Chocolate giant Hershey will eliminate harmful synthetic dyes from all candy products by 2027, aligning with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign against petroleum-based additives linked to cancer and ADHD in American children.
Key Takeaways
- Hershey will remove synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1, from all products by the end of 2027
- The decision supports Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s initiative to eliminate petroleum-based dyes from the American food supply
- Scientific studies have linked these artificial dyes to serious health concerns, including ADHD, cancer, and other neurological conditions
- Major food companie,s including Nestlé, Kraft Heinz, and General Mills are following suit, signaling a significant shift in the food industry
- Hershey’s shares increased by 4% following the announcement, suggesting market approval of healthier product formulations
Hershey Takes Bold Step Against Synthetic Dyes
In a significant move that will transform its iconic candy products, Hershey has announced plans to eliminate all synthetic dyes from its extensive product line by the end of 2027. This decision affects popular brands like Reese’s, Kit Kat, Jolly Rancher, and Twizzlers, as well as snack brands including Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels, SKINNYPOP popcorn, and FULFIL protein bars. The company cited growing consumer demand for healthier options and complications arising from varying state regulations as key factors driving this reformulation strategy.
“Removing these colors is a natural next step in our program to ensure consumers have options to fit their lifestyle while maintaining trust and confidence in our products,” said a Hershey’s spokesperson.
The candy manufacturer also expressed concern about the complicated regulatory environment developing around food additives. “There is a patchwork of state regulations emerging that is creating confusion and will ultimately increase consumer costs,” explained a company representative.
Kennedy’s Campaign Against Food Additives Gains Momentum
Hershey’s commitment aligns perfectly with the broader initiative spearheaded by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has made removing harmful synthetic chemicals from the American food supply a top priority since his appointment by President Trump. Kennedy, alongside FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, has specifically targeted eight petroleum-based food dyes for elimination, citing overwhelming scientific evidence linking these substances to serious health conditions, particularly in children.
“They’re associated with a variety a grim inventory of diseases, including cancers and behavioral disease and neurological disease like ADHD, and it’s very, very well-documented, and they’re making, in many cases, the same products in this country have those dyes, and then they use vegetable dyes in Canada, Mexico and Europe,” said Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kennedy has been particularly critical of the FDA’s historical approach to regulating food additives, suggesting the agency has been unduly influenced by the food industry. This regulatory failure has resulted in American foods containing substantially more artificial additives than those same products sold in other countries, where stricter regulations have long required manufacturers to use natural alternatives like vegetable-based dyes instead of petroleum derivatives.
Industry-Wide Shift Toward Healthier Ingredients
Hershey is not alone in this transformation. The company joins a growing coalition of major food manufacturers responding to both government pressure and changing consumer preferences. Nestlé has committed to removing artificial colors from all its U.S. products by 2026, while W.K. Kellogg, Tyson Foods, Conagra Brands, and General Mills are all in various stages of reformulating their products to exclude artificial colors and other synthetic additives.
The market appears to be responding positively to these changes. Following the announcement, Hershey’s shares increased by 4% in early trading, suggesting investors see value in the company’s commitment to healthier ingredients. This financial response indicates that consumers are increasingly willing to support companies that prioritize health considerations, even when it comes to traditionally indulgent products like candy and chocolate.
For American families concerned about the potential health impacts of artificial food dyes, these industry changes represent a significant victory. By 2027, parents will have considerably more options for treats that satisfy sweet cravings without the concerning side effects of synthetic additives that have been standard in American candies for decades, despite being banned or severely restricted in many other developed nations.
