Kraft Mac & Cheese Sharp Cheddar

Name: Kraft Mac & Cheese Sharp Cheddar
Brand: Kraft Heinz
SKU: 021000654932

Blue box Sharp Cheddar Premium Flavor

The formula changed.

Kraft announced in April 2015 that U.S. Kraft Mac & Cheese varieties — including Premium Flavors such as Sharp Cheddar — would remove Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 in 2016, replacing them with paprika, annatto, and turmeric (Food Business News 2015-04-20; Kraft FAQ Blue Box dye removal). The current Kraft Heinz Sharp Cheddar manufacturer panel (GTIN 00021000654932) lists oleoresin paprika and annatto extract for color with no Yellow 5 or Yellow 6.

What changed

Removed: Yellow 5, Yellow 6
Added: Oleoresin paprika and annatto extract

Verified Oct 2026

3 sources · manufacturer ingredient list, manufacturer announcement, reporting ↓

Category: Snacks
UPC: 021000654932
Last checked: Oct 2, 2026
Pack shot: None yet · Send one ↓

Timeline

Apr 20, 2015
Announced
Kraft Heinz announced a change. Source: Manufacturer announcement.
Jan 1, 2016
Rollout started
New formula first seen: Manufacturer announcement.
Oct 2, 2026
Verified on a label
Current manufacturer ingredient list: no tracked additives listed.

Sources

Current manufacturer ingredient list
Kraft Mac & Cheese Sharp Cheddar — manufacturer ingredient list
Cheese sauce … OLEORESIN PAPRIKA [COLOR] … ANNATTO EXTRACT [COLOR]. No Yellow 5 or Yellow 6.
kraftheinz.com
Oct 2, 2026 · Verified ✓
Manufacturer announcement
Kraft Mac & Cheese FAQ — 2016 Blue Box / Cups / Easy Mac dye removal
In 2016 we removed all artificial flavors, preservatives and dyes from our Blue Box, Cups, and Easy Mac products.
kraftheinz.com
Jan 1, 2016
Reputable reporting
Food Business News — Kraft dropping artificial ingredients from Macaroni & Cheese (2015-04-20)
Instead of Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, Kraft will use paprika, annatto and turmeric. All varieties including Shapes, Cups, Original Cups, Premium Flavors and Easy Mac debut without artificial colors in 2016.
foodbusinessnews.net
Apr 20, 2015