Atkinson Candy Company, a classic confectioner, managed to pull off what many food manufacturers are struggling with—ditching artificial dyes for natural alternatives. While others are still grappling with technical and cost challenges, Atkinson got ahead of the curve, showing it's possible to keep the vibrant colors candy lovers expect without synthetic additives.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about candy looking pretty—it’s part of a bigger shift as consumers demand cleaner ingredients. If even a legacy brand like Atkinson can make the switch, it puts pressure on the rest of the industry to follow suit, whether they're ready or not.