On June 26, The J.M. Smucker Co. announced its commitment to remove FD&C (Food, Drug, & Cosmetic) colors from all consumer food products by the end of calendar year 2027. While the majority of the company's consumer foods are already free of FD&C colors, this removal will impact certain products from its Hostess brand portfolio, as well as its sugar-free fruit spreads and ice cream toppings. In addition, a majority of the company's products currently available to K-12 schools do not contain any FD&C colors and the company is working with its distribution partners to no longer sell products with FD&C colors to K-12 schools by the 2026/2027 school year.

"Throughout our 128-year history, we have successfully evolved our portfolio and product offerings based on shifts in consumer preferences," says Mark Smucker, CEO and chair of the board. "Our commitment to remove FD&C colors from our sugar-free fruit spreads, ice cream toppings, and sweet baked goods products represents the latest example of our desire to evolve and our ability to continue to innovate to deliver on the expectations of our consumers. Importantly, this work is ongoing, and we are consistently evaluating consumer behavior to ensure we are addressing any notable changes while maintaining our commitment to offer choice."

The company has previously evolved its product offerings based on consumer preference and feedback, including removing high-fructose corn syrup from its Uncrustables sandwiches and introducing fruit spreads featuring ingredients from all natural sources as well as reduced sugar options.

"As a food manufacturer, our top priority is to provide safe, quality, affordable, and convenient products that meet the needs of our consumers, and this decision supports that commitment," says John Brase, president and COO. "Our teams are working diligently on reformulation planning while evaluating supply considerations to help ensure we continue to deliver products that delight our consumers."

The J.M. Smucker Co. is on the current Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery “Top 50 Snack & Bakery Companies” list. Click here to view the current “Top 50” rankings.