The initiative spans Rise’s extensive lineup, including cookies, cakes, pies, muffins, icings, and more, and reflects growing consumer demand for transparency, natural ingredients, and regulatory alignment.

USA – Rise Baking Company has announced a bold commitment to eliminate synthetic colors from all its products by the end of 2026, reinforcing its position as a leader in clean-label innovation within the North American bakery sector.
This move aligns with the growing industry and regulatory pressure to shift away from petroleum-based food dyes, in line with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent push to phase out six synthetic colorants by the end of next year.
The initiative spans Rise’s extensive lineup, including cookies, cakes, pies, muffins, icings, and more, and reflects growing consumer demand for transparency, natural ingredients, and regulatory alignment.
The company began phasing out synthetic dyes, such as Red No. 3, in 2024 and is on track to complete the transition ahead of the anticipated FDA guidelines.
“At Rise, our customers are at the center of everything we do, and we’re committed to staying ahead of industry expectations to make it easier for our customers to do the same,” said Brian Zellmer, CEO of Rise Baking Company.
“Eliminating synthetic colors is a meaningful step in our broader efforts to enhance product transparency and meet evolving regulatory and consumer demands without compromising the quality and reliability our partners count on every day.”
To support the transition, Rise has assembled a dedicated R&D team and is collaborating with global ingredient partners to source vibrant, naturally derived colorants.
These include options powered by fruits, vegetables, and botanical extracts that deliver visual appeal while maintaining the integrity of taste and texture.
One standout example is the Brill Simplicious Buttercremes, recently showcased at IDDBA.
These icings use cutting-edge color technology to achieve rich hues and a fluffy mouthfeel, without synthetic additives.
Most Rise’s products already avoid synthetic colors, but the company is pushing for the complete elimination of synthetic colors across its brands, which include Brill, South Coast Baking, Table Talk, Best Maid, Henry & Henry, and Bakestone Brothers.
All reformulated products will undergo rigorous testing to meet Rise’s high standards for consistency, shelf life, and performance.
This move aligns with broader industry trends toward cleaner labels and sustainable sourcing, particularly as retailers and foodservice operators strive to meet increasing consumer expectations.
With distribution across major grocery chains, QSRs, and mass merchandisers, Rise’s commitment is expected to influence ingredient standards across the bakery landscape.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, Rise Baking is proving that innovation and integrity can go hand in hand, delivering baked goods that are as wholesome as they are delicious.
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