Welch’s Fruit Snacks, a popular snack for kids, is making a significant change to its ingredients just in time for the back-to-school season.
The company announced that it will be removing artificial dyes from its products.
Instead, colors in the snacks will now come from natural sources, a shift that reflects growing demand for cleaner, more transparent food labeling.
The change will initially apply to three popular flavor packs: Mixed Fruit, Berries ‘n Cherries, and Fruit Punch.
According to a press release from Welch’s Fruit Snacks, the reformulated snacks will begin rolling out this summer.
The move is part of a broader effort by PIM Brands, the parent company of Welch’s Fruit Snacks, to eliminate synthetic dyes across its entire product line by early 2026.
Jason Levine, chief marketing officer at PIM Brands, emphasized that customer health and satisfaction remain a top priority.
‘This marks an important milestone in Welch’s Fruit Snacks’ commitment to exclusively use colors from natural sources,’ Levine said in the release.
Welch’s Fruit Snacks is removing artificial dyes from its ingredients, which currently mixes additives with natural sources
He added that the transition began more than a decade ago and has already been implemented in many of the company’s new products since 2018.
Welch’s current Mixed Fruit Snacks include a mix of both natural and artificial ingredients, including annatto and turmeric for color, as well as synthetic dyes Red 40 and Blue 1.
These artificial dyes will now be phased out in favor of plant-based alternatives.
Levine also highlighted that the flavor and quality of the snacks will remain unchanged.
‘We’re proud to begin rolling out our best-selling flavors made without artificial dyes and without compromising on real fruit and great taste,’ he said.
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has also taken notice of concerns surrounding synthetic food dyes.
In April, HHS announced it is working with food industry leaders to remove synthetic dyes from the national food supply by the end of 2026.
Among the dyes under review are Red 40 and Blue 1, both of which are being replaced in the Welch’s snacks.
These new natural ingredients will be plant-based
Health experts have expressed concerns about Red 40, noting possible links to increased hyperactivity and irritability in children.
Children with ADHD can be particularly sensitive to these additives.
Welch’s Fruit Snacks’ decision aligns with a growing trend among food manufacturers to offer products that are more natural and parent-friendly.
The company’s updated snacks are expected to hit store shelves soon.
