Campbell’s phases out FD&C colors across portfolio by FY2026
As inventories of FD&C-colored products clear from shelves, consumers can expect to see naturally colored alternatives in their place.
U.S.A – Campbell’s has announced its long-term commitment to clean label innovation by eliminating the use of FD&C colors in its food and beverage portfolio.
While the majority of Campbell’s products have already transitioned to colors derived from natural sources, the company announced that the last remaining products will complete the transition in the second half of fiscal year 2026, spanning March through August.
This change will affect some of Campbell’s most recognizable brands, including Lance crackers and V8 Splash beverages, which will soon feature colors from sources such as annatto and purple carrot juice concentrate.
Regional snack favorites like Jay’s, O-Ke-Doke, and Tom’s, along with iconic cookie brands such as Archway and Stella D’oro, will also move away from synthetic coloring.
Goldfish crackers offer a clear example of Campbell’s leadership in natural color use. For more than 15 years, the brand has used plant-based ingredients such as beet juice concentrate and paprika to deliver vibrant colors without artificial additives.
By extending this approach across its portfolio, Campbell’s is aligning with growing consumer demand for simpler, more recognizable ingredients.
The decision comes at a time when Campbell’s is reinforcing its financial momentum.
In its fiscal 2025 fourth-quarter earnings, the company reported steady growth in both Meals & Beverages and Snacks, with net sales influenced by pricing actions and resilient demand. Campbell’s also provided a positive outlook for fiscal 2026, highlighting plans to invest in innovation, supply chain optimization, and brand relevance to fuel sustainable growth.
President and CEO Mark Clouse has emphasized that Campbell’s strategy remains firmly rooted in being consumer-led and brand-powered.
The move away from FD&C colors underscores this vision, combining regulatory foresight with consumer-driven change. It also reflects the company’s broader efforts to reshape its product portfolio around health, wellness, and transparency.
As inventories of FD&C-colored products clear from shelves, consumers can expect to see naturally colored alternatives in their place.
This transition not only reinforces Campbell’s 155-year heritage of “making food people love” but also positions the company to remain a trusted household name in an era where authenticity, quality, and sustainability are top priorities.
By eliminating artificial colors, Campbell’s strengthens both its clean label credentials and its competitive edge, setting the stage for continued growth in fiscal 2026 and beyond.
In making this move, Campbell’s joins other food industry giants, including Kraft Heinz, Nestlé, and Mars, that have already committed to phasing out artificial colors across their global portfolios.
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