Hershey to Eliminate Synthetic Dyes from Snacks by 2027 Amid Health Push

Hershey Co plans to remove synthetic dyes from all its snack products by the end of 2027, Bloomberg News reported, aligning with rising consumer demand for cleaner labels and recent U.S. health policy shifts. The move reflects growing industry momentum to eliminate artificial food coloring amid concerns over links to health issues such as ADHD, obesity, and diabetes.

In April, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary announced a nationwide initiative to phase out synthetic food dyes, citing mounting evidence of their potential health risks. Hershey, whose portfolio includes Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels, SKINNYPOP popcorn, and FULFIL protein bars, emphasized its commitment to consumer trust and transparency.

“Removing these colors is a natural next step in our program to ensure consumers have options to fit their lifestyle while maintaining trust and confidence in our products,” a Hershey spokesperson told Bloomberg.

While Reuters could not independently verify the report and Hershey did not immediately respond to comment requests, the announcement signals a clear industry trend. Major food companies including W.K. Kellogg, Tyson Foods, Conagra Brands, Nestlé USA, and General Mills are also actively reformulating products to exclude synthetic dyes.

Consumer preferences are increasingly shifting toward products with natural ingredients, driven by heightened awareness of diet-related health conditions. As regulatory pressure and public demand converge, food manufacturers are accelerating reformulations to stay ahead of compliance timelines and enhance brand loyalty.

With synthetic dyes under increasing scrutiny, Hershey’s commitment to clean-label snacks positions the company to stay competitive in a market favoring transparency and health-conscious choices. The removal of artificial colors will further support the company’s efforts to align with evolving U.S. food safety standards and health-driven consumer trends.