Kraft Heinz to remove artificial dyes from all products, like Jell-O and Kool-Aid
NPR Online NewsJUN 19
Kraft Heinz to Remove Artificial Dyes from US Products
Above: Cases of Kool-Aid Jammers are stacked at a Costco store on April 27, 2025 in San Diego, California. Image copyright: Kevin Carter/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This move is a significant victory for public health, demonstrating that government pressure can be effective in protecting American families from harmful chemicals. These petroleum-based dyes offer zero nutritional value while posing real risks to children's development and behavior. Companies have been mass-poisoning kids for decades with these unnecessary additives.
Establishment-critical narrative
The food industry utilizes these colors because they are safe and have undergone rigorous studies, with decades of FDA approval backing their use. Removing these dyes may not have a meaningful impact on childhood obesity or chronic diseases, and the science linking them to health problems remains inconclusive. Companies face significant challenges in replicating vibrant colors naturally, which can potentially increase costs and reduce product appeal.
Cynical narrative
Yes, people say they're concerned about artificial dyes — but 52% admit it rarely affects what they actually buy. Flashy headlines and FDA bans won't change that. For the average consumer at Walmart or Target, taste, price, and brand matter far more than whether Red 40 is on the ingredient list. The market isn't driven by outrage — it's driven by habit.