Plover, WI — In a bold step toward cleaner ingredients and family-friendly treats, King Cone, a beloved ice cream parlor with more than 40 years in the Plover community, is transitioning away from artificial food dyes in its ice cream products.
Owner Ben Klosinski says the decision was inspired by growing concerns about the effects of synthetic dyes on children. With young customers—and his own children—in mind, Klosinski began researching how to preserve the parlor’s signature look and flavor using all-natural alternatives.
“We were seeing things and seeing how dyes affect kids,” said Klosinski. “We started looking into it and thought—how do we take it out of our products?”
The transition is still ongoing, but the team at King Cone is already finding creative solutions. Natural colorants like turmeric, beetroot, and spirulina are now used to recreate familiar hues, though the results tend to be softer and more pastel compared to their synthetic counterparts.
“They’re definitely more pastel-ish and not as vibrant and colorful,” Klosinski noted. “But again, flavor profile is exactly the same. The flavors aren’t changing.”
The response from customers has been resoundingly positive. Parents in particular have praised the change, saying it allows their children to enjoy their favorite frozen treats without the added concern of artificial additives.
“The community has been loving it,” said Klosinski. “A lot of parents are saying, ‘This is awesome—now my kid can go have it.’ We definitely feel it’s the right move for us.”
King Cone’s decision reflects a broader shift in consumer values and may serve as a model for ice cream franchise opportunities prioritizing health-conscious innovation. As more shops explore sustainable and ingredient-transparent offerings, the latest ice cream trends are proving that less artificial doesn’t have to mean less delicious.
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