U.S. News
Fan-Favorite Burger Chain Hit by New FDA Crackdown on Artificial Dyes
By Jake Beardslee · July 7, 2025
Fan-Favorite Burger Chain Hit by New FDA Crackdown on Artificial Dyes
In April 2025, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary announced a major initiative to phase out several synthetic food dyes by the end of 2026. While not a formal ban, the FDA is encouraging food and beverage companies to voluntarily stop using eight specific dyes due to potential health concerns. Josh Morgan-USA TODAY
FDA’s Dye Phase-Out Puts Spotlight on Culver’s Ingredients
These additives—Citrus Red 2, Orange B, Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and Blue 2—are common in everything from candy to condiments. As brands scramble to adapt, even beloved chains like Culver’s have found themselves under the microscope. Skoot13, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Culver’s May Need to Reformulate or Drop Popular Items Under New FDA Guidance
To its credit, Culver’s began reformulating select items years ago. But several menu staples still include the dyes now flagged by regulators. Below, we break down the items that may soon face reformulation—or removal—if the FDA guidance gains traction. Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
1. Colorful Custard Toppings May Be on the Chopping Block
Culver’s famous custard base is dye-free, but many of the toppings are not.Affected ingredients include:
• Blue Sprinkles (Blue 1)
• Butterscotch Topping (Yellow 5, Yellow 6)
• Chocolate Syrup (Red 40, Blue 2)
• Maraschino Cherries (Red 40)
• Mint Syrup (Yellow 5, Blue 1)
• Wild Cherry Topping (Red 40)
• Bavarian Cream Filling (Yellow 5, Yellow 6) Alexander Grey / Unsplash
2. Candy Mix-ins
Several candy mix-ins for shakes and sundaes also contain the targeted dyes:• Mini M&Ms (Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 6, Blue 2)
• Andes Mint Thins (Yellow 5, Blue 1)
• Reese’s Pieces Minis (Yellow 5 Lake, Red 40, Yellow 6, Blue 1) Christopher Ott / Unsplash
3. Wisconsin Cheese Curds – Reformulated for Health
Culver’s previously used Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 in their cheese curd seasoning. But between 2018 and 2022, those dyes were replaced with beet powder, turmeric, and paprika extract, making them dye-free. Sarah Stierch, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
4. Salad Dressing: Ken’s Raspberry Vinaigrette
Of the salad dressing options available, only Ken’s Raspberry Vinaigrette still contains artificial dye—specifically Red 40 and Blue 1. JackFromWisconsin, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
5. Dill Pickles
Surprise: Even pickles are on the list.The bright green tint in Culver’s dill pickles is achieved with Yellow 5, one of the additives on the FDA’s list. Mockup Graphics / Unsplash
6. George’s Chili
Culver’s signature chili features seasoning that includes Yellow 5, making it another likely candidate for reformulation. Lukáš Mižoch; later Yikrazuul, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
7. Fanta
Available at soda fountains nationwide, Fanta includes Red 40 and Yellow 6—both discouraged under the FDA’s latest guidance. Renato Trentin / Unsplash
8. Mountain Dew
This citrus-flavored drink is colored with Yellow 5, which is being voluntarily phased out across the beverage industry. Anil Jose Xavier / Unsplash
9. Root Beer (Regular and Diet)
While many expect root beer to be dye-free, Culver’s root beer and its diet version include Red 40. Jü, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
10. Tropicana Lemonades
Both the Tropicana Light Lemonade and Tropicana Pink Lemonade sold at Culver’s contain Yellow 5 and Red 40, respectively. Sarah Stierch, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons