The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted use the color gardenia (genipin) blue in various foods. Additionally, ice cream could also be shedding artificial food dyes in years to come.

The health secretary has used peer pressure to persuade food makers to nix synthetic dyes. The candy industry is holding out, arguing American consumers like bright sweets.

Welch’s Fruit Snacks will cut synthetic dyes from its full lineup of products by early 2026, parent company PIM Brands Inc. said, making it the latest American brand to pledge to eliminate the colorants.

National Confectioners Association questions focus on synthetic dyes as MARS reverses its 2016 commitment, despite other companies joining Kennedy's initiative

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign to eliminate synthetic food dyes from the American food supply is facing stiff resistance from one of the country’s most iconic candy makers —

In addition to finding these dyes in brightly colored processed foods, the researchers also found them in more muted foods like blueberry bagels, taco shells, carbonated drinks, and hot dog buns. Overall, they were present in about 1 out of every 5 foods and beverages.