The FDA is officially banning brominated vegetable oil (BVO), a controversial food additive once common in citrus-flavored drinks and other processed products.
While most major food companies have already phased out BVO, some fast food items may still be using it, especially in artificially flavored or vividly colored beverages. With the new ruling in effect, chains may be forced to reformulate or drop certain menu staples altogether.
Here are 15 fast food staples that could vanish from menus as a result of the FDA’s crackdown.
Artificially Colored Desserts
Brightly colored milkshakes, rainbow ice creams, and neon-dyed baked goods often rely on synthetic dyes like Red 3 or Yellow 5. These dyes have come under FDA scrutiny due to potential health concerns, especially for children. With more research linking artificial colors to behavioral changes and allergic reactions, fast food chains may need to reformulate or remove these treats altogether.
Flavored Syrups in Beverages
Flavored syrups that make your go-to iced coffee or slushie so addictive could soon disappear. Many contain propylparaben or artificial sweeteners under new FDA review. If banned, restaurants will have to change formulations or pull flavored beverages from the menu entirely, especially seasonal favorites that depend heavily on these additives.
Pre-Packaged Pastries
Those warm, gooey cinnamon rolls or fast-food apple pies may not survive the crackdown. Pre-packaged baked goods often contain potassium bromate or BHA, both flagged for possible carcinogenic effects. Brands relying on mass-produced pastries could be forced to eliminate or reformulate these items.
Ultra-Processed Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets made with stabilizers and preservatives like TBHQ are under fire. These ultra-processed versions may need a makeover or could disappear entirely. Chains might pivot to cleaner, more natural alternatives to meet FDA guidelines and customer demand for transparency.
Shelf-Stable Cheese Sauces
Cheese sauces that come with nachos or burgers often rely on emulsifiers and artificial colors to maintain that gooey texture and bright hue. If these additives face restrictions, expect simpler (or fewer) cheesy options on menus. Especially at concession stands and fast casual chains.
Frozen Breakfast Items
Toaster-style pastries and frozen breakfast sandwiches may also vanish. These foods frequently contain dyes and preservatives now being re-evaluated. Without those ingredients, keeping the same flavor and shelf life becomes tricky for brands.
Dipping Sauces
Many dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or sweet-and-sour sauce contain propylparaben, artificial flavors, and food dyes. If these additives are banned or restricted, the variety of dips could narrow fast. Smaller chains may drop them entirely if reformulation proves too costly.
Slush Drinks
Neon-colored slush drinks may be among the most visibly affected. The food dyes and flavoring agents used to achieve their eye-catching hues are currently under review. Even if not banned, pressure from advocacy groups and public opinion may push brands to cut them.
Packaged Buns and Bread
Mass-produced buns often contain azodicarbonamide, a chemical banned in several countries but still used in the U.S. If the FDA aligns with international regulations, buns and sandwich breads could be reformulated or replaced with fresher, preservative-free alternatives.
Processed Meat Sandwich Fillings
Sandwich meats that rely on nitrites and other preservatives to maintain color and shelf life are under review. These fillers may either disappear or see massive changes to stay compliant. Expect leaner or fresher options to become the norm instead.
Preserved Pickles and Toppings
Pickles and other pre-sliced toppings often rely on sodium benzoate and sulfites to extend shelf life. As these additives undergo further evaluation, we may see a reduction in heavily preserved condiments or toppings at fast food joints.
Instant Oatmeal and Breakfast Bowls
Convenient fast food oatmeal packs may disappear from menus if they contain additives like artificial sweeteners or dyes. These ingredients help with texture and flavor, but the FDA’s crackdown might push chains to either simplify or drop them altogether.
Flavored Coffee Creamers
Artificially flavored or colored creamers offered in coffee bars may face the axe. With potential links to health concerns, additives like titanium dioxide or carrageenan are now being looked at more closely. Cleaner dairy or plant-based options might replace these staples.
Soft Serve Ice Cream
Soft serve may not be safe either, as stabilizers and colorants used to maintain its texture and appearance are part of the FDA’s review. While it’s a nostalgic treat, its formulation could change or be pulled from certain chains entirely.
A Healthier Era for Fast Food?
With the FDA cracking down on risky additives, fast food as we know it could look a little different soon. That might mean saying goodbye to some longtime favorites, but it also signals a shift toward cleaner, safer ingredients. As chains scramble to adapt, this change could mark the beginning of a new chapter for fast food, one that balances convenience with better health standards.