For years, health experts and concerned citizens have been warning about the possible health hazards from artificial colors, artificial flavors, and GMO ingredients in food.

Despite the warnings, big food industry companies turned a deaf ear and continued to load up food with questionable and unnecessary ingredients… until now. In some surprising news, it seems there may be serious changes coming from companies like Kraft, Nestlé USA, and Chipotle.

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese
Kraft has announced that in January of 2016 they will no longer be using synthetic colors or artificial preservatives in their original macaroni and cheese product. By the end of 2016, the Kraft Dinner Original product in Canada will no longer be made with synthetic colors either.

"We've met with families in their homes and watched them prepare Kraft Mac & Cheese in their kitchens. They told us they want to feel good about the foods they eat and serve their families, including everything from improved nutrition to simpler ingredients," explained Triona Schmelter, Vice President of Marketing, Meals. "They also told us they won't compromise on the taste of their Mac & Cheese – and neither will we. That's why we've been working tirelessly to find the right recipe that our fans will love."

They artificial ingredients will most likely be replaced with natural coloring sources like annatto, turmeric, and paprika. The company says the decision comes in part from Kraft's mission to provide for the changing needs and lifestyles of consumers.

"Listening, extensive research and continuous improvement have been part of the Kraft Mac & Cheese 75-year heritage. From packaging like convenient cups to products like Deluxe, Organic and Whole Grain to light prep instructions, we've innovated this iconic brand through the years to remain North America's favorite Mac & Cheese," said Schmelter.

This is not the first improvement seen from Kraft. In 2014, the company launched Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Boxed Shapes in the U.S. with a six gram serving of whole grains, a reduced sodium content to 100 mg per serving, and no artificial coloring. At the same time in Canada, Kraft Dinner Boxed Shapes were launched with no artificial coloring. It is also worth mentioning that since 2012, Kraft Dinner Original has been made with 19 percent less sodium content.

In 2015, the Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Boxed Shapes product was switched to being produced without any artificial preservatives also. Now all the Boxed Shapes products have no artificial coloring, preservatives, or synthetic flavors. The original Kraft Macaroni & Cheese contains nine grams of protein in each serving along with 10 percent of the daily recommended amount of calcium.

FD&C Yellow No. 5 and No. 6
One significant truth about nature is this: The deeper the color, the more nutritionally dense a food tends to be. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for most foods you find in your local grocery store. The use of artificial colors has permeated nearly every food or drink commercially sold today. From the juices you drink to the pasta sauces on the shelf, most are riddled with not just one but many artificial ingredients.