An article summarized by Fox Business:
General Mills announced that all of its U.S. cereals, including Lucky Charms and Trix, are now made without certified colors, also known as synthetic color additives. The company says this means 90% of its U.S. retail portfolio has completed the transition, and it plans to remove certified colors from all remaining U.S. products, including fruit snacks and baking products, by the end of 2027.
The move marks a major shift for the food giant, though General Mills has attempted something similar before. In 2016, the company removed artificial colors from cereals including Trix, but brought back the brightly colored “Classic Trix” version in 2017 after consumers complained and expressed nostalgia for the original product. The company ultimately offered both versions to accommodate different consumer preferences.
This time, General Mills appears committed to making the change across its entire U.S. product lineup. The announcement reflects growing consumer and regulatory scrutiny of synthetic food dyes and additives, while also showing the challenge food companies face in balancing changing health preferences with consumers’ attachment to the familiar appearance and taste of classic products.
