WK Kellogg to Remove Synthetic Dyes from Cereals by 2027

WK Kellogg Co. will remove synthetic dyes, including Red 40 and Yellow 5, from cereals like Froot Loops and Apple Jacks by the end of 2027. The company had previously committed to eliminating the dyes from school cereals by the 2026-2027 school year and removing them from new products in 2026. The announcement aligns with Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s efforts to remove synthetic food dyes from the US food supply by 2026.

WK Kellogg Co. has announced plans to remove synthetic dyes, including Red 40 and Yellow 5, from its cereals such as Froot Loops and Apple Jacks by the end of 2027. This move aligns with the company's previous commitments to eliminate the dyes from school cereals by the 2026-2027 school year and from new products in 2026. The announcement underscores Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s broader initiative to remove synthetic food dyes from the U.S. food supply by 2026 [1].

The Battle Creek, Michigan-based company has stated that 85% of its sales are in foods that do not contain these dyes. Products that include the synthetic colors are primarily Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, and some variations of Rice Krispies [1]. The company's decision to remove these additives follows a growing trend among U.S. food manufacturers to heed calls from the Trump administration regarding potential health effects of synthetic dyes.

The removal of these dyes is part of a larger effort by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes. The FDA has been working with industry leaders to substitute these dyes with natural alternatives. The agency has approved new natural color additives, including a blue dye made from the gardenia fruit, and plans to establish a national standard and timeline for the transition [2].

The move by WK Kellogg Co. is a significant step in the ongoing dialogue about the safety and regulation of food additives. While the FDA maintains that approved dyes are safe, health advocates have long called for their removal due to potential links to neurobehavioral problems and other health issues [3]. The voluntary nature of these commitments raises concerns about compliance, as some experts argue that relying on voluntary action may not guarantee the complete removal of these dyes from the food supply.

As the company continues to navigate this transition, investors and financial professionals should closely monitor WK Kellogg Co.'s progress and the broader regulatory landscape surrounding food additives. The company's commitment to removing synthetic dyes not only aligns with evolving health and safety standards but also reflects a broader trend in the food industry toward more natural and sustainable ingredients.

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-18/froot-loops-apple-jacks-to-cut-synthetic-dyes-by-end-of-2027
[2] https://apnews.com/article/ice-cream-synthetic-dyes-e334d75f87238e57826bcb65f098ebe2
[3] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/04/23/food-dyes-banned-phased-out-rfk-fda-hhs/83230760007/