Last updated 1 day ago | Originally Published: July 30, 2025
Atkinson Candy Co., one of the top-selling candy brands here at Candy Retailer, has transitioned nearly all its products to natural food dyes. Best known for favorites like Chick-O-Stick, the Texas-based company made the switch after more than a decade of testing plant-based alternatives to synthetic dyes.
CEO Eric Atkinson said the company was already close to using only simple ingredients, so the decision felt natural. However, the transition came with challenges. Natural dyes are more expensive, less stable, and harder to source. Some even caused unexpected issues, such as bad odors during production or fading under LED lights.
To match the bright colors customers expect, Atkinson’s team worked closely with dye manufacturers, testing combinations of turmeric, radishes, and vegetable juice. One of the biggest obstacles was finding reliable replacements for vibrant hues, especially for holiday-themed candies like Christmas mint twists.
The push to remove synthetic dyes has grown across the US, with major brands and lawmakers pressuring food companies to move away from petroleum-based additives, such as Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5. Some states, including California and Texas, have passed legislation targeting artificial food dyes. Federal agencies are now approving more natural options, such as those from algae and gardenia fruit.
Although studies continue to debate the safety of synthetic dyes, consumer demand has shifted. Atkinson Candy reports a 30% increase in sales this year, which the company attributes in part to its cleaner ingredient labels.
Candy Retailer carries one of the largest selections of Atkinson products in the country. From individually wrapped pieces to bulk packs rarely found elsewhere, customers can find all their favorites here. As the market moves toward natural ingredients, Atkinson Candy is already ahead of the curve.
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