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Bimbo Bakeries USA has announced a series of ingredient and recipe reformulation commitments across its US bakery portfolio, including plans to remove artificial preservatives and emulsifiers from several major brands by the end of 2028.

The company said the changes form part of a long-term approach across its breads, breakfast products and sweet baked goods, as it responds to changing consumer expectations around ingredients and nutrition.

By the end of 2026, Bimbo Bakeries USA plans to complete the final phase of artificial colour removal in occasional-consumption products, including sweet baked goods and snacks. The company said its daily-consumption products, such as breads, buns and rolls, are already free from artificial colours and flavours.

By the end of 2027, Artesano breads and buns, Oroweat breads and buns, and The Rustik Oven products are expected to be free from artificial preservatives and emulsifiers. By the end of 2028, Sara Lee, Oroweat specialty varieties, Little Bites and Thomas’ are set to complete the removal of artificial preservatives and emulsifiers.

Bimbo Bakeries USA said many of the product and recipe changes are expected to be completed ahead of the stated deadlines.

The company said the reformulation work builds on Grupo Bimbo’s wider nutrition strategy, under which 98% of its daily-consumption products globally already meet Positive Nutrition criteria under the Health Star Rating system.

Greg Koehrsen, president of Bimbo Bakeries USA, said: “Our purpose is to nourish a better world, and that begins with the products we put on American tables every single day. These commitments reflect our belief that quality and nutrition aren’t just what consumers expect, they’re what consumers deserve.”

Bimbo Bakeries USA said it is prioritising bread in its recipe changes because of the category’s role in everyday household nutrition. The company said its portfolio includes whole grain and enriched breads that provide vitamins and minerals, including iron and folic acid.

Koehrsen added: “Bread remains one of the most nutritious, affordable and accessible staples in the American diet and that’s something we’re proud to stand behind. These commitments are a demonstration of our ongoing investment in giving consumers simple, clean products that do not sacrifice taste, nutrition or value.”

The announcement follows Grupo Bimbo’s commitment to remove artificial colourants from its global product portfolio by the end of 2026. Bimbo Bakeries USA said it has already removed Red No. 3 from its US portfolio ahead of regulatory requirements.

The company said it will now apply the same approach to artificial preservatives and emulsifiers across several of its largest bakery brands.