From Froot Loops to M&Ms: These are the products that contain the color additives the FDA wants to phase out

There’s a clock ticking for petroleum-based food dyes in the United States. The FDA has announced plans to phase out six synthetic color additives – you know, those bright things that make your cereal, candies, and soft drinks so eye-catching. The goal is to swap out these artificial colors for natural alternatives by the end of 2026.

This isn’t an outright ban. Instead, the FDA will work with food manufacturers to speed up the switch, giving them time to adapt recipes and packaging without turning breakfast into a more beige affair. Commissioner Marty Makary said the agency will accelerate approval for natural dyes to help companies make the change.

But not everyone’s happy. The color additive industry pushed back hard, insisting that these synthetic dyes are safe and, frankly, essential for the look and consistency of products we’ve been eating for decades. Whether or not that’s true, you’re unlikely to find any nutritional benefit in these dyes. So the argument is simple: better safe than sorry.

Which food dyes are on the FDA list?

The FDA’s hit list includes six heavy hitters that you’ll recognize if you’ve ever squinted at the fine print on a box of cereal or a bag of candy:

• Red No. 40
• Yellow No. 5
• Yellow No. 6
• Blue No. 1
• Blue No. 2
• Green No. 3

While that may sound like a list of paint swatches from your local supplier, these are the dyes that have been in your snacks, desserts, and drinks for years. And here’s where they tend to pop up. Oh, and some old commercials which don’t mention them...

Which popular foods use these dyes?

Red No. 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is one of the most widespread. You’ll find it in Froot Loops, Lucky Charms, Gatorade Fruit Punch, and even M&M’s Minis Caramel Fudge Light Ice Cream. It also sneaks into strawberry milk, pink lemonade mixes, and a long list of candies.

Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6 are the next most common. Mountain Dew, Doritos, Skittles, and cake mixes all lean on these to keep their colors consistent. Kraft’s creamy French salad dressing and Vlasic’s sweet relish use them too. Yellow 6 also shows up in Trix cereal, Otter Pops, and Fanta Soda.

Blue No. 1 and Blue No. 2 share similar résumés. M&Ms, Skittles, Airheads, Jolly Ranchers, and even Prozac capsules contain Blue 1. Blue 2 appears in things like Pillsbury’s Aqua Blue Vanilla frosting and even some pet foods.

Green No. 3? It’s the quiet one in the group but still present in certain mouthwashes, breath mints, and food products.

Why phase these dyes out now?

This decision is not about aesthetics. Health concerns, especially for children, have pushed it forward. Some studies suggest links between these synthetic dyes and behavioral issues like hyperactivity or ADHD symptoms. Nothing conclusive – but enough smoke to warrant a closer look.

The food dye industry argues the science isn’t strong enough to justify action, but the FDA seems ready to prioritize caution.

Some manufacturers have already begun the transition voluntarily. Now, with the government turning up the heat, expect to see more brands swapping neon hues for earthier tones. The big brands have until late next year to make the change. If they don’t, they risk losing consumer trust – or worse, FDA approval.

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