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US salty snacks company Utz Brands has joined the growing list of companies committing to eliminate all certified Food, Drug and Cosmetic (FD&C) colours from its product portfolio by the end of 2027.

This move aligns with the company's long-standing dedication to quality and transparency, reflecting evolving consumer preferences and regulatory pressures in the food industry.

Utz’s decision to phase out artificial colours mirrors similar actions taken by other major food and beverage companies, such as Nestlé USA, JM Smucker, as well as Kraft Heinz and General Mills.

With a legacy dating back to 1921, Utz aims to position itself as a brand synonymous with high-quality snacks made from simple, trusted ingredients. Currently, 80% of Utz’s offerings are free from FD&C colours, with several brands already fully compliant.

The company plans to highlight its commitment to real and simple ingredients on select packaging starting this fall, signaling a proactive approach to meet consumer expectations for cleaner labels.

“Since our inception, we have been committed to making snacks that resonate with quality and transparency,” said Utz in a statement. “As consumer tastes and government regulatory initiatives evolve, we adapt while staying true to the flavours and traditions people love.”

The decision to phase out artificial colours comes as part of a broader trend in the F&B sector, where brands are responding to growing consumer demand for transparency and clean label products.

As companies face heightened scrutiny regarding ingredient sourcing and labeling, Utz’s move could serve as a benchmark for others in the industry.

Utz Brands markets a diverse range of savoury snacks under well-known labels such as Utz, On The Border Chips & Dips, Zapp’s and Boulder Canyon.

The company’s products are distributed across various retail channels, including grocery stores, mass merchandisers and online platforms. With multiple manufacturing facilities located throughout the US, Utz is well-positioned to meet the demands of its expanding customer base.