Kellogg commits to removing artificial dyes from cereals by end of 2027

USA – WK Kellogg Co., the maker of iconic cereals like Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Frosted Flakes, and Rice Krispies, has announced a sweeping commitment to eliminate all artificial dyes from its U.S. cereal lineup by the end of 2027.

This move follows a legally binding agreement, an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance, signed with the Texas Attorney General’s office, making Kellogg the first major food company to formalise such a pledge.

The decision to remove artificial dyes from cereals comes amid growing scrutiny of synthetic food colorings, particularly FD&C (Food, Drug & Cosmetic) dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1, which have been linked to health concerns including hyperactivity and endocrine disruption.

While Kellogg has already phased out Red No. 3 and reports that 85% of its cereal sales are dye-free, the remaining 15%, often the most vibrantly colored varieties, will be reformulated over the next two years.

The company pledged it will not launch any new cereal products containing such artificial dyes beginning January 2026 and is committed to completely removing all FD&C colors from the small percentage of foods that still contain them by the end of 2027.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who led the investigation into Kellogg’s use of petroleum-based dyes, praised the agreement as a “historic legal milestone” and urged other manufacturers to follow suit.

“This is about protecting children and families from deceptive marketing and unhealthy ingredients,” stated Paxton.

Kellogg emphasised its ongoing collaboration with the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the Department of Health and Human Services to identify safe, natural alternatives.

The company also reaffirmed its broader commitment to cleaner labels, citing efforts to reduce sugar and sodium while increasing whole grains and fiber across its portfolio.

As consumer demand for transparency and wellness grows, Kellogg’s move could set a precedent for reform across the food industry.

Kellogg’s commitment comes as part of a broader shift in the food industry to replace synthetic dyes with natural alternatives.

Other major food manufacturers like General Mills, Kraft Heinz, Nestlé, PepsiCo, and The Hershey Company have also announced similar plans to phase out artificial food dyes from their products.

The initiative aligns with efforts led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is driving a federal push to “Make America Healthy Again” through stricter regulations on synthetic food additives.

Recently, the FDA approved several new natural color additives suitable for use in products ranging from gum to cereals, supporting the industry’s transition.

 Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.