NORTHFIELD, Ill. -- Kraft Foods Group has announced that starting in January 2016, Original Kraft Macaroni & Cheese will no longer be made with artificial preservatives or synthetic colors., while still delivering the same taste, it said.
Kraft will replace the synthetic colors with those derived from natural sources like paprika, annatto and turmeric.
"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," said Triona Schmelter, vice president of marketing for 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."
In 2014 in the United States, Kraft Mac & Cheese Boxed Shapes launched with six grams of whole grains per serving, reduced saturated fat by 25%, lowered sodium by 100 mg per serving and no synthetic colors. In Canada, Kraft Dinner Boxed Shapes launched with no synthetic colors while Kraft Dinner Original has reduced sodium by 19% since 2012.
Then in 2015, Kraft Mac & Cheese Boxed Shapes in the United States moved to no artificial preservatives. All Boxed Shapes have no artificial flavors, preservatives or synthetic colors. Original Kraft Mac & Cheese remains a good source of calcium with 10% of the recommended daily value and nine grams of protein per serving.
"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.
Kraft Dinner (KD) in Canada will remove synthetic colors by the end of next year in Kraft Dinner Original.
Northfield, Ill.-based Kraft Foods Group is one of North America's largest consumer packaged food and beverage companies, with annual revenues of more than $18 billion. The company's brands include Kraft, Capri Sun, JELL-O, Kool-Aid, Lunchables, Maxwell House, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Planters and Velveeta.
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