Americans are beginning the new year with a new food pyramid. Whole proteins, fruits, and vegetables are at the top, while processed foods—especially ultraprocessed foods—are out of favor. But this movement began long before the release of the new food pyramid, after a year filled to the brim with new state laws seeking to restrict the use of synthetic food dyes and a range of food additives, particularly in foods destined for children’s plates.
By the end of 2025, at least nine states had enacted laws that restrict the use of specified synthetic food dyes and other specified food additives in meals intended to be served in schools. At least three states had adopted bans on specified food additives, and two states also adopted laws requiring warning labeling on foods or beverages with specified food dyes or food additives. The resulting patchwork has left industry stakeholders questioning which changes will need to be implemented and whether any federal changes may happen in time to preempt or otherwise moderate the impact of the varying state proposals.
State proposals change quickly. Additionally, as demonstrated by a court challenge to the Texas food warning label law, Senate Bill 25, industry stakeholders and associations are going to seek to block at least some of the recently enacted state laws. The survey below provides a recap of 2025 developments as a jumping-off point for considering what could happen in 2026 and beyond.
