Taking the Dye Out

The End of Petroleum-Based Dyes in America's Food

A lot has been going on lately, and it can be hard to keep up with it all. But it's a new year, and health is a big priority for a lot of people, so, with that in mind, we are going to answer the question that a lot of people are asking: What is going on with food dyes?

Recently, HHS Secretary Kennedy, said this: "Today we take a major step to Make America Healthy Again. For too long, our food system has relied on synthetic, petroleum-based dyes that offer no nutritional value and pose unnecessary health risks. We’re removing these dyes and approving safe, natural alternatives—to protect families and support healthier choices.”

So, what exactly does this mean for you? What is going to happen to your favorite candy? Food laws are constantly changing. One week, something is safe and even healthy, and the next, the news is telling you that it may give you cancer! So what gives? How are you supposed to eat healthier in the new year when you don’t even know what’s bad for you?

Let's do our  best to break this down for you, but first, a quick history lesson…

History

We have been coloring our food since ancient times. Initially, these dyes were obtained from natural sources, fruits, vegetables, roots, flowers, and minerals. However, over time, dyes have been used for more things and have become less natural. 

The U.S. first began regulating food dyes in 1881, but didn’t prohibit the use of toxic substances such as arsenic, mercury, and lead until 1906. In the 1950s, food dyes were making national headlines after kids fell sick from consuming Orange No. 1. In 1958, the Delaney Clause banned the use of “cancer-causing additives.” 

In the 1970s, more colors were banned due to evidence of organ damage. In 1986, Red No. 2 was banned for carcinogenic concerns. In 2007, a U.K. study at the University of Southampton found that certain dyes are linked to hyperactivity in children, which raises awareness in the U.S. In 2016, major brands began removing certain dyes of their own accord due to rising concern among consumers. In 2023, California was the first U.S. state to ban several controversial food dyes, specifically targeting schools. 

In 2025, the FDA announced a national phase-out of all petroleum-based synthetic food dyes, to be completed by January 2027.

Which brings us to today. We are mid “phase-out,” and some people are over the moon about the decision, while others are still skeptical.

Impact

What is actually changing? According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the agency will remove “petroleum-based dyes.” Read that again. Petroleum-based. Meaning these dyes are derived from crude oil. Unbelievable right? These specific dyes are a favorite among manufacturers due to their strong color, low cost, and lack of flavor, even though studies have repeatedly shown links between petroleum-based food dye consumption and behavioral issues in children.

But there is hope! We are moving in the right direction, and companies have already begun switching over to natural food dyes. Finally!

Though for many corporations, little work is actually required, as these “healthier versions” are already being sold in the U.K., and have been for several years. It has taken the US a long time to get on the healthy food train.

How will all of this affect impact your current food choices? As companies switch to more natural dyes, the color of certain processed foods will likely become dimmer. Fruit Loops, which currently contain Red No. 40, Yellow No. 6, and Blue No. 1, will lose a little of their vibrance come 2027, and red Kool-Aid may not make you look as much like a vampire as it used to.

Now, of course, all the senses come into play when it comes to the taste of food, so be prepared for your kids to firmly assert that their Pop-Tarts taste different. But according to many blind taste tests of brands from the U.K. vs American versions of the same thing, there is no taste difference. . 

Choice

Changes are happening, but not all at once. It is up to you to start paying attention to what is in the food that you and your children eat. Don’t wait for the government to ban something or for a brand to change its recipe. Your health is in your own hands, and change is up to you. So, pay attention.

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Learn more at: fda.gov/food