All the Lights, None of the dyes: The Joys of a MAHA Christmas
Each American’s Christmas cookbook looks different, but one thing is for sure—we ALL devour a whole stocking’s worth of sweet treats.
With that in mind, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made some “MAHA” changes to protect our national health. Many holiday recipes will have to adapt.
Since artificial colors and additives are being removed from more and more foods, the bright red and green foods of the 90s and 2000s are taking on a more natural tint. What does this mean for our holiday favorites?
Petroleum-based food dyes are now on the naughty list thanks to the Trump Administration. For years, our Grandma’s common sense told us to remove artificial dyes from our food.
Studies that are currently being furthered have shown the true concern that follows petroleum-based dyes. Although the definite link is still being studied, a few concerns to tune into are, hyperactivity in children, and a possible cancer risk.
Even large companies, many of whom feel forced to include questionable chemicals to compete on price, are eager to jump on board with the changes, hoping America will continue taking steps toward a healthier society.
In April 2025, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said, “For too long, some food producers have been feeding Americans petroleum-based chemicals without their knowledge or consent.”
Although removing dyes does not guarantee that foods will instantly become healthy, it is a step in the right direction.
Studies show that most foods containing large amounts of dyes are also highly processed, packed with sugar, sodium, and saturated fats. Although dyes are unhealthy, one of the biggest concerns for Americans is the amount we consume.
Synthetic food dyes are added to 1 in 5 packaged foods we buy at the store. The dyes are added simply for appearance and offer no nutritional value. The food dyes that every American has consumed at some point are not only lacking nutrition—they can actually be harmful and pose real dangers.
The UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand have already banned most of these dyes or placed significant restrictions on them. So what is taking the United States so long?
Here are the dyes being removed first and foremost:
Blue 1 and Blue 2 (M&M’s, blue Gatorade, Baja Blast)
Green 3 (canned veggies—yes, even veggies)
Red 40 (Skittles, M&M’s, Jell-O)
Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 (Jolly Ranchers, Doritos, Cheetos)
Citrus Red 2 and Orange B (hot dogs, sausage)
In-N-Out Burger, has fully eliminated color additives, with Tyson Foods, Walmart, and WK Kellogg Co. close behind. As America heads into the new year, expect more companies to jump on board.
(Getty Images, X/@RobertKennedyJr)
If you are wanting to keep the colors bright in your foods, think about adding a few natural colorants:
Red: beet juice, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice
Green: spinach puree, matcha, basil
Yellow: turmeric, pumpkin, saffron
Blue: blueberry puree, purple cabbage
Sweets and candy: Search for natural colored sprinkles (Bettergoods, supernatural) and fresh fruits
A big step towards putting America first is making sure that Americans are taken care of not only economically, but in our everyday consumption.
As we continue to move towards a healthier America, our future soldiers will be fueled by clean foods to maintain high levels of performance. We will see accountability in the big food corporations that have consistently harmed our culture, and we will see families thriving as their kids are receiving meals at school that help grow and nourish their bodies.
So, as we head into this holiday season, be sure to say a thank you to RFK, because this Christmas will be a little more guilt free. Full of food for our souls and our tables.
Rest assured—less artificial dye will not make your food any less festive or joyful this holiday season.
Keep in mind, while the sweet treats and bright lights help make the season enjoyable, the birth of Jesus Christ is worth far more than any MAHA movement could ever be.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Honor God, nurture your body, and live well,