Can Pineapples Be Pink? | The GMO Fact You Should Know

Yes, pink pineapples are real—the Pinkglow® variety stays pink because its genes are modified to block the enzymes that normally turn the fruit’s.

You’ve seen yellow pineapples your whole life, so the idea of a pink one sounds like a filtered photo or a novelty candy. A pink pineapple exists, and it’s not a dye job or a rare mutant.

The Pinkglow pineapple is a genetically modified fruit developed by Del Monte Fresh. Its pink flesh is the result of a deliberate change in its DNA that keeps the lycopene pigment visible instead of converting it to the yellow-orange color people expect.

What Makes Pineapple Flesh Pink

All pineapples contain lycopene, the same red pigment found in tomatoes and watermelon. In standard pineapple varieties, an enzyme naturally converts that lycopene into beta-carotene as the fruit ripens, which turns the inside yellow.

In the Pinkglow pineapple, that conversion step is suppressed. The genetic modification silences the enzyme, so the lycopene remains and gives the flesh a pink to rose color. The USDA refers to this variety as being engineered for increased lycopene content.

Why The Color Surprises People

Pineapples have been a uniform yellow on the inside for as long as anyone can remember. A pink version feels like a marketing gimmick or a lab trick, which makes people skeptical.

Here’s what usually pops up when someone first hears about pink pineapples:

• Is it natural? No, it is genetically modified, but the modification only suppresses an existing enzyme—it doesn’t add a foreign color.
• Is it dyed? No dye or artificial coloring is used. The pink color comes from lycopene already present in the fruit.
• Does it taste different? Many sources describe it as slightly sweeter, juicier, and less sour than yellow pineapples, though the difference is subtle.
• Is it safe? Yes. Genetically modified foods on the U.S. market, including the Pinkglow, are reviewed by the FDA and USDA for safety.
• Where can you buy it? Pinkglow pineapples are available through specialty produce suppliers and some online retailers for around $49.

The surprise fades once you understand the biology: the pink color was always possible; the GMO simply prevents it from changing.

The Science Behind The USDA Approval

The Pinkglow variety is officially designated by Del Monte as the Del Monte Rose pineapple. A document from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirms that this variety was developed to have increased lycopene and a controlled flowering phenotype. The agency reviewed the plant’s safety and determined it is not a plant pest, which allowed it to go to market in the U.S.

One key point here is the regulatory path. Because the Pinkglow is genetically modified, it went through a voluntary safety review with the FDA and a mandatory plant-pest review with the USDA. The USDA file on the del monte rose variety is the primary government documentation for this fruit.

The table makes it clear that aside from color and price, the eating experience is similar but with a sweeter, less tart edge reported by those who have tried it.

What To Know About Taste, Price, And Safety

If you’re considering buying a Pinkglow pineapple, a few practical details help set expectations. The fruit is not intended to replace standard pineapples in supermarkets; it’s a niche product with a premium price tag.

1. Taste: Reviewers consistently describe it as sweeter and less sour than yellow pineapples. The texture is said to be juicier and more tender.
2. Price: A single Pinkglow pineapple costs roughly $49. That puts it in the luxury novelty category rather than a weekly staple.
3. Safety: The FDA and USDA have reviewed the Pinkglow and consider it safe for consumption. The modification is not known to affect allergenicity or nutritional content in a meaningful way.
4. GMO labeling: Because it is a GMO, the pineapple carries labeling in some regions. In the U.S., voluntary labeling applies; the fruit is clearly marketed as genetically modified.

Some people wonder if pink pineapples are illegal. They are not illegal in the U.S. or most countries that permit GMO crops, but import restrictions may apply in regions with stricter GMO laws, such as the European Union.

Is It Natural Or Genetically Modified?

The short answer: it is genetically modified. The Non-GMO Project, an organization that advocates against GMOs, explains on its blog exactly how the Pinkglow was engineered. The genetic material is modified to suppress the enzymes that normally turn the flesh yellow, resulting in the pink color.

Some marketing language calls it “naturally pink” because the pigment itself (lycopene) occurs naturally in pineapples. But the process that keeps it pink requires genetic engineering. The blog post from the Pinkglow pineapple GMO page clarifies that the fruit is a GMO and notes the mechanism.

From a food-safety standpoint, the Pinkglow is as safe as any conventionally grown pineapple. The American Association for the Advancement of Science, the World Health Organization, and the National Academies of Sciences all support the safety of currently approved GMO crops, including this one.

The Bottom Line

Pink pineapples exist, and they are a genuine GMO product with a clear scientific story. The Pinkglow variety offers a sweeter taste and a striking color, but at a premium price. It has passed U.S. regulatory review and is considered safe for consumption.

If you’re curious about trying one, look for Pinkglow pineapples from approved suppliers. For specific questions about GMO labeling or import rules in your country, the USDA and FDA provide guidance on genetically modified produce.