diff --git a/docs/getting-started/changelog.md b/docs/getting-started/changelog.md
index 8854ca9e0..c0572d586 100644
--- a/docs/getting-started/changelog.md
+++ b/docs/getting-started/changelog.md
@@ -6,6 +6,10 @@ Components with the <sl-badge type="warning" pill>Experimental</sl-badge> badge
 
 _During the beta period, these restrictions may be relaxed in the event of a mission-critical bug._ 🐛
 
+## Next
+
+- Fixed a bug where `sl-menu-item` color variable was incorrect [#272](https://github.com/shoelace-style/shoelace/issues/272)
+
 ## 2.0.0-beta.23
 
 - Added `sl-format-number` component
diff --git a/src/components/menu-item/menu-item.scss b/src/components/menu-item/menu-item.scss
index e5d344b49..774686649 100644
--- a/src/components/menu-item/menu-item.scss
+++ b/src/components/menu-item/menu-item.scss
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
   line-height: var(--sl-line-height-normal);
   letter-spacing: var(--sl-letter-spacing-normal);
   text-align: left;
-  color: var(--color-gray-40);
+  color: var(--sl-color-gray-30);
   padding: var(--sl-spacing-xx-small) var(--sl-spacing-x-large);
   transition: var(--sl-transition-fast) fill;
   user-select: none;