Natural Food Dyes Set to Transform American Meals by 2026
A sweeping shift is coming to American pantries as the FDA and Department of Health and Human Services push food manufacturers to replace synthetic food dyes with plant-based alternatives. By the end of 2026, familiar dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 will be phased out, with Red No. 3 facing an even faster ban due to cancer concerns. Consumers can expect more muted colors in cereals and candies, new ingredient labels featuring beet juice or spirulina, and potentially higher prices as natural dyes are costlier to produce. While natural colorants may reduce some allergic reactions, they also pose new challenges, such as shorter shelf life and possible regional variations in appearance. Experts caution that these changes are about reducing exposure to synthetic chemicals, not making pro...