Ice Cream Brands Pledge to Remove Artificial Colors by 2028

U.S. Companies Shift Toward Cleaner Labels and Consumer Trust

Many popular ice cream makers in the U.S. are removing ice cream artificial colors from their products to meet rising consumer demands. As buyers seek cleaner ingredients and transparency, this move addresses both market pressure and evolving policy landscapes.

Industry-Wide Commitment for Cleaner Ice Cream

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), in partnership with major ice cream brands, has launched a voluntary commitment. Their goal is to eliminate certified artificial colors from real milk-based ice cream by December 31, 2027.

The commitment includes the removal of additives like Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. More than 90% of the U.S. ice cream volume will fall under this pledge.

Many companies have already begun phasing out these ingredients. Others are collaborating with suppliers to reach full compliance before the deadline.

Health, Trust, and Consumer Preferences

Michael Dykes, president and CEO of IDFA, praised the industry’s proactive approach. “This commitment keeps ice cream wholesome, indulgent, and aligned with American values,” he said.

Health officials, including Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, also endorsed the effort. They view it as a positive step toward healthier food choices for families nationwide.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. added, “The public demands real food without unnecessary chemicals. This is a clear response to that call.”

What Products Are Affected?

This initiative targets all ice cream products made with real milk and sold in food retail. That includes supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retailers.

However, the commitment excludes:

• Non-dairy products
• Ice cream made in-house by small shops and restaurants

These exclusions allow flexibility for smaller businesses while focusing on large-scale reform.

Navigating Policy Changes

Although the FDA still considers certified artificial colors safe when used as directed, several states are taking independent steps. For example, West Virginia passed a law phasing out artificial colors in retail food.

To avoid disruption across state lines, major ice cream producers are standardizing their formulations. This proactive measure helps them stay ahead of shifting policies while maintaining consistent distribution.

Bigger Trends in the Dairy Industry

The ice cream artificial colors removal initiative aligns with a broader movement within the dairy sector. Recent efforts have also aimed at reducing added sugar and increasing natural ingredients—especially in school food programs.

As consumer expectations shift, food companies recognize the importance of transparency and simplicity in ingredients. The demand for clean labels continues to grow year by year.

Final Scoop

This new direction doesn’t just address health trends—it also protects business flexibility in a fragmented regulatory environment. Consumers benefit from better options, and companies stay ahead of future restrictions.

Stay Informed, Stay Prepared

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