Over 90% of Nestlé USA’s portfolio is already free from artificial dyes.

Nestlé USA has announced plans to remove all synthetic food colors from its product lineup by mid-2026, reinforcing its commitment to healthier formulations and aligning with a broader industry and regulatory shift.

Currently, over 90% of Nestlé’s U.S. product categories are already free from synthetic dyes. The remaining products will be reformulated over the next year to meet the updated standards.

This move is in response to growing public health concerns and aligns with the FDA-led voluntary phase-out of petroleum-derived food dyes, which have been linked to ADHD, obesity, and diabetes, according to a Reuters report. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other officials have been vocal in urging reform.

Nestlé Joins Industry-Wide Reformulation Wave

Nestlé joins a growing list of major food companies phasing out artificial colors:

• Conagra Brands: Will remove synthetic dyes from its U.S. frozen food lines by end of 2025, and from school-supplied products by 2026–27.
• General Mills: Plans to eliminate artificial colors from all U.S. retail products, including cereals and school foods, by summer 2026.
• Kraft Heinz: Has committed to halting the launch of any new products containing synthetic dyes in the U.S., with full removal from existing items by end of 2027.
• W.K. Kellogg, Tyson Foods, and others are actively reformulating product lines and introducing dye-freeinnovations.

Regulatory and Public Pressure Mounts

The push toward a dye-free food supply is gaining momentum at both state and federal levels:

• California and West Virginia have banned certain synthetic dyes in school meals.
• Texas has mandated warning labels on products containing additives banned in other regions.

This growing pressure reflects a clear industry trend: food manufacturers are prioritizing clean labels, consumer trust, and regulatory compliance.

Nestlé’s mid-2026 target signals its intent to stay ahead in the evolving food health landscape-shifting from synthetic ingredients to more natural, transparent alternatives.