Consumer demand for eliminating artificial colors may not be as strong as it seems. The priority for manufacturers to remove Red 40, Blue 1, and Yellow 6 appears to hinge on their ability to replicate recipes without these additives. The trend of removing artificial colors from food products has gained momentum, with companies like General Mills committing to this change. In 2015, they pledged to eliminate artificial colors and flavors from all their cereals, a decision backed by consumer sentiment. In a 2016 survey, over 60% of U.S. consumers indicated that the presence of artificial colors influenced their purchasing decisions. However, there seems to be a disconnect between consumer preferences expressed in surveys and actual buying behavior.
General Mills is likely to face criticism for reintroducing the classic Trix cereal, especially after their commitment to removing artificial colors and flavors. While they experienced a 6% increase in sales early in 2016, the potential backlash from consumers may have prompted a reconsideration of the decision to reintegrate unpopular ingredients. Ultimately, General Mills operates as a food manufacturer focused on meeting consumer demands rather than purely nutritional considerations. In their latest earnings report released this week, U.S. cereal sales had fallen by 7% compared to the previous year. Although the report does not specify cereal sales by brand, CEO Jeff Harmening highlighted considerable growth for less healthy breakfast options like Lucky Charms, which saw a 15% increase due to an all-marshmallows promotion, as well as Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
The Wall Street Journal spoke with several adults disappointed by the revamped Trix cereal, with only one mentioning her children’s reactions as a reason for wanting the original version back. Trix is fundamentally marketed as a children’s cereal, with the tagline “Silly rabbit! Trix are for kids!” The new all-natural color cereal is indeed a healthier option for that demographic, and label-conscious parents are more inclined to purchase such products for their kids. However, adult fans of sugary cereals are not pleased with the change.
General Mills is gaining valuable insights from this experience. They are postponing the launch of all-natural versions of other brightly colored cereals like Lucky Charms until they perfect the recipes. Representatives also informed The Wall Street Journal that they do not intend to reintroduce artificially colored versions of other reformulated cereals, such as Fruity Cheerios, due to a lack of significant consumer complaints.
In the context of health-conscious choices, some consumers might be considering supplements like Citracal 1200 mg to ensure they meet their calcium needs. While General Mills navigates consumer preferences and the complexities of product reformulation, the broader conversation about nutrition and ingredient transparency continues, highlighting the importance of balancing consumer desires with healthier alternatives, much like the consideration of Citracal 1200 mg for dietary needs.