Bimbo Bakeries USA Sets Timeline for Clean Label Reformulation
Company commits to removing artificial colors, preservatives and emulsifiers across major bakery brands by 2028
Bimbo Bakeries USA announced a comprehensive set of ingredient and recipe change commitments designed to meet the evolving expectations of American consumers, delivering the nutritious and affordable baked goods. The commitments confirm a comprehensive long-term approach across a portfolio of iconic breads, breakfast products and sweet baked goods.
Bimbo Bakeries USA’s commitments include the following milestones:
- By the end 2026: The company will complete the final phase of artificial color removal in occasional-consumption products such as sweet baked goods and snacks. Today, all of Bimbo Bakeries USA’s daily consumption products, such as breads, buns and rolls, are completely free from artificial colors and flavors.
- By the end of 2027: Artesano breads and buns, Oroweat breads and buns, and The Rustik Oven products will be free from artificial preservatives and emulsifiers.
- By the end of 2028: Sara Lee, Oroweat specialty varieties, Little Bites, and Thomas' will complete the removal of artificial preservatives and emulsifiers.
In less than two years, these iconic brands will be completely free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, making Bimbo Bakeries USA the first company in its category to make this commitment across such a broad portfolio of everyday baked goods. While the 2027 and 2028 commitments represent full completion targets across these brands, the company expects many products and recipe changes to be completed ahead of those dates.
Bimbo Bakeries USA is prioritizing bread in its recipe change efforts because of the category’s significance to American households and its role in everyday nutrition. From whole grains to enriched breads that deliver essential vitamins and minerals, including iron and folic acid, the company’s portfolio plays a meaningful role in a balanced diet.
The recipe change reflects the company's commitment to cleaner label innovation that maintains nutritional fortification, a distinguishing factor from many competitors. The company believes this approach represents the right direction for the business, consumers and the broader food industry.
As part of Grupo Bimbo's commitment to eliminate artificial colorants from its global product portfolio by the end of 2026, Bimbo Bakeries USA has made progress across its US portfolio. Today, the company's breads, buns and rolls products are free from artificial colors and flavors. Bimbo Bakeries USA has also removed Red No. 3 from its US portfolio ahead of regulatory requirements. The company is now completing the final phase of artificial color removal in occasional-consumption products such as sweet baked goods and snacks.
These achievements demonstrate Bimbo Bakeries USA's track record of turning commitments into action. With artificial color removal well underway, the company is now applying that same approach to artificial preservatives and emulsifiers across some of its most iconic brands.
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!
