Nearly one in five packaged foods sold in the U.S. contain synthetic dyes, with sugary, kid-targeted products most likely to include them, according to a new study analyzing nearly 40,000 items from top food manufacturers.
Brian Bienkowski reports for The New Lede.
In short:
- A new peer-reviewed study found that 19% of nearly 40,000 U.S. packaged foods contain synthetic dyes, with candy, cereals, and sugary drinks most affected.
- Products with synthetic dyes contained 141% more sugar on average and were significantly more likely to be marketed to children.
- While food giants like Kraft Heinz and General Mills have pledged to phase out synthetic dyes by 2027, researchers caution that similar past promises often went unfulfilled.
Key quote:
“Let’s see if they actually followed through with the commitments because I think that’s what’s lacking. You can say anything you want, but will you really do it?”
— Elizabeth Dunford, lead author of the study and professor and researcher at the University of North Carolina and the University of New South Wales
Why this matters:
Synthetic food dyes are under growing scrutiny for their potential effects on children's behavior, particularly links to hyperactivity and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These dyes, often found in processed foods with high sugar content, offer no nutritional benefit but are widely used to make products more visually appealing — especially to children. Critics say this marketing tactic exploits kids’ preferences for bright colors while loading them with unhealthy ingredients. The continued prevalence of artificial dyes in food raises broader concerns about food industry practices, transparency, and regulatory inertia. Although some companies are making pledges to change, the impact on public health will depend on whether those commitments are kept and monitored. As awareness grows, pressure is likely to mount on both manufacturers and regulators to reduce or eliminate these chemicals from the food supply.
Related EHN coverage: Behind the Ban: Breaking down the risks of Red Dye 3 and chemicals like it
