Color Us Thrilled: Kraft Mac-and-Cheese Nixes Artificial Dyes

A staple of childhood meals is about to get a new look as Kraft Macaroni & Cheese in the U.S. will no longer be made with artificial preservatives or synthetic colors. Reacting to mounting consumer pressure for more natural food choices, Kraft says the artificial ingredients will be gone starting in January. But the company says the familiar taste of their mac-and-cheese will stay the same.

“We weren’t ready to change the product until we were confident that Kraft Macaroni & Cheese tastes like Kraft Macaroni & Cheese,” the company said in a statement.

Kraft said it’s been thinking about making the changes for some time based on customers’ concerns. In 2013, Good News Network reported on Kraft’s decision to remove food dyes from its kids-specific cartoon-shaped mac-and-cheese products, after 350,000 people signed a petition started by food blogger Vani Hari. Hari has kept up the pressure and declared victory after Kraft’s announcement yesterday.

“The thousands of letters I have received from parents whose children have benefited from the removal of artificial food dyes are ringing in my ear this morning,” she posted. “We finally did it.”

Kraft’s statement said parents are increasingly focused on better nutrition and simpler ingredients, but the company promises the new recipe will not change the flavor of the popular American comfort food.

“We’ve been working tirelessly to find the right recipe that our fans will love,” said Triona Schmelter, Vice President of Marketing.

Photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography (CC)