Kellogg’s Removes Artificial Colors from Froot Loops and Apple Jacks

WK Kellogg Transitioning to Natural Colors by 2026

WK Kellogg announced it will eliminate all artificial colors from its entire cereal portfolio by the end of 2026, accelerating its previous 2027 timeline. According to the company, the transition includes popular cereals like Froot Loops and Apple Jacks. The manufacturer confirmed that the iconic rainbow appearance of Froot Loops will be maintained using plant-based ingredients, such as fruit and vegetable juices, rather than synthetic dyes.

Consumer Demand Drives Ingredient Simplification

The move follows a broader industry push toward “simple, recognizable ingredients,” according to WK Kellogg Chief Growth Officer Doug VanDeVelde. The company stated that it conducted extensive consumer testing to verify that the reformulated recipes maintain the taste and visual appeal expected by shoppers. WK Kellogg is positioning this change as part of its “Make Eating Well Easy” initiative and its new SPOONS on-pack nutrition labeling system.

Progress on Preservative Removal

Beyond artificial colors, WK Kellogg is working to remove the preservative BHT from its packaging. While a small portion of the company’s cereal portfolio currently contains the additive, the firm reported it is ahead of schedule in its removal process. Although an exact date for the completion of the BHT phase-out has not been provided, the company confirmed the initiative is active.

Industry Trends in Food Transparency

The shift at WK Kellogg reflects a growing trend where major food manufacturers are re-evaluating long-standing recipes to cater to health-conscious consumers. This transition mirrors broader market pressures seen in other sectors, such as the retail grocery landscape, where taxpayer-funded initiatives and private business models are both under scrutiny to provide more sustainable and transparent food access to communities. While WK Kellogg focuses on ingredient transparency, other food retailers face challenges in maintaining operational sustainability in urban food deserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will Froot Loops taste different after the change?
  WK Kellogg states that extensive testing confirms the taste will remain consistent with current recipes.
• When will the new cereals reach stores?
  Production of the reformulated cereals is expected to begin later this year, with products hitting retail shelves before the end of 2026.
• What ingredients are replacing artificial colors?
  The company plans to use natural sources, including juices derived from fruits and vegetables.