The Ice Cream Industry Jumping on the MAHA Train

Dozens of top ice cream companies across the U.S. are planning to remove synthetic food dyes from their products by 2028 in a major shift that could reshape grocery store freezers nationwide.

Key Facts:

Over 40 U.S. ice cream companies will eliminate synthetic dyes like Red 3, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 by 2028.
These companies represent more than 90% of all ice cream sold in the U.S., according to the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA).
The move follows a federal push, including an April announcement by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to phase out food dyes nationwide.
Companies like General Mills, Kraft Heinz, Hershey, and Nestle have also pledged to remove artificial colors from other products.
The IDFA cited concerns over state bans and school food policies, even while maintaining dyes are “safe.”

The Rest of The Story:

The IDFA announced on Monday that 40 leading ice cream companies will voluntarily remove artificial dyes from their retail products, excluding non-dairy items, by 2028.

This includes well-known additives like Red 40, Yellow 6, and Blue 2.

This announcement comes in response to growing pressure from states and consumers, along with the Biden administration’s latest regulatory direction under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Kennedy claims food dyes contribute to rising ADHD and cancer rates, though the scientific community remains divided, saying more research is needed.

The plan will be formally revealed at a USDA event with Kennedy, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

The IDFA emphasized this move is preemptive, aiming to shield the industry from disruptions caused by bans such as West Virginia’s recent dye prohibition.

🚨 JUST IN: It's official – in one fell swoop, ice cream producers composing 90% of the American supply are REMOVING artificial dyes out of their products.

NOT possible without President Trump and Secretary Kennedy.

"We have all come together as the ice cream industry to lead… pic.twitter.com/wUsNTd9gZS

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 14, 2025

Commentary:

This move by nearly the entire U.S. ice cream industry is a massive win for the America First agenda that values health, transparency, and consumer choice.

While federal regulators continue to bicker over what’s “proven,” businesses are taking action—voluntarily.

It’s a clear signal that the private sector, when given the freedom, can lead the charge toward cleaner, healthier products.

These companies aren’t waiting for sweeping federal mandates—they’re responding to real consumer demand and new state-level leadership.

The Trump-era emphasis on local control and state empowerment continues to bear fruit.

States like West Virginia are setting policy that sends national shockwaves, and industries are adjusting before the federal government even acts.

That’s the kind of decentralized, responsive system the Constitution envisioned.

What’s especially impressive is how many of these companies have stepped up without being forced.

They’ve seen the writing on the wall, assessed the risks, and moved to eliminate dyes that parents across America have raised alarms about for years.

The Bottom Line:

Over 90% of America’s ice cream producers are ditching artificial dyes by 2028, a sweeping voluntary move that reflects shifting consumer expectations and rising state-level pressure.

Despite federal hesitations, the private sector is leading, not following.

This is yet another example of how strong leadership at the state and grassroots levels can drive meaningful change across entire industries.