Conagra Brands Inc. said it expects to complete the removal of certified Food, Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) colors from its US frozen product portfolio by the end of 2025, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing modernization strategy.
The move reflects Conagra’s broader efforts to align its offerings with shifting consumer preferences, particularly those centered on health, wellness, and ingredient transparency.
The initiative is part of a multi-year transformation of Conagra’s extensive frozen portfolio, which includes household names such as Birds Eye, Healthy Choice, and Marie Callender’s. The company said this transition away from artificial colorants reinforces its commitment to meeting evolving expectations around food quality and nutritional integrity.
“Conagra Brands is known for innovating delicious, on-trend foods, and our transition away from FD&C colors is just one aspect of our broader strategy to modernize our portfolio to align with consumer preferences,” said Tom McGough, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Conagra Brands. “Our leading portfolio of frozen brands, including Birds Eye, Healthy Choice, Marie Callender’s and more, will be 100% free from FD&C colors by the end of 2025.”
Conagra’s modernization push will extend beyond the frozen aisle. The company plans to eliminate FD&C colors across its full U.S. retail portfolio by the end of 2027 and has committed to removing such ingredients from all products sold to K–12 schools by the start of the 2026–2027 academic year. These efforts are part of a sweeping strategy to reformulate products across multiple categories while retaining flavor, convenience, and accessibility.
Founded more than a century ago, Conagra has consistently adapted its offerings in response to changing consumer behaviors. Its product innovation strategy is guided by growing demand for health-forward, functional foods that align with modern dietary goals and lifestyles. From portion-controlled frozen meals to plant-based options and gluten-free products, Conagra aims to offer solutions that cater to a broad spectrum of nutritional needs.
The company’s Birds Eye brand, known for its wide range of frozen vegetables, and Healthy Choice, which offers balanced meal solutions, are central to this approach. Other brands in Conagra’s portfolio, including Gardein and Purple Carrot for plant-based diets, UDI’s and Glutino for gluten-free consumers, and pantry staples such as Hunts, Rotel, Rosarita, and Ranch Style beans, underscore the company’s commitment to variety and accessibility.
Earlier this year, Conagra introduced its “On Track” badge on select Healthy Choice items, a new labeling initiative designed to signal that products are high in protein, low in calories, and a good source of fiber. These items are also promoted as “GLP-1 friendly,” making Healthy Choice the first major food brand to highlight such compatibility on packaging—a nod to consumers using GLP-1 medications for weight management or diabetes.
As the company accelerates its portfolio overhaul, it is positioning itself to remain competitive in an increasingly health-conscious marketplace while maintaining the convenience and value that have long defined its brand identity.
Find out more at: https://www.conagrabrands.com