FILE – This Friday, May 23, 2014, file photo shows a sign at a Taco Bell in Mount Lebanon, Pa. Taco Bell and Pizza Hut say they’re getting rid of artificial colors and flavors, making them the latest big food companies scrambling to distance themselves from ingredients people might find unappetizing. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) Taco Bell says it will roll out Cap’n Crunch-covered balls of dough nationally — and that they’re exempt from its recent pledge to remove artificial ingredients.
The company said last week it would remove artificial colors, flavors and high-fructose corn syrup from its menu by the end of this year. But it noted there would be exceptions, including co-branded products like Doritos Locos Tacos.
On Friday, the company said its latest national product launch on July 2 would be Cap’n Crunch Delights, similar to doughnut holes filled with icing. Ashley Sioson, a Taco Bell representative, said in an email the new dessert will have artificial colors and flavors.
Taco Bell is among a number of major food makers dropping artificial ingredients from products to improve their images.
Taco Bell is owned by Yum Brands Inc., which also owns KFC and Pizza Hut.