PepsiCo commits to removing artificial colors from popular snacks

In the United States, on April 24, 2025, PepsiCo announced a significant effort to eliminate artificial ingredients from its food products. This decision follows a push led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has advocated for a ban on harmful food dyes. Ramon Laguarta, the chair and CEO of PepsiCo, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to improving food quality, highlighting their ongoing efforts to reduce sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats over the past years. The announcement also aligns with the FDA's recent initiatives to establish a timeline for phasing out synthetic food colorings. Specific examples from PepsiCo include removing artificial colors from their Lay's and Tostitos brands by the end of this year, 2025. The FDA is concurrently working to revoke the authorization of certain synthetic colorings and aims to collaborate with the food industry to replace petrochemical-based dyes with natural alternatives. This represents a broader movement toward healthier food options and reflects growing consumer demand for more natural ingredients in processed foods. Additionally, the ongoing dialogue around the safety of these artificial dyes has intensified, especially following health discussions led by public figures. This move is part of a larger trend in the food industry that includes various companies taking steps to improve their product ingredient lists and respond proactively to regulatory changes. Ultimately, PepsiCo's commitment reinforces an industry shift toward prioritizing consumer preference for natural ingredients and healthier food options. The transformation highlights the potential impact of government regulations on corporate practices and consumer health.