Kraft had reportedly recently announced that its popular Macaroni & Cheese dinner would no longer contain artificial preservatives or synthetic colors.
Taco Bell and Pizza Hut seem to be following the health trend, as both fast food chains announced that they would be removing artificial colors and flavors from their food as well, according to Reuters.
Taco Bell reportedly stated that they would be removing more additives and artificial preservatives “where possible” by the end of 2017 while Pizza Hut stated it would be removing artificial flavors and colors from its pizzas by the end of July.
Despite the future changes, Taco Bell has vowed to keep essential aspects of the menu the same.
“I do not want to lose any element of being accessible to the masses,” stated Brian Niccol, the chain’s CEO, according to the U.K. publication The Daily Mail.
The Mexican-style chain reportedly stated that the artificial dye Yellow No 6 will be removed from its Nacho cheese while Blue No 1 will be removed from it avocado ranch dressing. Taco Bell will also reportedly be using actual black pepper in its seasoned beef, according to Liz Matthews, the chain’s chief food innovation officer.
The upcoming changes reportedly won’t affect fountain drinks or co-branded products, such as the chain’s popular Doritos-flavored taco shells.
The recent health trend of removing artificial ingredients has reportedly come about with companies realizing some ingredients may not be worth the potential harm they cause their images, according to John Coupland, a professor of food science at Penn State University.
Taco Bell lovers shouldn’t have to worry too much about the upcoming changes, as the goal for the chain will remain the same.
“It will be the same great tasting Taco Bell that people love,” a representative for the chain said in an email.
