A frightening fine Halloween makeover has been delivered by Welch’s Fruit Snacks for its core line of spooky treats, which are now developed without artificial dyes, writes Neill Barston.

As the company explained to Confectionery Production, its latest series has been given a packaging design refresh alongside its ingredients upgrade, which it anticipates will make a key difference this season.

This year’s Halloween lineup includes: Welch’s Fruit Snacks Mixed Fruit, Halloween: A 26-count assortment featuring three festive characters—Witch, Vampire and Pumpkin—with a cut-out mask on the back of each pouch. Available nationwide beginning September 1 (SRP: $6+).

It also features Welch’s Juicefuls Monster Splash: Fruit snacks with a juicy center in Halloween shapes including ghosts, pumpkins and skulls. Available nationwide in a 16-count package (SRP: $6+).

The move for more natural ingredients comes as consumer demand for naturally colored foods continues to gain momentum – and falls in line with the US government’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement that has sought to reduced artificial colours and ingredients across the industry.

According to recent data, products advertising “natural colors” saw 24.4% dollar sales growth in 2025, while products marketing artificial colors grew less than 0.1%. Yet artificial dyes still account for 42.2% of candy sales, highlighting a significant opportunity for brands and retailers to rethink how they approach one of the most color-driven seasons of the year.

Welch’s Fruit Snacks is meeting that demand while preserving the colorful, playful experience shoppers expect from Halloween snacks. Made with Whole Fruit as the main ingredient, the assortment is also free from the top nine allergens, safe for school and a good source of Vitamins A, C & E – giving retailers a seasonal option that can appeal to families looking for more ingredient-conscious choices without sacrificing the fun of Halloween.