The IDFA Ice Cream Commitment is a voluntary, proactive effort by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) on behalf of America’s commercial ice cream companies to eliminate the use of certified artificial colors in ice cream products made with real milk and sold at food retail by Dec. 31, 2027. With this effort, dozens of U.S. ice cream companies are pledging to eliminate the use of the certified artificial colors Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 from their ice cream and frozen dairy desserts by the end of 2027.
As national and state policies on artificial colors in food continue to change, ice cream makers are keeping pace by offering wholesome treats and snacks that families know and love. Many commercial ice cream makers have already phased out certified artificial colors and many others are working with suppliers to phase them out by 2028 in compliance with this effort and other business considerations.
Americans are passionate about their ice cream. And ice cream is central to America’s culture of celebration and wholesome indulgence. That is why we are pleased to present The IDFA Ice Cream Commitment, a voluntary, proactive effort led by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) on behalf of America’s commercial ice cream companies to eliminate the use of certified artificial colors Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 in ice cream products made with real milk and sold at food retail by Dec. 31, 2027.
America’s dairy food companies are proud to provide shoppers with wholesome, nutritious, and safe products like milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and protein-packed dairy ingredients made with real milk from American dairy farms. As national and state policies on artificial colors in food continue to change, ice cream makers are keeping pace by offering wholesome treats and snacks that families know and love.
In fact, many commercial ice cream makers have already phased out certified artificial colors and many others are working with suppliers to phase them out by 2028 in compliance with this effort. Thus, IDFA will convene a working group of ingredients suppliers along with dairy companies to facilitate access to an adequate supply of alternative ingredients. The IDFA Ice Cream Commitment applies to products made with real milk sold at food retail (including supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, and online retailers) by the nation’s commercial ice cream makers; it does not include products made with non-dairy ingredients or those made by small shops or foodservice businesses that make their own ice cream products for sale.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), certified artificial colors are safe for use in foods when used in accordance with FDA regulations; at the same time, West Virginia has passed a law phasing out their use in foods sold at retail and several states are phasing out certified artificial colors in school foods. This misalignment of federal and state policies could disrupt how and where foods, such as ice cream, are marketed and sold. By taking this proactive measure now, ice cream makers are ensuring ice cream remains a special part of our lives—whether that’s a family celebration, holiday, special dessert, or an indulgent snack.
The IDFA Ice Cream Commitment joins a string of proactive, voluntary efforts by U.S. dairy, including the IDFA Healthy Dairy in Schools Commitment announced in April 2025—which pledged to remove certified artificial colors in milk, cheese, and yogurt products sold to schools by July 2026—and the IDFA Healthy School Milk Commitment announced in April 2023—which is reducing added sugar and calories in flavored milk in schools. The dairy industry is also working with schools and nutrition professionals to educate school staff and students about the benefits of healthy dairy options in diets to promote positive health outcomes.
U.S. ice cream companies supporting this effort represent nearly all of the ice cream products sold at grocery stores and food retail in the U.S. The Commitment represents dozens of companies making more than 90% of the ice cream volume sold in the United States.
IDFA is announcing and leading this Commitment on behalf of ice cream companies, which fulfills our role as representatives of the fully dairy supply chain, including ice cream makers. Dozens of ice cream companies support the IDFA Ice Cream Commitment.
Many commercial ice cream and frozen dairy dessert makers have already begun to reformulate certified artificial colors out of their products, a process involving working with suppliers, formulators, and flavor researchers to bring the best, most flavorful treats to consumers. Most are likely to use natural colors derived from plants to replace artificial colors. Fruit juices, extracts from the leaves of plants, and ground seeds have provided natural colors to foods for centuries.
Real milk and cream are the primary ingredients of ice cream. Milk and cream provide the base for ice cream, contributing to its smooth texture and creamy flavor. The USDA also specifies that ice cream must contain at least 10% milkfat, which can come from milk or cream. Ice creams contain a multitude of different ingredients and flavor profiles, such as fruit, nuts, sweet swirls, and many others.
Many commercial ice cream makers have already phased out certified artificial colors and many others are working with suppliers to phase them out much sooner than 2028. The companies making this Commitment are doing so voluntarily and there is no federal mandate to make these changes. Reformulating products, sourcing new ingredients, updating supply chains, and creating new labels for products all require time to get right.
Many commercial ice cream makers have already phased out certified artificial colors and many others are working with suppliers to phase them out by 2028 in compliance with this effort and other business considerations. Also, national and state policies are changing on artificial colors in food, and the disjointed nature of those changes could eventually create challenges for food companies selling products with ingredients banned in one state but not in another. In making this Commitment, the leadership of ice cream companies ensures there will be no disruption in the marketing or availability of ice cream products sold commercially and at food retail.
