Petroleum-based food dyes are finally on their way out of the American food supply, thanks to sweeping industry pledges and new FDA regulations set to ban artificial colors by the end of 2027. But why wait years for clean labels when WISEcode lets you find dye-free foods easily, powered by the world’s most comprehensive food database and our personalized codes.

Petroleum Based Food Dyes Ban: What's Being Banished

The move isn’t just another food fad. The FDA verified what many concerned parents have suspected for years: artificial dyes, also known as artificial color, petroleum-based food dyes, and synthetic food dyes, add nothing nutritionally and raise questions around well-being, especially in children. Health concerns, particularly regarding children's health, are a key reason for the ban. The following synthetic dyes, each derived from petroleum, are set for full phase-out by 2027:

• FD&C Green No.3

• FD&C Red No.40

• FD&C Yellow No.5

• FD&C Yellow No.6

• FD&C Blue No.1

• FD&C Blue No.2

• Orange B

• Citrus Red No.2

• FD&C Red No.3 (authorization revoked in 2025)

These are petroleum-based dyes and are classified as food additives and sometimes as ingested drug products by the FDA.

You won’t have to memorize this list. WISEcode identifies these additives at a glance, using our bespoke codes so you can filter out any product containing them instantly. No more squinting at ingredient lists. No more uncertainty about “what’s really in there”.

Ripple Effects: How the Food Supply Chain is Adapting

The decision to remove artificial food dyes from America’s food supply is transforming the food industry from the inside out. Food manufacturers are now looking to reformulate recipes, swapping out synthetic dyes like FD&C Blue No. 1 and Red No. 40 for natural color additives sourced from plants, fruits, and minerals. This shift is driving up demand for innovative natural alternatives such as butterfly pea flower extract and calcium phosphate, which are quickly becoming staples in the new generation of food and beverage products.

Members of the Consumer Brands Association and leading food companies are collaborating to ensure a smooth transition, guided by updated Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. The FDA is offering support and regulatory flexibility, helping food manufacturers adapt their processes and labeling to meet the new standards.

This industry-wide movement is not just about compliance; it’s about building a healthier future. By embracing natural dyes and phasing out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, the food industry is taking a proactive stance on consumer health and safety, ensuring that the colors in our foods come from trusted, natural sources.

Nature’s Bright Solution: The Natural Alternatives and Dyes Taking Their Place

Manufacturers aren’t just removing petroleum dyes; they’re replacing them with vibrant alternatives nature offers, now widely approved for use in snacks, drinks, and even baked goods.

• Beet juice extract, watermelon juice — for reds

• Turmeric-derived curcumin, carrot juice — for yellows

• Spirulina and butterfly pea flower extract, gardenia fruit extract — for blues

• Paprika oleoresin — for oranges

• Calcium phosphate — for pure whites

Recently, the FDA has approved new natural color additives, with Galdieria extract blue standing out as a promising example for replacing synthetic blue dyes.

These natural dyes come with more than color: many add antioxidants and nutritional value, moving your food choices closer to your health goals. And with WISEcode’s filter features, you can choose foods based on individual or family values—whether that’s natural coloring, allergen avoidance, or organic certification.

A Healthier Palette: The Benefits of Ditching Artificial Dyes

Moving away from artificial dyes is more than a regulatory win, it’s a leap forward for public health and the environment. Natural color additives, like those extracted from beets, turmeric, and spinach, offer a vibrant spectrum of colors without the health risks associated with synthetic dyes. These natural dyes are not only safer, but they often bring added nutritional value, making food products both more appealing and more wholesome.

The benefits ripple beyond individual health. By reducing reliance on petroleum-based synthetic dyes, the food industry is also lessening its environmental footprint, supporting a cleaner, greener planet.

The Big Brands Stepping Up: Who’s Reformulating, and When

Major brands are already pivoting to meet the new standards. Many companies have pledged to stop manufacturing products containing synthetic colors by the regulatory deadline. Here’s a snapshot of who’s committed—and when you’ll see a cleaner shelf:

Most other food leaders like McCormick, J.M. Smucker, and International Dairy Foods Association brands are racing to meet the deadline. Flagship snacks and cereals may go dye-free even sooner as pressure from mindful shoppers grows.

Don’t Wait for 2027. Scan and Filter Dye-Free Foods NOW.

Here’s the truth: food companies move slowly. Marketing spins, regulations take years, and ingredient lists can lag behind reality. But with WISEcode in your pocket, you’re already ahead of the pack. And best of all - it’s free. There are no barriers between you and your food.  

• “Petroleum Dye-Free” or “Artificial Colors” Filters: Instantly scan and sort foods by dye status. Reject any product with targeted artificial dyes; no label deciphering required.

• Personalized Shopping Codes: Use custom filters based on allergies, additives, or other health priorities. WISEcode also helps you avoid ultra-processed foods, which often contain artificial dyes and additives linked to health risks.

• Precision Transparency: WISEcode isn’t just transparent, it’s precision transparency. Tailored truth in every bite, for you and your family.

What does this mean for parents - the primary shoppers for American families? No more overwhelmed grocery trips. No more second-guessing. Download WISEcode and find joy in your food choices today, not 2027. These changes are helping to improve America's food supply by making it safer and healthier for everyone.