Utz Brands pledges to eliminate FD&C colors from its product portfolio by 2027
Currently, Utz reports that around 80% of its product lineup is already free from synthetic dyes, and several of its popular brands have eliminated these artificial colors.
USA – Utz Brands, Inc., a leading U.S. manufacturer of branded salty snacks, has announced a sweeping commitment to eliminate all certified Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) colors from its product portfolio by the end of 2027.
The move places Utz among a growing coalition of food manufacturers responding to consumer demand and federal pressure to phase out synthetic dyes.
Currently, Utz reports that around 80% of its product lineup is already free from synthetic dyes, and several of its popular brands have eliminated these artificial colors.
Starting this fall, the company will begin highlighting “real and simple” product attributes on select packaging, signaling its shift toward cleaner labels and ingredient transparency.
FD&C colors, synthetic dyes approved by the FDA for use in food, drugs, and cosmetics, have come under increasing scrutiny due to potential links to health concerns such as hyperactivity in children and cancer risks.
In April 2025, the FDA announced plans to revoke authorisation for several petroleum-based dyes, including Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, and to phase out others, such as Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5, by the end of 2026.
Utz’s pledge aligns with the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which has urged food companies to reformulate products by January 2027.
Major players, including Campbell’s, Mars, ABA, Grupo Bimbo, Kraft Heinz and Rise Baking among others have also committed to removing FD&C colours from their U.S. portfolios within specified timelines.
“As consumer tastes and government regulatory initiatives evolve, we adapt while staying true to the flavors and traditions people love,” Utz stated in its announcement.
The shift reflects a broader industry trend towards natural ingredients and clean-labels, especially in products marketed to children.
The Consumer Brands Association has also called on manufacturers to eliminate certified colors by December 2027, reinforcing the urgency of reformulation across the sector.
With its century-long heritage and national distribution footprint, Utz’s decision is expected to influence smaller snack makers and accelerate the industry’s transition away from synthetic additives.
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