Dunkin' Donuts is making a huge step in the company's efforts to offer more natural and diet-friendly options to consumers.

On March 2nd, 2017, Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (the parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins), announced plans to remove artificial colors from its products in the U.S. Starting this month. Dunkin' teams are working to eliminate synthetic colors from their food and beverages and replace the ingredients with naturally sourced colorings by the end of 2018.

Within the next two years, Dunkin’ Donuts will remove synthetic colors across its menu, including donut icings, fillings and toppings, frozen beverages such as Fruit Smoothies and COOLATTA® beverages, baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee flavorings.

Here at Foodbeast, we were lucky enough to try one of the first ever batches of donuts that were made with all-natural colors. Truthfully? They tasted fantastic, with the same sweet flavors we've come to expect from any Dunkin' Donuts treat. The colors looked a little more faded than we were used to seeing them (especially on colors like yellow, which chefs said was very difficult to replicate), but the familiar shade was still recognizable.

In addition to Dunkin' Donuts making this change, Dunkin' Brands announced that Baskin-Robbins will also be removing synthetic colors from its menu. However, Baskin-Robbins will be taking a longer period of time to find replacements for its ice cream cake decorations.

“We are pleased to announce our plans to eliminate artificial colors from our menus in the U.S. by the end of 2018,” said Dunkin’ Brands Chairman and CEO Nigel Travis. “This is a significant undertaking on the part of our product development teams and suppliers. However, we are committed to meet the evolving needs of our customers, including their preference for more nutritional transparency and simpler ingredients, while maintaining the great taste and the fun, vibrant colors expected from Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins products.”

This is not Dunkin' Brands first attempt to make their food and drink options healthier.

In 2014, the company conducted a comprehensive menu review that resulted in simplified ingredient labels plus lowering sodium and sugar content without sacrificing taste. The company also continues to offer products that broaden the nutritional choices available to consumers with the Dunkin’ Donuts DDSMART® and Baskin-Robbins BRight Choices™ menus.