Your Favorite Snacks May Look Different Soon in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin

I recently stumbled across an article titled "20 Grocery Items That May Disappear Under RFK Jr.’s Food Dye Ban." As I read this report from Light Wave Reports, all I could think was, "Yeah, right." You see, absolutely none of these products is going to disappear.

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In April 2025, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a phase-out of seven synthetic food dyes: Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1. This is set to take full effect by the end of 2026. While that sounds upsetting, especially for fans of colorful cereals, candies, and frosted goodies, here’s the real deal: these products aren’t disappearing. They’re most likely just getting a makeover.

Quick question, do you think for even a second that M&Ms will disappear from store shelves? How about gummy bears or lollipops? It's a big, resounding NO for me. Now that being said, we may see quite a change when it comes to the appearance department. I'm fine with that, because guess what? Food dye doesn't have a thing to do with how the product will taste. Actually, it might be better tasting in the long run. I'll explain why. Some red dyes, like Red 3 and Red 40, can actually leave behind a slightly bitter aftertaste. So, as these get phased out, you might find the reformulated versions taste a little smoother, sweeter, or more natural.

So yes, big changes are coming to grocery shelves across Iowa, but don’t panic, your favorite treats aren’t going anywhere. They might just be sporting a new look. You’ll likely still find that box of marshmallow cereal, the blue sports drink, and those rainbow-colored candies at your local Walmart, Hy-Vee, or Fareway. The difference? They may not be as bright or vibrantly colored as before. And that's OK, because companies will be replacing artificial dyes with natural colorants like beet juice, turmeric, spirulina, or even paprika.

The even better news is that the change is mostly cosmetic. The taste, texture, and overall deliciousness of these products are expected to stay the same, or even improve. Manufacturers have already started testing new versions, and many are committed to keeping the flavor you love while ditching the synthetic additives. Many of these treats already have dye-free versions or an alternative formula altogether in European nations and Canada, where similar bans have been in place for years.

So while the snack aisle might look a little more muted come 2026, don’t let the colors fool you. The treats inside are just as satisfying, and probably a whole lot better for you. Iowa shelves aren’t clearing out; they’re just adapting to a healthier, more natural standard.

Here are the products you can expect to see change:

• Colorful Frostings (tub frostings)
• Fruit-Flavored Yogurts (especially brightly colored varieties)
• Colorful Marshmallow Cereals (Lucky Charms)
• Colorful Ice Pops (Popsicles, freezer pops)
• Cherry-Flavored Drink Mixes (Kool-Aid, Crystal Light)
• Spicy Cheese-Flavored Snacks (Flamin’ Hot Cheetos)
• Gummy Bears and Gummies (all colors)
• Colorful Hard-Shelled Candies (Skittles, M&Ms)
• Rainbow-Colored Fruit Candies (Starburst, Jolly Ranchers)
• Fruity Cereals (Froot Loops, Fruity Pebbles, Trix)
• Maraschino Cherries
• Cherry-Flavored Colas (Cherry Coke, Pepsi Wild Cherry)
• Confetti Cake Mixes (colorful sprinkles in general)
• Blueberry-Flavored Sports Drinks (blue Gatorade, Powerade)
• Red Velvet Snack Cakes (Little Debbie, Hostess)
• Colorful Lollipops (Dum Dums, Ring Pops)
• Fruit-Flavored Gelatin Desserts (Jell-O)
• Fruit-Flavored Snack Bars
• Fruit-Flavored Chewing Gums (Bubble Yum, Trident Layers)
• Colorful Breakfast Pastries (Pop-Tarts)

It’s a small shift that might make a big difference. At least for your eyes and health, but probably not your taste buds.