyes or not, making salad dressings at home can be a healthier and more flavorful option for enhancing greens.


Sausage:


It may come as a surprise that some hot dogs and sausage casings are dyed using Orange B. While this gives them a distinctly appealing look, consumers can expect a change during the 2027 season when these products will likely be dye-free.


Oranges:


Food dye bans even affect fresh produce. For example, Florida oranges are often dyed with Citrus Red 2 to achieve a vibrant orange peel. This practice is common due to specific climatic or cultural conditions that result in oranges maturing with a green hue. As a result, you might see more green oranges in the market once the dye ban is enacted, but rest assured, they are still ripe and ready to eat.


Canned Vegetables:


Canned vegetables offer a convenient and economical way to boost fiber intake. However, without food dye Blue No. 1, canned peas may lose some of their bright green color. Despite this change, their nutritional value and taste will remain unchanged.


Preserved Fruit:


Similar to canned vegetables, preserved fruit products like jams, jellies, and marmalades may contain various food dyes. Dried fruits such as papaya, mango, and kiwi often have dyes like Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, or Blue No. 1 added to enhance their appearance.


Yogurt:


Food dyes are not exclusive to children’s yogurt; brands like Dannon Light + Fit and Yoplait also utilize dyes such as Red No. 40, Blue No. 1, or Yellow No. 6 for color enhancement. Consumers can expect a more subdued color in yogurt varieties like strawberry Yoplait Light or Key lime Light + Fit Greek yogurt in the future.


Drink Mixes and Electrolyte Drinks:


Many popular drink brands, including Gatorade, Powerade, and Pedialyte, include dyes like Red No. 40 and Blue No. 1 in their ingredients. Additionally, powdered drink mixes like Sunkist, Country Time, 4C, Kool-Aid, and Crystal Light rely on food dyes for visual appeal. Be prepared for potential differences in appearance when they come to market without these dyes; you may need to stir or shake them more thoroughly.


Seasonings:


Certain seasoning mixes, such as Great Value’s Lemon & Pepper Seasoning, derive their color from artificial dyes. As a result, the colors in meals may appear more muted post-ban. Incorporating fresh ingredients, such as lemon slices, can help enhance the color of dishes like Grilled Lemon-Pepper Salmon in Foil.


Condiments and Sauces:

In addition to salad dressings, various condiments in your refrigerator will also be impacted by the food dye ban. Products like Great Value’s Cocktail Sauce and Vlasic’s Sweet Relish currently contain dyes such as Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5, which will be removed in the near future.


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