Identical in flavor and sweetness, Froot Loops cereals differ notably in their coloration.
In the United States, Froot Loops display vivid red, orange, green, purple, yellow, and blue rings, achieved through synthetic dyes such as Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Blue No. 1, and Yellow No. 6. Conversely, Canadian boxes feature softer hues derived from natural sources like blueberry, watermelon, and huito fruit juices, notably without any blue coloring.
Both versions are produced by WK Kellogg, formerly Kellogg Company, demonstrating the capability to manufacture the cereal without synthetic dyes. The pressing question remains whether the U.S. market and major food companies will embrace this natural coloring approach. Additionally, it is uncertain if consumers accustomed to vibrant, brightly colored foods will accept products with more muted tones.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., currently serving as the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, advocates for this shift. Recently, he announced an agreement reached with leading food manufacturers to eliminate petroleum-based artificial colorings from their products by 2026.
However, details surrounding this 'agreement' remain vague. No representatives from food companies were present at the announcement, and only a few have committed to removing synthetic dyes, which remain approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Nevertheless, change might be on the horizon. PepsiCo, which owns brands such as Doritos and Lay’s, recently stated plans to phase out synthetic colors or provide natural color alternatives within the next few years, citing growing consumer demand.
Kennedy appears to be leveraging his influential position overseeing the FDA to encourage reform within the food industry. Past attempts to replace artificial dyes have met mixed results. About ten years ago, several companies experimented with natural coloring agents. For example, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese successfully used turmeric and paprika to recreate its signature orange noodles. Yet, other brands faced setbacks, with some reverting to synthetic dyes after experiencing a decline in sales.
