Are Your Food Products Ready for Synthetic Dye Bans?

The U.S. is phasing out artificial colors in food and beverage products. Let’s break down what that means, who’s impacted, and how to prepare. 

timeline of 50 years of food dye regulations

Red 40. Yellow 5. Blue 1 …

States like California and West Virginia are banning them. Parents are avoiding them. And food scientists like the team at Food Business Consulting continue to rethink how we color what we eat.

Now that the HHS has announced such a widespread ban on all synthetic food dyes, we’re using our decades of experience in recipe reformulation, scale-up, regulatory compliance, labeling, and marketing to provide insight and opportunities for clients and colleagues.

Think about it: Everything from candies to cocktails has to be rethought. And at the moment, there’s little guidance coming out of Washington. We’re here to help you make sense of it all, effectively, with as little disruption as possible.

Artificial Dyes Are on the Chopping Block

What’s banned—and what’s next

DOWNLOADABLE CHECKLIST

Guide titled 'How to Prepare for the Synthetic Food Dye Ban' with a checklist icon.

5 Ways You Can Prepare for Synthetic Food Dye Bans Today

Download our free, practical guide for R&D teams, product formulators, and QA leads navigating upcoming 2025 – ‘26 compliance deadlines.

Then, stay in touch for more regulatory and food trend updates.

What’s Inside:

  • A step-by-step readiness checklist

  • Key regulatory insights

  • Labeling, sourcing, and reformulation tips

RESOURCES

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Close-up of interlocking gears labeled 'Regulations' and 'Compliance' in metallic finish.

Published April 24, 2025 on foodbusinessconsulting.com

Published June 3, 2025 on foodbusinessconsulting.com

Helping You Stay Ahead of Change

ABOUT US

Artificial dyes are out, natural pigments are in. But it’s not “that” simple. Turmeric, beet juice, and spirulina bring flavor, stability, and pH challenges that require smart formulation and testing.


If you’re a co-packer or a brand considering color reformulation, now’s the time to contact
Food Business Consulting, a trusted partner to food brands navigating formulation, compliance, and innovation.

  • Decades of Industry Insight — 20+ years advising top food brands

  • Regulatory Foresight — tuned in and consistently tracking the industry

  • Labeling Expertise

  • Sensory Trials — establishing customer engagement from the first bite

  • Product Development Know-How — from formulation to compliance to launch and scale-up