Texas will soon have warning labels on Cheetos, Doritos, M&Ms, Red Bull and other favorite snacks, drinks

HOUSTON — Junk food warning labels are coming soon to a store aisle near you. 

The Texas Legislature just approved a bipartisan bill that requires a clear warning for processed snacks, baked goods, drinks and other food. If Governor Greg Abbott signs Senate Bill 25 into law, as expected, it would become effective in 2027.

The warning is mandatory for all food and drinks that contain additives like food color, bleached flour and other things that most of us can’t spell or pronounce.

• Cheetos, Doritos and other chips
• M&Ms, gummies and most other candy
• Frozen treats like ice cream and popsicles
• Processed baked goods like Toaster Strudel, Pop-Tarts, cookies and cakes
• Packaged breads
• Breakfast cereals
• Processed meats and cheese
• Drinks like Red Bull, Mountain Dew, Kool-Aid, Gatorade and more.

The bottom line? Most packaged food sold in Texas that isn’t fresh must be labeled.

Dozens of major food manufacturers and distributors, including Walmart, KraftHeinz, Hormel, Pepsi and Coca Cola, wrote a letter asking Texas legislators to remove the warning label section from the bill. 

The companies argued in the letter that enactment of the bill would “destabilize local and regional economies” and limit access to foods in times of economic uncertainty.

“As currently written, the food labeling provision in this bill casts an incredibly wide net—triggering warning labels on everyday grocery items based on assertions that foreign governments have banned such items, rather than on standards established by Texas regulators or by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration,” the letter said.

John Hewitt with Consumer Brands Association, which represents food manufacturers in the U.S., urged Abbott to veto the bill.

“The ingredients used in the U.S. food supply are safe and have been rigorously studied following an objective science and risk-based evaluation process,” Hewitt told Fortune in a statement. “The labeling requirements of SB 25 mandate inaccurate warning language, create legal risks for brands, and drive consumer confusion and higher costs.”

Supporters say SB25 will also promote healthier living by requiring more physical activity in schools and expanding nutrition education.

Physical Activity in Schools:

Nutrition Education:

• Elementary and middle schools must include nutrition instruction in their curriculum, based on guidelines from a new Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee.

• High schools must offer an elective course in nutrition and wellness.

• Colleges and universities must provide a nutrition education course opportunity.

• Medical and health-related degree programs must include nutrition curriculum requirements for all students.

Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee:

• A new committee will develop state nutritional guidelines, review scientific studies on ultra-processed foods, and report annually to state leaders.
• The committee is made up of experts in medicine, nutrition, and representatives from both rural and urban communities.
• Members cannot have conflicts of interest with food, beverage, supplement or pharmaceutical companies.