Did you hear the news? Nestle is getting rid of artificial coloring in about 75 of their recipes, according to a recent NPR article. Petitions to remove the artificial dyes have been rollin’ in, and Nestle’s own research department has found that the presence of artificial dyes in products affect American’s buying patterns. I guess, in the end, money always talks.
Candies like my beloved Butterfinger, currently colored with a combination of Red 40 and Yellow 5 dyes will be replaced with annatto. {I really hope this doesn’t change the flavor of Butterfingers…what if I end up finding out it IS the red and yellow dyes that make it so darn tasty? That would be a bummer.}
Removing chemical/manufactured colorings and additives for more natural selections is not really a new thing. I feel like there has been a huge push over the past 5 years or so to move back to real food. Subbing natural dyes for artificial dyes does not automatically mean that downing a bag of mini candy bars turns into a health binge, though. One, the term “all natural” doesn’t really mean all that much, and two, as much as it pains me to write this, candy still has exorbitant amounts of the almighty sugar.
It does go to show, though, that every time you put something in your cart, you are making an investment in a company. If you stop putting their product in your cart, they’ll figure out a way to lure you back…and sometimes with a tiny shift in a more positive direction {until we find out that annatto causes cancer in lab rats:)}.
Thoughts?
~Mavis
Denise says
I think parents are finding out that there is a possibility that artificial flavors and colors have an affect on children’s behavior so I am in favor of eliminating them if possible. I just read an article about companies such as McDonald’s and Taco Bell opening new restaurants with new names and upscale foods to appeal to foodies. The Taco Bell one is in Huntington Beach CA and is named “U.S. Taco Co. and Urban Taproom” featuring premium tacos and beer on tap. Interesting concept.
http://www.businessinsider.com/new-type-of-fast-food-restaurant-2014-5
Mavis says
I’m sorry but I just giggle hearing “upscale” and “Taco Bell” in the same sentence!!
Maggie Little says
Taco Bell was the only restaurant to survive the franchise war. (from Demolition Man)
Cheryl Adkins says
My child has reactions to dyes so we only buy artificial dye free foods. The dye contrubutes nothing to flavor. I am glad they are doing this because I have to special order any candies he eats that aren’t homemade which is pricey. I hope how soon everyone does it. Red 40 is in nearly everything even pillsbury readymade pie crust, Jello instant chocolate pudding, and Little Debbie snack cakes. If we lived in Europe this wouldn’t be a problem, because they special make items for the European market.
Teckla says
Food dye probably doesn’t add much to flavor for most folks, but I can taste it in many things and find it “nasty,” particularly red, blue and green. Perhaps this is because at one time I got too much in frosting for cake decorating and am now sensitized to it.
Mavis says
Who knew you’d find it in all of that. I knew it was in a lot of stuff, but pie crusts? Sheesh!
Teckla says
I think you may be a bit scattered with the excitement of your trip (understandable); you are talking about Nestle and then state Hershey in your commentary. But maybe they’ll get the message, too!
I’m glad to hear that Nestle is making some improvements. Change has to start somewhere and every little bit adds up over time! While not a fanatic, I do believe that we are a “chemical” country that too often takes the quick and easy and/or cheap way out where prepared food is concerned. For many years now I’ve tried to minimize and eliminate food coloring and other food additives as much as I can. I still have much to learn and a long way to go. Now that I’m retired and have the time, I’m back to canning so that I know what is in my food. Nature’s food–grown and prepared without chemicals–is the best! So thanks for this good news!
Mavis says
Oh man. This trip does have me mixing up my chocolates! Thanks for the catch!
Kate says
Nestle will have to do a lot more than this to get my business back. I have boycotted them since the ’70’s because their business practices in third world countries leads to the unnecessary suffering and death of infants.
Michelle says
Now if only we could get them to stop using aborted babies for testing. Google it. Can’t believe this is what we’ve become.
Milssa says
I am glad to hear that they are taking out the dyes. My son has a reaction to red and blue. I have spent the last couple of years looking for alternatives.
Chris Davis says
This is excellent news. Unfortunately, I still won’t buy chocolate from them, or Hershey, or Mars, or even Ghirardelli, because they all use child slave labor to grow their cocoa. It’s very sad.