The End of Artificial Dyes
In response to growing consumer concern about artificial food additives, the Kraft Heinz company decided to reformulate its classic boxed macaroni and cheese recipe. In 2016, the company announced it had removed all artificial flavors, preservatives, and synthetic colors from its iconic product line sold in the United States. The dyes replaced were Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, which had been previously used to achieve the signature bright orange hue. This means that since the beginning of 2016, the standard blue box of Kraft mac and cheese does not have red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, or any other artificial food colorings.
What are the New Natural Colors?
To maintain the familiar golden-orange color that customers know and love, Kraft replaced the synthetic dyes with natural alternatives. The color is now derived from a blend of natural spices and extracts.
- Paprika: A vibrant red spice made from air-dried peppers of the Capsicum annuum family.
- Turmeric: A bright yellow-orange spice derived from the turmeric plant.
- Annatto: A reddish-orange food coloring extracted from the seeds of the achiote tree.
The Consumer Push for Change
The reformulation was the result of years of consumer advocacy and pressure. Food bloggers and health advocates pointed out the use of synthetic dyes in the American product, while the European version of Kraft's mac and cheese (sold as 'Cheesey Pasta' in the UK) already used natural colorings. A petition on Change.org in 2013 garnered significant public support, highlighting the potential health risks associated with artificial dyes, particularly for children, and urging Kraft to make a change. This public outcry eventually led Kraft to listen and reformulate the recipe.
Not All Kraft Mac & Cheese Is the Same
While the classic boxed dinner has been free of artificial colors since 2016, it is important to check the ingredient list on specific products. Certain varieties, such as older or specialized versions, may have different ingredients. For example, some microwavable Easy Mac cups were reported to contain Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 in the past. It is always best to read the label for the most current and accurate information, especially since recipes can change over time. Kraft Heinz has also made broader commitments to remove artificial dyes from its entire US portfolio by the end of 2027, so further changes may be forthcoming.
Ingredient Comparison: US vs. UK (Pre-2016)
| Ingredient | US Original (Pre-2016) | UK Original ('Cheesey Pasta') |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Colors | Yes (Yellow 5, Yellow 6) | No (Uses Annatto) |
| Natural Colors | No | Yes (Annatto) |
| Synthetic Preservatives | Yes | No |
| Primary Thickener | Modified Food Starch | Corn Starch |
Beyond the Dye Debate: Other Nutritional Considerations
While the removal of artificial dyes was a win for consumers, some advocacy groups point out that it does not make mac and cheese a "health food". The Environmental Working Group (EWG) noted that the reformulation did not address other nutritional concerns, such as high sodium and saturated fat content, and classified it as an ultra-processed food. Parents and consumers looking for healthier options may consider alternatives from brands like Banza, Annie's, or Goodles, which focus on more wholesome ingredients.
Conclusion
In summary, the original boxed version of Kraft mac and cheese has not contained Red 40 or any other artificial dyes since January 2016. The signature orange color now comes from a mix of natural ingredients: paprika, turmeric, and annatto. This change was the result of sustained consumer demand for simpler, more natural food ingredients. While this is a welcome improvement, it is a reminder that checking ingredient lists on all food products is a good practice, as other varieties or older products may differ. Consumers seeking the most nutritious options may still want to explore other brands. The move by Kraft highlights the power of consumer voices in influencing corporate recipe decisions.
For more information on food ingredients and processing, see the EWG's Food Scores database: https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/
