Conagra Brands, the parent company behind popular names like Slim Jim, Duncan Hines, and Orville Redenbacher, has announced a bold plan to remove artificial dyes from its product lines by 2027. This move aligns with a broader industry trend spurred by regulatory scrutiny and growing consumer demand for cleaner, more natural food ingredients. By the end of 2025, Conagra plans to eliminate artificial colors from all frozen foods, with a complete phase-out across all products by the end of 2027. Additionally, Conagra will no longer sell products with synthetic colors to K-12 schools starting in the 2026–2027 school year.
This initiative follows similar actions by other major food manufacturers, including Nestle, Kraft Heinz, and General Mills, and is partly driven by the increasing pressure from U.S. health regulators. Earlier this year, the FDA banned the use of Red 3 in food products due to its potential cancer risks. Conagra’s commitment to removing artificial dyes will affect a wide range of products, including Marie Callender’s frozen meals, Birds Eye vegetables, Slim Jim snacks, Swiss Miss puddings, and Duncan Hines baking products.
The shift comes amid growing concerns over the health risks associated with synthetic food dyes, particularly those marketed to children. Consumer advocacy groups have long called for clearer food labeling and stricter standards on food additives. Conagra’s decision is part of a broader voluntary effort by food companies to phase out synthetic colors, aligning with the FDA’s goal to reduce the use of artificial dyes by 2026. While Conagra has already adopted natural coloring alternatives such as turmeric and annatto in some of its products, the company faces challenges reformulating products like candies and desserts that rely heavily on synthetic dyes for vibrant colors.
As the food industry embraces this change, the move to eliminate artificial dyes is expected to continue gaining momentum. With consumer demands shifting toward healthier, more natural options, the FDA is expected to issue further guidance on synthetic additives in the coming years. The shift could lead to a more natural overhaul of brightly colored foods or result in the discontinuation of products if reformulation proves too difficult. Conagra’s decision marks a significant step in this ongoing transformation of the U.S. food landscape.
