Yum Brands Inc.'s Taco Bell and Pizza Hut restaurant chains
committed Tuesday to removing artificial flavors and colors from
their food this year, joining a host of other food companies who
are opting for more natural ingredients in the face of changing
consumer tastes.
Pizza Hut said it will remove the additives from its
nationally-available pizzas by the end of July, while Taco Bell is
aiming to replace the ingredients with natural alternatives by the
end of the year. Taco Bell said it would also remove additives like
added trans fats and hopes to remove additional artificial
preservatives and additives by the end of 2017.
The moves impact more than 95% of Taco Bell's core food items,
the company said.
Other food makers have made similar moves recently as they look
to respond to a consumer shift toward foods seen as simpler and
more healthful.
Earlier this month, Panera Bread Co. committed itself to
removing at least 150 artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors and
preservatives from its menu by the end of next year.
In February, Nestlé SA said it would remove
artificial flavors and colors from its Crunch and Butterfinger
candy bars, and other chocolates in the U.S.
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. recently said it has mostly
completed removing genetically modified ingredients from its supply
chain amid growing consumer concerns about the agricultural
technology.
For its part, Taco Bell has already moved to reduce sodium by
15% across its menu and removed all kid's meals from its U.S. store
menus. Pizza Hut, meanwhile, has already eliminated artificial
trans fats and MSG from its food and is working to reduce sodium
levels.
Write to Chelsey Dulaney at Chelsey.Dulaney@wsj.com
Access Investor Kit for NESTLE SA ORD REG
Visit
http://www.companyspotlight.com/partner?cp_code=P479&isin=CH0038863350
Access Investor Kit for NESTLE SA ORD REG
Visit
http://www.companyspotlight.com/partner?cp_code=P479&isin=US6410694060
Access Investor Kit for Panera Bread Co.
Visit
http://www.companyspotlight.com/partner?cp_code=P479&isin=US69840W1080
Access Investor Kit for Yum! Brands, Inc.
Visit
http://www.companyspotlight.com/partner?cp_code=P479&isin=US9884981013
Subscribe to WSJ: http://online.wsj.com?mod=djnwires