The Iconic Orange Hue, Before and After
For decades, the signature vibrant orange color of Kraft Dinner (KD) was a familiar sight on dinner tables across Canada. However, this color was not naturally derived from cheese. It came from synthetic food dyes, specifically Yellow 5 (also known as tartrazine) and Yellow 6. While regulated and deemed safe for consumption by authorities like Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at the time, these artificial colorants faced increasing scrutiny from consumer groups and health advocates. This public pressure ultimately prompted a significant change to the classic recipe.
Why Did Kraft Remove Tartrazine?
The push for reformulation was largely driven by an online petition and a growing awareness of the potential health concerns associated with synthetic dyes. Concerns included allergic reactions and a potential link to hyperactivity in children. In response, Kraft Heinz pledged to remove these artificial colors and preservatives from its products. The company successfully executed this recipe change, and impressively, many consumers did not even notice the difference in taste or appearance. This switch reflected a broader industry trend towards using simpler, more natural ingredients to appeal to health-conscious consumers.
The New KD Ingredients
To achieve the familiar orange shade without relying on synthetic dyes, Kraft Heinz developed a new formula for its cheese sauce mix. The ingredients now used for coloring are derived from natural sources, proving that a classic comfort food could be updated without sacrificing its iconic look. The new recipe for the Canadian Kraft Dinner Original specifically lists the following natural colorants:
- Paprika: A vibrant red spice made from ground red peppers that adds a rich, warm hue.
- Turmeric: A spice derived from the turmeric plant, known for its bright yellow color.
- Annatto: A natural food coloring obtained from the seeds of the achiote tree, which provides a red-orange color.
Country-Specific Formulations: Canada vs. US
While the main Kraft Dinner Original recipe in both Canada and the U.S. no longer contains artificial colors like tartrazine, consumers should always be aware that ingredient lists can vary by country and product line. Here is a comparison highlighting key differences and changes over time.
| Feature | Old Kraft Dinner (Pre-2016 Canada) | New Kraft Dinner (Current Canada) | Old Kraft Mac & Cheese (Pre-2016 US) | New Kraft Mac & Cheese (Current US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Colors | Yellow 5 (Tartrazine), Yellow 6 | None | Yellow 5 (Tartrazine), Yellow 6 | None |
| Coloring Agents | Synthetic dyes derived from petroleum | Paprika, Turmeric, Annatto | Synthetic dyes derived from petroleum | Paprika, Turmeric, Annatto |
| Artificial Flavors/Preservatives | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Consumer Trigger | Public petition citing potential health risks | N/A | Public petition citing potential health risks | N/A |
Understanding Tartrazine and Its Health Effects
Tartrazine, or FD&C Yellow No. 5, is an azo dye that has a long history of use in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. While its use is highly regulated, some individuals exhibit an intolerance or sensitivity to the chemical. The most commonly reported reactions include:
- Skin rashes and hives: Urticaria is a well-documented reaction in sensitive individuals.
- Asthma symptoms: Some people, particularly those with pre-existing asthma or aspirin sensitivity, may experience worsened respiratory issues.
- Hyperactivity in children: Studies on the link between tartrazine and hyperactivity have been controversial and inconclusive, but it remains a persistent concern for many parents. In the European Union, products with certain artificial colors, including Yellow 5, require a warning label about potential effects on activity and attention in children.
If you have a known sensitivity to tartrazine, it is crucial to read ingredient labels carefully, as it can be found in other products besides mac and cheese, such as:
- Soft drinks and candies
- Packaged snacks and desserts
- Sauces and salad dressings
- Certain medications, vitamins, and cosmetics
How to Be Sure About Your Food
For consumers concerned about tartrazine, the most reliable strategy is to always check the ingredient list on the product's packaging. While the Canadian Kraft Dinner Original has been reformulated, other varieties or limited-edition flavors may have different ingredients. If the label explicitly lists paprika, turmeric, and annatto for color, you can be confident that it does not contain tartrazine. For reference on the historical change, you can read more about Kraft's 2016 switch away from artificial dyes at this Global News article: Kraft Dinner to remove synthetic colours by 2016, company says.
Conclusion
In conclusion, modern Kraft Dinner sold in Canada does not contain tartrazine. The change to use natural colorants from paprika, turmeric, and annatto was completed around 2016. This was a direct response to consumer demand for fewer artificial ingredients in their food. While tartrazine remains a legal food additive in North America, vigilant label-reading is the best way for individuals with sensitivities to avoid it, as it can still be present in other food and non-food products.
