I never thought I’d see the day when some of the biggest food companies in America would start cleaning up their act. But it’s happening — slowly, and not without pressure.

Just this past week, I was watching the news and saw that after years of public outcry, more and more major manufacturers are starting to remove harmful ingredients from their products. Why? Because people like you and me are finally demanding better.

It used to be that if you wanted to eat clean, you had to make everything from scratch or pay double for “health food” that wasn’t always as healthy as you hoped. Today, there’s a real shift happening. Whether it’s removing certain seed oils, food dyes, or artificial flavors, companies are being called out — and some are actually listening.

We’re a long way from where we need to be. But we’re making progress. And that’s worth celebrating.

Food as Medicine

I remember back when I was battling Stage IV cancer—food wasn’t just fuel, it was my frontline defense. But trying to find truly clean options? That felt like fighting a second battle. I had to dig deep, read every label, and ask hard questions. And I had to learn to cook for myself!

That’s why this shift in the food industry hits home for me. It’s not just about better labels or cleaner ingredients—it’s about fewer families being misled by fancy packaging and feel-good slogans. It means more people will have access to food that truly supports their health. And little by little, it brings us closer to a world where eating well isn’t just for the wealthy or the health-savvy—it’s something everyone can count on.

It’s no accident that companies are changing their tune. We’ve reached a tipping point—and it’s all thanks to people like you who are asking the hard questions, reading labels, and refusing to settle for business as usual. That kind of awareness didn’t exist a decade ago. Back then, you were lucky to find one or two clean products on a shelf full of processed junk. But now? People are more informed, and they’re speaking up. Parents don’t want dyes in their kids’ snacks.

Cancer survivors like me want food that heals, not harms. That pressure is starting to pay off—and we’ve got to keep it going.

Food is medicine. And when companies are forced to change because people demand better, it proves that our voices — and our choices — matter.

We’re not just consumers. We’re citizens. And it’s up to us to keep the pressure on, keep educating others, and keep seeking out food that heals, not harms.

Your Guide to Healthy Restaurants All Across The Country

Here at the Templeton Wellness Foundation, we’ve been shouting from the rooftops for years that what we eat truly matters — especially if you’re fighting or recovering from cancer. That’s why we created The Templeton List, a guide to healthy restaurants across the country that meet strict ingredient and preparation standards. Because we believe clean food shouldn’t be the exception — it should be the rule.

If you haven’t already checked out The Templeton List, I invite you to take a look. And next time you’re at the store or out to eat, remember: every bite is a vote. Let’s keep voting for health.

Resources:

AP NEWS, “Nestle says it will remove artificial dyes from US foods by 2026” https://apnews.com/article/nestle-artificial-colors-dyes-534843becc89b62d8ac548f81338ec1b

Washington Post, “Nestlé and Conagra join companies dropping synthetic food dyes amid pressure” https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/06/26/nestle-artificial-food-dyes-conagra/

New York Post, “RFK Jr. says Starbucks will ‘MAHA its menu’ — and praises chain for avoiding artificial dyes and flavors” https://nypost.com/2025/06/20/health/starbucks-will-improve-menu-to-fit-maha-initiative-rfk-jr-says/

Eat Healthy, Wherever You Are!

Visit The Templeton List