Hershey to remove synthetic dyes from its snacks by end of 2027

HERSHEY CO. will remove synthetic dyes from its snacks by the end of 2027, the latest in a string of major food companies that have announced similar moves.

The Pennsylvania-based maker of Hershey’s chocolates, Jolly Ranchers candy and SkinnyPop popcorn cited the challenges of navigating the profusion of new state legislation around food dyes.

“There is a patchwork of state regulations emerging that is creating confusion and will ultimately increase consumer costs,” a Hershey spokesperson said Monday. “Removing these colors is a natural next step in our program to ensure consumers have options to fit their lifestyle while maintaining trust and confidence in our products.”

US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has made expunging artificial dyes from US foods an early priority, and his supporters have embraced the effort at the state level.

A West Virginia law will prohibit the sale of food with synthetic dyes and some other ingredients starting in 2028. A Texas law signed June 22 by Governor Greg Abbott will require warning labels on products with ingredients including synthetic dyes beginning in 2027.

Hershey’s move comes after Nestlé SA last week said it would from its US portfolio by mid-2026, and Conagra Brands, Inc. said it would do so by the end of 2027. Kraft Heinz Co. and General Mills, Inc. have made similar pledges. — Bloomberg