Have you ever eaten a bright red popsicle or a rainbow-colored cereal and wondered, “How do they get it to look like that?”
Most of those fun colors come from synthetic food dyes—special chemicals added to make foods look more exciting. But in the United States, big changes are happening. New rules will soon affect which dyes companies can use in our foods.
These changes are meant to make food healthier and safer, especially for kids. Let’s explore what’s changing, why it’s happening, and what it means for families like yours.
What Are Food Dyes?
Food dyes are color additives that change the look of food and drinks. There are two main types:
- Natural dyes come from plants, animals, or minerals (like beet juice, turmeric, or carrots).
- Synthetic dyes are made from chemicals, often from petroleum. These include familiar names like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1.
Synthetic dyes are common in candies, cereals, sports drinks, desserts, and even some medicines. They don’t change the flavor, but they make the food look fun and bright.
What’s Changing in the U.S.?
In 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced new rules to phase out certain synthetic food dyes from the food supply.
Here are some important changes:
- Red Dye No. 3 is being removed.
The FDA decided to stop allowing Red No. 3 in foods and medicines. Companies must stop using it in food by January 15, 2027, and in drugs by January 18, 2028. - Six other dyes are being phased out by the end of 2026.
These include Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 (Venable LLP, 2025). The FDA isn’t banning them all at once but is encouraging companies to switch to safer alternatives. - New natural dyes are being approved.
To help companies replace synthetic colors, the FDA has approved three new natural food dyes. These are made from plants and are safer to use in foods. - States are taking action, too.
For example, West Virginia passed a law banning many artificial dyes starting in 2027 and 2028. California has also banned Red 3 statewide starting in 2027 and already has stricter rules for school meals.
Why Are These Changes Happening?
There are a few big reasons for the new dye rules:
- Health Concerns: Some studies have shown that certain synthetic dyes, like Red No. 3, caused cancer in animals. Others have been linked to hyperactivity or attention problems in some children.
- Consumer Demand: Many families want foods with simple, natural ingredients. Parents are reading labels more carefully and avoiding artificial additives.
- Better Science: The FDA wants food rules to match modern research and give companies safer coloring options.
If you are interested in learning more about how to remove dyes from your child’s diet:
What This Means for Families
These changes might affect some of your favorite foods and snacks. Over the next few years, you might notice that some foods:
- Look a little different (maybe not as bright!)
- Have new labels showing natural coloring ingredients
- Disappear from shelves temporarily while companies reformulate their recipes
For families, this is a great time to:
- Practice label reading together at the grocery store
- Cook and bake at home using natural colors like beet juice, spinach powder, or turmeric
- Talk about healthy choices and how food regulations help keep people safe
Critical Thinking Question
Some kids really love brightly colored snacks, but synthetic dyes can cause health problems.
Do you think companies should stop using synthetic dyes even if the foods don’t look as fun? Why or why not?
(Discuss together or write your thoughts.)
Multiple Choice Questions
- What is the main reason for the new dye regulations?
A. To make food taste better
B. To make food look brighter
C. To protect people’s health and update rules
D. To stop companies from making candy - Which dye is the first to be officially removed?
A. Red 40
B. Yellow 5
C. Red 3
D. Blue 1 - When must companies stop using Red 3 in foods?
A. January 15, 2027
B. December 31, 2025
C. January 18, 2028
D. There is no deadline - Which of the following is NOT a reason for the dye changes?
A. Health concerns
B. Consumer demand for natural ingredients
C. New scientific research
D. Making foods cheaper to produce - What can families do to adapt to the new rules?
A. Ignore food labels
B. Buy more artificially colored snacks
C. Start reading labels and using natural colors at home
D. Stop eating snacks
The U.S. is making a big change by moving away from synthetic food dyes and choosing safer, more natural options. This shift is meant to protect people’s health and give families better food choices. By understanding these new rules, parents and kids can make smart decisions together and maybe even discover fun new ways to make colorful, healthy treats at home!
Multiple Choice Questions
- What is the main reason for the new dye regulations?
A. To make food taste better
B. To make food look brighter
C. To protect people’s health and update rules
D. To stop companies from making candy- ✅ Answer: C
- Which dye is the first to be officially removed?
A. Red 40
B. Yellow 5
C. Red 3
D. Blue 1- ✅ Answer: C
- When must companies stop using Red 3 in foods?
A. January 15, 2027
B. December 31, 2025
C. January 18, 2028
D. There is no deadline- ✅ Answer: A
- Which of the following is NOT a reason for the dye changes?
A. Health concerns
B. Consumer demand for natural ingredients
C. New scientific research
D. Making foods cheaper to produce- ✅ Answer: D
- What can families do to adapt to the new rules?
A. Ignore food labels
B. Buy more artificially colored snacks
C. Start reading labels and using natural colors at home
D. Stop eating snacks- ✅ Answer: C
Unleashed Learning Gateway 