Dive Brief:
- Hershey has announced plans to eliminate artificial dyes from its snacks by the end of 2027, following a trend among food manufacturers making similar commitments recently.
- The company behind Jolly Rancher and Dot’s pretzels stated that this decision is part of their ongoing efforts to offer consumers options that align with their lifestyles while maintaining trust in their products.
- Other major players in the food industry such as J.M. Smucker, Conagra Brands, General Mills, and Kraft Heinz have also pledged to remove synthetic colors by 2027. Nestlé USA is aiming to complete this transition by mid-2026.
Dive Insight:
With increasing scrutiny from federal and state authorities on artificial dyes in food products, companies like Hershey are proactively addressing these concerns by phasing out these ingredients.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has urged the industry to voluntarily eliminate six synthetic dyes by 2027. Pressure is building on a state level as well, with West Virginia and Texas implementing restrictions on food additives and colors.
Hershey emphasized the need for a cohesive national standard to prevent confusion among consumers and avoid additional costs. The company believes a unified approach to ingredient approval is crucial for food safety and market quality.
As more competitors follow suit in removing artificial colors, the industry is facing heightened pressure to take action. Hershey, known for brands like Twizzlers and Jolly Rancher, aims to transition away from synthetic dyes while maintaining product quality.