PepsiCo has announced a major move to eliminate artificial ingredients from its products, answering calls from health officials to prioritize cleaner food options for American consumers. The company’s CEO, Ramon Laguarta, revealed in a recent conference call that PepsiCo has already begun phasing out artificial components across its product lines, including iconic brands such as Lay’s and Tostitos. Laguarta emphasized that over 60% of PepsiCo’s current portfolio is already free from artificial colors and that the transition is well underway, with the goal of removing all synthetic dyes from certain snack brands by the end of this year.
This initiative follows a broader national effort led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary, who recently announced the banning of petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation’s food supply. The plan includes revoking approval for certain food colorings such as Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, and phasing out others like FD&C Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5 by the end of next year. These steps are part of a strategy to establish national standards and promote a full industry shift toward natural alternatives.
Health advocates have praised this sweeping change. Certified nutritionist and “Make America Healthy Again” supporter Liana Werner-Gray called it “a huge win for public health and long overdue.” Werner-Gray, author of “The Earth Diet,” emphasized the benefits of natural foods, sharing her personal experience overcoming health struggles by eliminating artificial dyes from her diet. She described how removing synthetic ingredients led to significant improvements in her mood, energy levels, and skin health, and reported similar results among her clients.
PepsiCo’s leadership maintained that its products have always been safe and scientifically backed but welcomed the move toward even cleaner formulations. Laguarta assured consumers that PepsiCo’s portfolio would continue offering a range of choices to meet different preferences, reinforcing the company’s commitment to transparency and health-conscious innovation.
Nutrition experts and health advocates see the removal of petroleum-based dyes as a pivotal moment for the American food system, calling it a return to “real nutrition” and a reaffirmation of the idea that wholesome, natural food should be accessible to all. PepsiCo’s rapid action underscores a growing industry trend toward aligning product development with evolving consumer expectations for healthier, more natural food options.
