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Hot on the heels of Nestlé USA’s announcement to eliminate all FD&C synthetic colours from its US food and beverage products by mid-2026, JM Smucker has revealed a significant policy shift, aiming to remove all FD&C colours from its consumer food portfolio by the end of 2027.

This move, which will affect products such as sugar-free fruit spreads and ice cream toppings, reflects the company’s ongoing response to evolving consumer preferences.

While a majority of Smucker’s consumer offerings are already free of artificial colours, the decision will impact specific items within its Hostess brand portfolio.

Furthermore, the company has indicated that most of its products supplied to K-12 schools do not contain FD&C colours, and it plans to collaborate with distribution partners to phase out these colours entirely from school offerings by the 2026/2027 academic year.

Mark Smucker, CEO and chair of the board, commented: "Our commitment to remove FD&C colours from our sugar-free fruit spreads, ice cream toppings and sweet baked goods products represents the latest example of our desire to evolve and our ability to continue to innovate to deliver on the expectations of our consumers".

He added: "Importantly, this work is ongoing, and we are consistently evaluating consumer behaviour to ensure we are addressing any notable changes while maintaining our commitment to offer choice".

This move is part of a broader strategy that has previously included the removal of high-fructose corn syrup from Uncrustables sandwiches and the introduction of fruit spreads made with all-natural ingredients and reduced sugar options.

John Brase, president and COO, highlighted the company’s focus on delivering safe, high-quality products. "This decision supports our commitment to provide affordable and convenient options that meet consumer needs," he noted. The company is currently engaged in reformulation planning and assessing supply chain implications to ensure a smooth transition to color-free products.

The shift away from FD&C colors aligns with a growing industry trend towards cleaner labels and transparency, as consumers increasingly seek products that are free from artificial additives.