Ice Cream Gets a Natural Makeover: US Dairy Industry Pledges to Remove All Artificial Dyes by 2028

The American ice cream aisle is set for a major clean-up. In a significant victory for consumers demanding more natural products, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced a voluntary commitment to eliminate all certified artificial food dyes from ice cream and other frozen dairy desserts by 2028.

The proactive pledge will see the removal of synthetic colors like Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1 from product formulations across the industry.

In a landmark voluntary commitment applauded by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the IDFA responds to consumer demand for cleaner, more transparent ingredients. (Photo: IDFA)

An American Favorite Goes Clean-Label

There is no question that Americans adore ice cream. Polling from the IDFA shows that 97% of Americans love or like the treat, making it one of the nation's most popular desserts. The average American eats roughly 19 pounds of ice cream—about 4 gallons—each year. With the United States producing approximately 1.31 billion gallons of ice cream in 2024 alone, this move away from artificial ingredients will have a massive impact on the food supply.

A Push for Healthier, More Transparent Ice Cream

The commitment was celebrated on July 14, 2025, by top U.S. health officials as a major step forward for public health and consumer choice.

"I applaud the International Dairy Foods Association for stepping up to eliminate certified artificial colors," stated Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. "The American people have made it clear—they want real food, not chemicals."

FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary called the commitment "a significant shift," adding that "by voluntarily removing artificial dyes, the dairy industry is leading the way toward cleaner ingredients and greater consumer trust."

While artificial dyes are widely used in the U.S., they require warning labels in Europe, where natural substitutes are common. Now, U.S. states like California are passing laws to restrict them. (Photo: IDFA)

Part of a Wider Industry Shift

The IDFA's decision is part of a larger trend across the food sector. Several major manufacturers have already announced plans to phase out synthetic food colorings in response to consumer pressure. Companies like General Mills, Kraft Heinz, J.M. Smucker, Hershey, and Nestle USA have been leading this charge, signaling a widespread move toward cleaner labels and more natural ingredients.

Michael Dykes, CEO of the IDFA, affirmed the industry's position, stating, "I am proud of ice cream makers and dairy foods companies for stepping up for American families by making this voluntary commitment." This change ensures that one of America's favorite treats will soon be made with simpler, more wholesome ingredients that consumers can feel good about.

Further information:

International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA)