In a groundbreaking move, Turkey Hill Dairy and numerous other U.S. ice cream makers have made a commitment to eliminate artificial colors from their products by 2028. This initiative comes as more and more food manufacturers are looking to adhere to the FDA’s push for using natural ingredients in their products.
The International Dairy Foods Association, representing the commercial ice cream industry, is spearheading this commitment. Companies responsible for over 90% of the ice cream volume sold in the U.S. have pledged to participate in this initiative.
It’s important to note that this commitment applies to ice cream products sold in grocery stores and parlors that are supplied by major manufacturers. However, it does not extend to ice cream made with non-dairy ingredients or produced in-house by small shops.
This move by the ice cream industry marks a significant shift towards the removal of artificial dyes from food products. While several major food companies have already announced similar commitments, this collective pledge by ice cream makers is a first in the industry.
Andy Jacobs, chair of the IDFA Ice Cream Segment Board and CEO of Turkey Hill Dairy, emphasized the unity within the industry in making these changes. The IDFA is currently working to ensure a steady supply of alternative ingredients for those ice cream makers still in the process of transitioning away from artificial colors.
The decision to phase out artificial colors stems from the misalignment between federal and state policies regarding these ingredients. While the FDA considers artificial colors safe for use, states like West Virginia have taken steps to ban them in retail or school foods as part of the “Make America Healthy Again Movement.”
U.S. dairy companies have also committed to removing artificial colors from milk, cheese, and yogurt products sold to schools by July 2026. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has urged food companies to voluntarily eliminate artificial dyes by the end of 2026, although this deadline may be challenging for many in the industry.
Several food giants, including Kraft Heinz, Hershey, and J.M. Smucker, have pledged to phase out artificial dyes by the end of 2027. Nestle has taken it a step further by committing to removing artificial dyes by mid-2026, showcasing a strong commitment to cleaner and more natural ingredients in their products.
