Natural Colors Gain Momentum in Seasonal Candy Welch's Fruit Snacks is bringing its Halloween assortment back to shelves nationwide September 1 with a packaging refresh and a significant ingredient change: the lineup is now made without artificial dyes. The shift reflects broader market trends. Products advertising "natural colors" saw 24.4% dollar sales growth in 2025, according to retail data, while products marketing artificial colors grew less than 0.1%. Yet artificial dyes still account for 42.2% of candy sales, highlighting a gap between consumer preference and current market offerings.
Two SKUs Lead the Lineup The reformulated assortment includes: - Welch's Fruit Snacks Mixed Fruit, Halloween: A 26-count assortment featuring Witch, Vampire, and Pumpkin characters with cut-out masks on the back of each pouch. Available nationwide beginning September 1 (SRP: $6+). - Welch's Juicefuls Monster Splash: Fruit snacks with a juicy center in Halloween shapes including ghosts, pumpkins, and skulls. Available in a 16-count package (SRP: $6+).
Ingredient and Allergen Updates The new formulations use Whole Fruit as the main ingredient and are free from the top nine allergens, making them suitable for school environments. Both products serve as a good source of Vitamins A, C, and E.
Why It Matters
For retailers planning fall resets, the shift signals that major brands are responding to ingredient transparency demands while maintaining the visual appeal that drives seasonal snack categories. As artificial dyes face continued scrutiny, retailers can use dye-free options to capture families seeking more transparent ingredient labels without sacrificing the playfulness of holiday-themed products.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
