PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta announced that the company will be expediting its shift towards natural ingredients in response to growing consumer demand and pressure from the White House to eliminate artificial colors from foods.
Laguarta revealed during PepsiCo’s first-quarter earnings call with analysts that the company aims to transition its entire product portfolio to natural colors or provide natural color options within the next couple of years.
Despite this shift, Laguarta emphasized that PepsiCo’s snacks are safe and backed by existing scientific research. He stated, “Every consumer will have the opportunity to choose what they prefer.”
These remarks come shortly after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urged food companies to voluntarily remove or replace commonly used synthetic colors by the end of 2026.
PepsiCo has already introduced some products with natural colors, such as Simply Ruffles Hot & Spicy, which utilizes tomato powder and red chili pepper instead of artificial dyes. Unlike the traditional Ruffles Flamin’ Hot, these new chips do not feature the bright red color typically associated with spicy snacks.
Transitioning from synthetic colors to natural alternatives poses challenges, as finding suitable replacements can be difficult, and consumers may not always accept the new colors.
The push towards natural colors is not unique to PepsiCo, as other companies like McCormick are also witnessing increased reformulation activities among food manufacturers and restaurants.
While there is uncertainty surrounding the possibility of a complete ban on artificial colors, momentum to remove synthetic dyes from food is growing both at the federal and state levels.
West Virginia recently passed a bill restricting seven artificial dyes from food products sold in the state, reflecting a broader trend of states introducing legislation aimed at regulating food additives, including artificial colors.