A major children’s snack brand is ditching synthetic dyes just in time for the school year. Welch’s Fruit Snacks will now use colors from natural sources in several popular products, with a full transition planned by early 2026.
Key Facts:
- Welch’s Fruit Snacks will remove artificial dyes from three major varieties: Mixed Fruit, Berries ‘n Cherries, and Fruit Punch.
- The company plans to use colors from natural sources in all its snacks by early 2026.
- Red 40 and Blue 1—currently used in Welch’s—are among the synthetic dyes being phased out.
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is urging companies to remove synthetic dyes from food by the end of 2025.
- PIM Brands, which owns Welch’s, began this transition more than a decade ago.
The Rest of The Story:
Welch’s Fruit Snacks, made by PIM Brands and based in Park Ridge, New Jersey, announced it will start eliminating artificial dyes in some of its most popular snack packs just as kids return to school.
The updated snacks will use colors derived from natural sources instead of synthetic additives.
“This marks an important milestone,” the company said in its release, noting the shift applies to Mixed Fruit, Berries ‘n Cherries, and Fruit Punch flavors.
Chief Marketing Officer Jason Levine emphasized that families remain the brand’s top concern.
“We’re proud to begin rolling out our best-selling flavors made without artificial dyes and without compromising on the things we know people love about Welch’s Fruit Snacks: real fruit and great taste.”
This change comes amid growing federal scrutiny of dyes like Red 40 and Blue 1.
The Department of Health and Human Services announced earlier this year that it is working with industry leaders to remove synthetic dyes from the food supply by the end of 2025.
Welch’s Fruit Snacks is rolling out a recipe makeover after the snack brand announced plans to remove all synthetic dyes from its product lineup by early 2026.
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Commentary:
This is a major win for parents. Welch’s Fruit Snacks are found in millions of lunchboxes every year, and parents have long raised concerns about artificial additives.
Now, the brand is listening—and taking real steps. Instead of waiting for a government mandate, Welch’s is leading by example.
The transition to natural colors started years ago and is already present in newer products. This isn’t a rushed PR stunt—it’s a long-term strategy that’s paying off.
PIM Brands deserves credit for staying ahead of the curve. Rather than risking backlash from consumers or regulators later, they’re addressing the issue now. That’s smart business.
Let’s not forget the health angle either. Dyes like Red 40 have been linked to behavioral issues in children, especially those with ADHD.
By removing these ingredients, Welch’s is helping parents give their kids safer snack options.
The timing is also perfect. Rolling out these changes ahead of the school season shows good planning and strong awareness of consumer needs.
As more companies follow suit, we’ll likely see a ripple effect across the snack industry.
In a market flooded with artificial everything, it’s refreshing to see a brand stand behind its product and improve it without being forced to.
The Bottom Line:
Welch’s Fruit Snacks is removing artificial dyes from its top flavors starting now, with a complete switch to natural coloring by early 2026.
The company is taking voluntary action ahead of federal pressure, and that’s a move parents can support.
With concerns over additives like Red 40 growing, this change gives families a cleaner, more trustworthy snack choice just in time for school.
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