IDFA celebrates commitment to eliminate artificial colors from ice cream

USA – The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has celebrated America’s ice cream makers’ swift action to meet their commitment to eliminate certified artificial colors from ice cream products made with real milk and sold at food retail by the end of 2027.

The IDFA Ice Cream Commitment is the third in a series of industry-wide, voluntary commitments that bring companies across the USA dairy sector together around common, measurable goals to respond to consumers and advance shared health and nutrition priorities.

The effort follows two successful commitments to reduce added sugar and eliminate certified artificial colors in milk, cheese and yogurt served in schools, creating a record of coordinated action across the industry rather than individual company pledges alone.

Announced in July 2025, the IDFA Ice Cream Commitment brought together dozens of ice cream companies representing more than 90% of the USA market.

Over the past year, ice cream makers have continued reformulating products, working with ingredient suppliers and investing across their operations to meet the commitment. Many products already meet the commitment today.

 Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA, said, “One year ago, America’s ice cream makers made a promise. Today, we are celebrating the real progress they are making to keep it. And this commitment is part of a much bigger story.

“Through the Healthy School Milk Commitment, the Healthy Dairy in Schools Commitment and now the IDFA Ice Cream Commitment, dairy companies have repeatedly shown what can happen when an industry comes together around practical, measurable goals.”

Three Commitments: An Unprecedented Record of Voluntary Action

The Ice Cream Commitment, alongside two school-focused initiatives, is a voluntary, industry-led commitment by USA dairy companies.

Together, the initiatives demonstrate how dairy companies are responding to consumers and families while working to preserve access to nutritious, great-tasting dairy foods.

IDFA Ice Cream Commitment: America’s leading ice cream makers are on track to eliminate certified artificial colors from covered ice cream products made with real milk and sold at retail by the end of 2027.

Healthy Dairy in Schools Commitment: USA dairy processors fulfilled their commitment to eliminate certified artificial colors from milk, cheese, and yogurt products sold for reimbursable school meals in time for the 2026-2027 school year.

Healthy School Milk Commitment: Milk processors fulfilled their commitment to limit added sugars in flavored school milk to 10 grams per 8 oz. serving, which has led to a 57% reduction in added sugars in flavored milk sold in schools.

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