Nestlé Removes FD&C Colors to Support Health Initiative

Nestlé has announced the complete removal of FD&C colors as part of its Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. This update follows a commitment made about a year ago.

According to the company’s press release, “With this milestone, FD&C colors are no longer used across Nestlé USA’s portfolio.” The company has substituted synthetic colors with “alternative solutions while ensuring the quality, taste, and experience that consumers expect.”

The new formulations are now available in stores, and consumers are encouraged to check product labels for more information.

Nestlé USA CEO Marty Thompson noted that “Consumers expect more choice, more transparency, and product confidence.” He emphasized that the company is “evolving in ways that matter to consumers, strengthening trust in our brands and delivering high-quality food and beverages.”

Thompson further mentioned, “Eliminating FD&C colors from our portfolio is another way we continue to meet these expectations while delivering the quality people know and expect from Nestlé USA.”

The U.S. FDA acknowledged this change, stating, “MAHA continues to rack up wins. Nestlé USA has officially removed the FD&C color from its U.S. food and beverage portfolio. Progress tastes pretty good.”

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed gratitude towards Nestlé, saying, “Thank you @Nestlé for eliminating synthetic colors from its products. Nestlé went the extra mile and delivered.” He encouraged other food companies to follow this lead, adding, “Now is the time for every food company doing business in America to do the same and help make America healthy again.”

This achievement comes after Nestlé’s earlier promise to phase out synthetic colorants by mid-2026. Other food companies are also making similar commitments.

Kraft Heinz has recently indicated that it will not introduce new products with artificial colors and aims to eliminate them from existing products by the end of 2027. General Mills is also working on removing artificial colors from K-12 school foods and all cereals in the U.S.

The company plans to eliminate certified colors from its entire retail portfolio by the end of 2027.

Conagra Brands Inc. is also taking steps in this direction, pledging to phase out artificial dyes across its U.S. retail portfolio by the end of 2027.

This announcement coincided with Secretary Kennedy revealing that obesity rates in the United States have decreased for the first time in 50 years.