JM Smucker Removes Artificial Colors from Jams and More by End of 2027

JM Smucker has announced plans to remove artificial colors from its sugar-free fruit spreads, ice cream toppings, and Hostess snacks, ensuring healthier options for families and schools.

Why This Colorful Shift Matters

The decision follows the FDA's ban on Red No. 3 in January 2025 and builds on recent voluntary commitments by other major food manufacturers. Smucker’s goal is full elimination of FD&C synthetic dyes by the end of 2027, with complete removal from K‑12 school offerings by the 2026‑27 academic year (AP News).

Scope of the Reformulations

Most Smucker’s products—like Uncrustables—already contain no artificial dyes. The reformulation will impact:

• Sugar‑free jams and preserves
• Ice cream toppings under the Smucker’s brand
• Hostess items acquired in 2023 (e.g., Twinkies with Red 40 and Yellow 5, Snoballs with Red 40 Lake)

A Broader Industry Trend

Smucker’s joins Nestlé, Conagra, Kraft Heinz, General Mills, and PepsiCo in eliminating FD&C dyes by 2026‑27. This collective movement is propelled by growing public concern about synthetic ingredients in processed foods.

"Our commitment to remove FD&C colors from our sugar‑free fruit spreads, ice cream toppings, and sweet baked goods represents ... our ability to continue to innovate to meet consumer expectations," said CEO Mark Smucker.

Government Health Warnings and Actions

Recent studies on food dye safety have prompted U.S. regulators to take a more cautious stance. Health authorities raised red flags about Red No. 3 and other petroleum-derived dyes after lab tests linked them to potential cancer risks. As a result, oversight agencies are now working more aggressively to evaluate the long-term effects of these additives, especially in foods marketed to children.

Federal Advocacy and Voluntary Reform

Federal leaders have begun urging food companies to take independent action before formal regulations are enforced. Public health figures such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now serving in a senior health advisory role, have spoken openly about the dangers of synthetic dyes. Alongside FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, Kennedy has encouraged food producers to make voluntary reforms, framing it as a moral and social responsibility rather than just a legal obligation.

How This Change Benefits the Public

Consumers stand to gain significantly from this reform. By eliminating synthetic dyes, JM Smucker and similar companies are making products that are:

• Safer for children and those with sensitivities to artificial ingredients
• Clearer in labeling, helping buyers make informed choices
• More aligned with modern nutritional values and clean-label expectations

Parents, in particular, can feel more confident about serving these reformulated products at home or packing them in school lunches, knowing they contain fewer artificial substances.

What’s Coming Next in Food Manufacturing

As the industry pivots away from artificial ingredients, companies are experimenting with natural alternatives. Expect to see colors derived from beet juice, spirulina, turmeric, and annatto becoming more widespread. These plant-based colorants not only satisfy consumer demand for clean labels but also support sustainability goals across the food sector.

Experts believe that by 2028, most major food brands will have phased out artificial dyes entirely—whether due to regulations or market pressure.

Want to Learn More?

If you're interested in exploring food safety and additive regulations further, visit the FDA’s official site. You can also find data-driven health insights from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which provide resources for schools and parents concerned about food ingredients.