US ice cream makers agree to remove artificial dyes as FDA approves new natural colour

In a sweeping industry shift, companies representing over 90 percent of US ice cream volume have pledged to eliminate certified artificial dyes from ice cream products made with real milk by the end of 2027.

The voluntary commitment, announced with the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), coincides with new US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of a plant-based dye, as pressure mounts to move away from synthetic additives.

The International Dairy Foods Association said the commitment excludes ice creams made with non-dairy ingredients and small businesses that produce their own ice cream.

The initiative follows mounting consumer demand for clean-label ingredients and comes as the FDA prepares to phase out certain synthetic dyes by 2026. In support of the move, Secretary Kennedy of the US Department of Health commented:

I applaud the International Dairy Foods Association for stepping up to eliminate certified artificial colours. The American people have made it clear — they want real food, without chemicals.”

Agriculture Secretary Rollins tied the initiative to broader policy goals:

I appreciate IDFA members for spearheading this new initiative and finding ways to promote President Trump’s Make America Healthy Again agenda. Each one of these endeavours helps families make better choices and pursue healthier lives.”

IDFA statement

The IDFA confirmed that over 40 companies are participating in the commitment, following recent announcements from major food brands outside the ice cream sector and aligning with broader industry momentum.

The decision is expected to affect an enormous volume of food, with Americans consuming around 19 pounds or approximately four gallons of ice cream per person annually. In 2024 alone, the US produced an estimated 1.31 billion gallons of ice cream.

Michael Dykes, President and CEO of the IDFA, commented:

I am proud of ice cream makers and dairy foods companies for stepping up for American families by making this voluntary commitment to provide ice cream and frozen dairy treats without certified artificial colours.

None of this is possible without our incredible American dairy farmers. One out of every 10 gallons of milk produced on American dairy farms goes to making ice cream each year. Dairy farmers are essential to making ice cream great.”

The dyes set for removal include Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. All are petroleum-based and have come under growing scrutiny over potential health effects, especially among children.

Kennedy also alluded to the future release of new dietary guidelines, which would “elevate” dairy products, including full-fat dairy, to “where they ought to be in terms of contributing to the health of our children.”

New natural colour approval

The FDA also used the announcement to reveal its latest colour approval: gardenia blue, a natural dye derived from the fruit of the gardenia plant.

It becomes the fourth plant-based colour additive approved in just two months, alongside galdieria extract blue, calcium phosphate and butterfly pea flower extract. Manufacturers can now use gardenia blue in various beverages and confectionery, including sports drinks and soft candies.

These new approvals come after a thorough regulatory review. The FDA’s process for approving colours, under section 721 of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, requires rigorous assessment of safety, dietary exposure and toxicology data.

FDA Commissioner Dr Marty Makary confirmed the agency has also sent a letter urging manufacturers to accelerate the removal of synthetic dyes, particularly FD&C Red No. 3, ahead of its January 2027 deadline.