The FDA’s new ban on eight artificial dyes has wide-ranging impacts…I think more than almost anyone realized beforehand.
Even America’s most popular chip brand isn’t immune, as it has several flavors directly impacted by the ban.
Let’s dive right in.
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The eight dyes are present in all kinds of very common foods.
(And lots of popular snacks too.)
So this is going to have a huge impact on food in the USA.
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Of course, I can’t cover every impacted food – there are too many! – so if you want a handy list of all eight so you can keep an eye out for them, here they are:
– Citrus red 2
– Orange B
– Red 3
– Red 40
– Yellow 5
– Yellow 6
– Blue 1
– Blue 2
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What’s interesting about this particular ban is that the FDA didn’t order anyone to implement it – they just recommended it.
And just about everyone agreed!
I think this largely happened for two reasons:
First off, let’s face it, it’s not good optics to argue for keeping artificial dyes in food, no matter how safe they are.
And secondly, the FDA could have always come in with a more draconian rule and enforcement.
It’s easier to just go along.
Especially because…
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Regulators are trying to ease the transition in two ways:
First off, most of the dyes will be phased out by the end of 2026 (just two are supposed to phase out in 2025), so that gives companies plenty of time to find alternatives.
And secondly, the FDA is working hard to make those alternatives easily available, with three new dyes recently approved:
– Galdieria extract blue
– Butterfly pea flower extract
– Calcium phosphate
But this doesn’t change the fact that America’s #1 favorite chip is going to have to change its recipe…
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Pringles are the most popular chips in America, and unfortunately a bunch of Pringles flavors are now subject to the FDA dye ban.
Like, a BUNCH.
Just a few examples…
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– Cheddar & Sour Cream (Yellow 5, Yellow 6)
– Pizza (Red 40, Blue 1)
– Scorchin’ BBQ (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6)
– Scorchin’ Cheddar (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6)
– Scorchin’ Sour Cream & Onion (red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6)
^^ This is likely not a complete list of impacted Pringles, let me know in the comments if I’ve missed any!
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Unfortunately, there are lots of other chips which have been using these now-banned dyes.
Including some longtime favorites.
I figured we’d just cover a couple of them really quickly…
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Yep, that’s right – the ORIGINAL Doritos contain banned ingredients. Not some spin-off flavor…but the actual flavor everyone means when they say “I want some Doritos!”
More specifically, Doritos contain three of these dyes – Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6.
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I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised that the bright (really, borderline neon) color Cheetos are known for was caused in part by one of these dyes.
In this case – Yellow 6.
Another great chip (would we call it a chip? It’s kind of one, right?) that’s going to have to see some changes…
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So there you have it – America’s favorite chip (plus a couple other ubiquitous brands) will likely see some changes in the months and years ahead.
The FDA is pushing for the phaseout to complete by 2026, so there’s still plenty of time for everyone to get their ducks in a row and their recipes changed.
Knowing all you do now, does it change what you’re buying? Let us know in the comments!
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• For fun lists, healthy living tips, and bar conversation topics, make sure to follow The Coconut Mama. Click here to access The Coconut Mama’s profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!
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