The FDA just approved Gardenia (genipin) blue, a natural food dye, for certain foods and drinks. They’re also trying to expedite the ban of Red No. 3 before the January 15, 2027, deadline. Some grocers have already pledged not to sell foods with petroleum-based synthetic food dyes.

According to today's announcement from the FDA, an estimated 40% of the food industry has committed to voluntarily phasing out petroleum-based dyes. That includes major brands like Heinz and General Mills, both of which promised this June to start removing synthetic dyes from their products.

The FDA approved the fourth natural food color additive this year, but how can you avoid the artificial dyes still out there?