Kraft ingredients: what's banned overseas?

About Kraft

Kraft is perhaps the most cited example of US vs. international ingredient double standards. Kraft Macaroni and Cheese sold in the US contains Yellow Dye 5 (tartrazine) and Yellow Dye 6 (sunset yellow) for color. The UK version of the same product uses paprika extract, beetroot powder, and annatto — natural alternatives that produce a similar appearance without synthetic dyes. This difference became widely publicized through consumer advocacy campaigns.

Common concerns with Kraft products

{"ingredient_slug":"yellow-dye-5","ingredient_name":"Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)","found_in_product":"Kraft Macaroni and Cheese (US)","concern":"UK and EU require warning label: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.' Kraft UK version uses paprika extract instead."}; {"ingredient_slug":"yellow-dye-6","ingredient_name":"Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow)","found_in_product":"Kraft Macaroni and Cheese (US)","concern":"Included in the 'Southampton Six' artificial dyes linked to hyperactivity. Banned from Kraft's UK formula."}; {"ingredient_slug":"sodium-benzoate","ingredient_name":"Sodium Benzoate","found_in_product":"Various Kraft dressings and condiments","concern":"Can form benzene when combined with ascorbic acid; restricted in EU food products."}