Shiny colours nonetheless dominate U.S. meals, however scientists warn the dyes behind them might come at a value.
Virtually one in 5 packaged meals and drinks out there in U.S. grocery shops include artificial meals dyes, in keeping with a brand new evaluation of 39,763 merchandise. The analysis was just lately revealed within the Journal of the Academy of Diet and Dietetics.[1]
Artificial dyes are often added to make meals look extra interesting, particularly these offered to youngsters. Nevertheless, a rising physique of analysis suggests these components might contribute to or worsen behavioral issues reminiscent of hyperactivity and inattention.[2]
Shiny Colours, Excessive Sugar, and Well being Dangers
Researchers from The George Institute for International Well being, the College of North Carolina, and the Heart for Science within the Public Curiosity examined ingredient information for merchandise made by the 25 largest U.S. meals producers. Additionally they centered on the highest 5 classes most closely marketed to youngsters – confectionery, sugar-sweetened drinks, prepared meals, breakfast cereals, and baked items like muffins, cookies, and pastries.
Merchandise in these classes have been considerably extra more likely to include artificial dyes. Synthetic coloring appeared in 28% of these things in comparison with simply 11% in different classes. As well as, meals containing artificial dyes had 141% extra sugar on common (33.3g/100g versus 13.8g/100g).
Knowledgeable Concern Over Ongoing Dye Use
Dr. Elizabeth Dunford, Analysis Fellow at The George Institute and Adjunct Assistant Professor within the Division of Diet on the College of North Carolina, stated the continued presence of artificial dyes within the meals provide stays troubling.
“Given the buildup of proof during the last 40 years pointing to the well being harms of artificial dyes, it’s disappointing to see that they’re nonetheless so prevalent in our meals system, significantly in merchandise which might be designed to enchantment to youngsters,” she stated.
“The excessive ranges of sugar in these brightly coloured merchandise means that corporations are utilizing artificial dyes to market candy meals and drinks, however each substances are linked to poor well being outcomes.”
Main Offenders and Business Traits
The analysis recognized confectionery corporations as probably the most frequent customers of artificial dyes. Ferrero topped the checklist with 60% of its merchandise containing synthetic coloring, adopted by Mars at 52%. More than half (51%) of PepsiCo’s energy drinks included synthetic dyes, and 79% of all sports drinks contained them, regardless of manufacturer.
Regulatory Action and Industry Resistance
According to Dr. Thomas Galligan, Principal Scientist for Food Additives and Supplements at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, synthetic food dyes are unnecessary in the U.S. food supply, yet progress in eliminating them has been slow.
“The FDA recently asked the food industry to voluntarily phase synthetic dyes out of the food supply, but many companies had previously made promises to stop using them and then failed to keep those promises. So, it remains to be seen if food companies will comply with this new request,” he said.
“If the FDA were to require warning labels on synthetically dyed foods, similar to the rule in place since 2010 in the European Union, there would be a much stronger incentive for industry to reformulate. Those warnings would also ensure consumers are better able to protect themselves from products sold by companies who choose not to phase dyes out entirely.”
Policy Momentum and Consumer Awareness
Dr. Dunford noted that many states are now taking steps toward stronger oversight. “But until the regulatory process catches up with the science, parents and health-conscious consumers should always check the ingredients label for synthetic dyes and for high levels of added sugar. If a product contains either, you are better off not buying it, especially for your kids.”
She added that recent state legislation shows encouraging signs of change. “Dr. Dunford said it was encouraging to see that dozens of US states have now introduced bills taking aim at synthetic dyes this year, and the results of this research were likely to be immediately useful for policymakers as they progress this work.”
References:
- “All the Colors of the Rainbow: Synthetic Dyes in US Packaged Foods and Beverages in 2020” by Elizabeth K. Dunford, Thomas M. Galligan, Lindsey Smith Taillie and Aviva A. Musicus, 25 June 2025, Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2025.05.007 - Health Effects Assessment: Potential Neurobehavioral Effects of Synthetic Food Dyes in Children. 2021, California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.
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