Natural Colors in WK Kellogg Co Cereals: What We're Changing and Why

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Our Commitment

WK Kellogg Co is accelerating its timeline to eliminate artificial colors from its full cereal portfolio and will complete the transition by the end of 2026, one year ahead of its original commitment. We are also ahead of schedule in removing the preservative BHT from the small amount of cereal packaging that contains it today.

Production of cereals with the new recipes, including Kellogg's Froot Loops and Kellogg's Apple Jacks, will begin in 2026, with food shipping to retailers before year-end.

Key Facts

Which cereals are included?

The transition includes the remaining cereals in the full portfolio that still contain artificial colors, including Kellogg's Froot Loops and Kellogg's Apple Jacks.

What colors will be used instead?

The company will use colors derived from natural sources, including fruit and vegetable juices, as well as plant-based ingredients.

Will consumers notice a difference?

Consumers can continue to expect the same great taste and the colorful experience they know and love. WK Kellogg Co conducted extensive consumer testing to help ensure the updated recipes deliver the quality, aroma and taste consumers expect.

When will products arrive in stores?

Production of cereals with the new recipes will begin later this year, with food shipping to retailers before year-end. Consumers will begin seeing the updated products as inventory transitions.

Why We're Making This Change

Consumers are increasingly looking for foods made with simple, recognizable ingredients. This transition reflects our ongoing commitment to evolving our cereal portfolio to meet changing consumer preferences while maintaining the taste, quality and nutrition consumers expect from our trusted brands.

The announcement also reflects significant progress in product development, ingredient sourcing, manufacturing readiness and consumer testing, enabling us to move a full year ahead of our original schedule.

Part of our Journey

This milestone builds on WK Kellogg Co's long history of advancing nutrition and evolving its portfolio to meet changing consumer needs. That work includes increasing whole grains and fiber, reducing sugar and sodium, and delivering essential vitamins and minerals families typically do not get enough of.

This transition to natural colors is part of the company’s promise to Make Eating Well Easy through its new SPOONS on-pack nutrition guide.

FAQs

healthy cereals that taste like candy

WK Kellogg offers cereals that balance health and taste, catering to diverse preferences. For those seeking healthier options that still deliver a sweet, candy-like experience, cereals such as Froot Loops® and Apple Jacks® are popular choices. These cereals are part of WK Kellogg's portfolio and are evolving to meet nutritional standards, including reducing sugar and using natural colors derived from fruit, vegetable juices, and plant-based ingredients. Additionally, WK Kellogg Co is committed to providing cereals with positive nutrients like vitamin D, fiber, iron, and whole grains, while maintaining the taste consumers love. Many of their offerings also feature single-digit added sugar per serving, making them a better choice for those who enjoy sweet flavors but want to eat well.

What is the chocolate-filled cereal called?

The chocolate-filled cereal by WK Kellogg is Krave®. It features a combination of crunchy multigrain cereal shells with a filling made with real chocolate. It is described as a delicious option for starting the day or enjoying as a snack anytime.

What happened to applejack and cinnamon?

WK Kellogg Co has announced changes to Apple Jacks cereal as part of its goal to eliminate artificial colors and preservatives. By the end of 2026, Apple Jacks will transition to using natural colors sourced from fruit, vegetable juices, and plant-based ingredients. This shift reflects the company's commitment to providing products with simpler, more recognizable ingredients while preserving the same great taste and colorful experience.

What are the most wholesome cereals in terms of ingredients?

WK Kellogg Co emphasizes using wholesome ingredients in its cereals. Most of their cereals start with simple, nutritious grains like wheat berries, rice, and corn. These grains are cooked with a handful of ingredients, including vitamins and minerals, to ensure a wholesome start to the day. Additionally, many of their cereals are made with ingredients you’d find in your pantry and are prepared using simple methods like puffing, toasting, flaking, or shredding.

For example:

WK Kellogg Co is also transitioning to natural colors derived from fruit, vegetable juices, and plant-based ingredients, reflecting their commitment to wholesome and simple food.