Hershey Co. announced it will remove synthetic dyes from its snack products by the end of 2027, joining a growing list of major food companies making similar commitments following recent FDA action to phase out petroleum-based food dyes.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made eliminating artificial dyes from the U.S. food supply an early priority, with state-level supporters pushing new restrictions. The Pennsylvania-based maker of Hershey’s chocolates, Jolly Ranchers, and SkinnyPop popcorn cited the increasing complexity of state-level regulations on food dyes as a key factor in its decision.
“There is a patchwork of state regulations emerging that is creating confusion and will ultimately increase consumer costs,” a company spokesperson said Monday, calling the move “a natural next step” to maintain consumer trust and provide lifestyle-friendly options.
In April, the FDA and HHS unveiled a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes—such as Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5 and 6, Blue No. 1 and 2, and Green No. 3—by the end of 2026, and to revoke the authorization of Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B in the coming months.
West Virginia will ban sales of products containing synthetic dyes starting in 2028, while a Texas law signed by Governor Greg Abbott will require warning labels on such products beginning in 2027.
Hershey’s announcement follows Nestlé’s decision last week to remove dyes from its U.S. portfolio by mid-2026 and Conagra’s pledge to do the same by the end of 2027. Kraft Heinz and General Mills have also made similar commitments.
