Dum Dums lollipops defend use of bright dyes amid criticism from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The U.S. government is advocating for a significant shift in the food industry, urging manufacturers to replace artificial colors with natural alternatives. However, Spangler Candy Company, known for their Dum Dums and Sweethearts, appears hesitant to make swift changes.

Kirk Vashaw, CEO of Spangler, highlighted a critical concern regarding flavor alterations resulting from ingredient substitutions. For instance, he noted that beet juice, while providing a vibrant red hue, imparts a distinct taste reminiscent of beets, which may not resonate with consumers. Similarly, the use of carmine—derived from cochineal insects—has met resistance; some consumers have expressed a clear preference to avoid such ingredients altogether.

Founded in 1906 and based in Bryan, Ohio, Spangler employs approximately 550 individuals and produces an estimated 12 million Dum Dums daily. The company, which also manufactures products like Bit-O-Honey and Necco Wafers, does incorporate some natural colors in its offerings and is exploring additional options. Yet, many of their popular candies still contain synthetic dyes such as Yellow 5 and Red 40. With annual retail sales reaching roughly 0 million, the company finds itself at a crossroads as government regulations loom.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a plan to phase out artificial food dyes by early 2027, citing health implications linked to these ingredients, such as obesity and diabetes. Health advocates argue that synthetic colors do not contribute nutritional value and instead enhance the visual appeal of unhealthy products. Notably, Red No. 3, previously tied to cancer concerns and utilized in candies and cold medications, is set to be banned, though Spangler reports that it does not use this particular dye.

Industry lobbyists maintain that no formal agreement is currently in place with the government. Many manufacturers, including Vashaw’s Spangler, assert that artificial food dyes are safe. Vashaw emphasized that his company has relied on these colors for decades and expressed skepticism about the feasibility of phasing them out by the proposed deadline, citing potential supply issues for natural alternatives.

While Spangler has offered dye-free options for over three decades, the market response has been lukewarm, with natural candy canes accounting for less than 2% of total sales. Vashaw noted that past attempts to market natural variants of Dum Dums met with little consumer interest.

On the horizon, new color sources approved by the FDA, such as Galdieria extract blue and butterfly pea flower extract, have raised concerns regarding potential allergenic reactions, though the FDA has deemed them low-risk. In response to increasing governmental pressure, other food companies, including PepsiCo, are exploring options to incorporate natural ingredients, as evidenced by their recent product launches.

Vashaw remains committed to experimenting with natural ingredients, but the uncertainties surrounding regulatory enforcement and consumer acceptance complicate the path forward. The industry watches closely as government directives evolve, highlighting the tension between health advocacy and traditional consumer preferences in the vibrant but contentious world of food coloring.