J.M. Smucker, a well-known food manufacturer, has recently announced its commitment to removing artificial colors from its consumer food products by the end of 2027. This decision comes in line with a growing trend among food companies to transition towards using natural colors in their products.
While J.M. Smucker already offers a variety of foods that are free of synthetic dyes, this change will impact products such as sugar-free fruit spreads, ice cream toppings, and certain items from its Hostess portfolio. The company joins the ranks of other major food companies like Conagra Brands, General Mills, Kraft Heinz, and Nestlé, who have also pledged to eliminate artificial dyes from their products.
The push towards natural colors in food products gained momentum after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urged the industry to voluntarily remove six synthetic dyes by 2027. This call to action has prompted food manufacturers to reevaluate their ingredients and make changes to meet consumer demands.
Mark Smucker, CEO of J.M. Smucker, expressed the company’s commitment to evolving and innovating to meet consumer expectations. He highlighted previous initiatives, such as removing high-fructose corn syrup from Uncrustables sandwiches and introducing fruit spreads with all-natural ingredients and reduced sugar options.
Additionally, J.M. Smucker is working to ensure that a majority of its products available to K-12 schools do not contain artificial colors. The company is collaborating with distribution partners to phase out products with artificial colors by the 2026/2027 school year.
Overall, J.M. Smucker’s decision to remove artificial colors from its products reflects a broader industry trend towards cleaner, more natural ingredients. By listening to consumer feedback and adapting to changing preferences, J.M. Smucker aims to stay ahead of the curve in meeting the needs of its customers.
