PepsiCo, one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, has announced plans to remove artificial food dyes from several of its iconic snack brands, including Lay’s and Tostitos, by the end of 2025. The move aligns with a recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ban on synthetic dyes, reflecting growing consumer and regulatory concerns about the health impacts of artificial colors.
The decision, announced in early April 2025, targets synthetic dyes such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1, commonly used to enhance the visual appeal of snacks. PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta revealed that over 60% of the company’s U.S. food portfolio is already free of artificial dyes, positioning PepsiCo as a leader in adapting to the FDA’s mandate. “We’re committed to delivering safe, high-quality products that meet evolving consumer expectations,” Laguarta said in a statement. “Our reformulations will maintain the vibrant look our customers love using natural alternatives.”
PepsiCo’s reformulation efforts involve replacing artificial dyes with plant-based colorants like tomato powder, turmeric, and beet extract. These natural alternatives aim to preserve the iconic appearance of products like Lay’s Classic chips and Tostitos Scoops while addressing health concerns linked to synthetic dyes, including potential associations with hyperactivity in children and other risks cited in recent studies. The company’s research and development teams have been working to ensure taste and quality remain consistent, a critical factor for maintaining consumer trust in its $28 billion snack portfolio.
The initiative is part of PepsiCo’s broader pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) strategy, which emphasizes sustainability, health, and transparency. The company has already made strides in food safety, earning the 2024 FMI Food Safety Innovation Award for its behavioral science-based safety culture framework. Removing artificial dyes builds on these efforts, responding to both regulatory pressure and a growing consumer preference for cleaner labels. “This is a proactive step to meet the needs of our customers and regulators,” said Jane Wakely, PepsiCo’s Chief Consumer Engagement Officer.
While the announcement has been widely praised, some social media claims have exaggerated the scope, suggesting PepsiCo is eliminating all artificial ingredients. In reality, the focus remains on artificial colors, with no current plans to remove artificial flavors or preservatives. PepsiCo’s compliance with the FDA ban underscores its ability to navigate a complex regulatory landscape, supported by its Executive Product Integrity Council, which oversees food safety and quality metrics. At the very least, the removal of useless and possibly harmful food dyes fits right in with the ‘Make America Healthy Again‘ initiatives put in place by members of the Trump administration.
The transition to dye-free products is expected to be complete by December 2025, with PepsiCo investing in supply chain adjustments to source natural colorants at scale. Industry analysts view the move as a benchmark for other food giants, as companies like Mars and General Mills face similar pressures to reformulate. Consumers can expect updates on PepsiCo’s progress through its website, www.pepsico.com, as the company continues to prioritize safety and innovation in its global snack offerings.
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