What is Red 40?
Red 40, officially known as FD&C Red No. 40 or Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food dye derived from petroleum. It is approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is a certified color additive, meaning each new batch must undergo certification. Despite its widespread approval in the U.S., it remains controversial due to its potential link to hyperactivity in some children and other health concerns. In Europe, products containing this dye must carry a warning label stating that it “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”. Being mindful of this ingredient is important for those sensitive to artificial food colors.
Why is Red 40 in so many candies?
Manufacturers use Red 40 for a variety of reasons, primarily to enhance the visual appeal of their products. A vibrant, consistent color is often associated with a particular flavor or expected quality. For candy manufacturers, this means creating eye-catching treats that stand out on shelves. The dye is inexpensive, stable, and offers a strong, vibrant red hue that can also be mixed with other dyes to create different colors, such as orange, purple, and brown. This is why you can find Red 40 in a surprisingly broad range of candies, not just those that are explicitly red.
Candies confirmed to have Red 40
Many popular and well-known candy brands contain Red 40. A conscious effort to avoid this dye requires reading labels and knowing which products are likely to contain it. Here is a list of common candies with Red 40:
- Skittles
- M&M's (depending on the color and variety)
- Starbursts
- Jolly Ranchers
- Twizzlers (Strawberry flavor, and potentially others)
- Gummy bears (many brands)
- Airheads (all colors contain Red 40)
- Laffy Taffy
- Nerds (certain flavors, like those in the Gummy Clusters)
- Swedish Fish
- Wild Cherry Lifesavers
- Fruity Mentos
- Tootsie Pops (certain flavors)
It's important to remember that manufacturers can change their formulas. For example, some M&M's varieties may contain Red 40 while others might use different colorings. Similarly, candies with multi-colored pieces, like Skittles and Starbursts, contain the dye in all pieces, not just the red ones.
How to spot Red 40 on a label
To avoid candies with this synthetic dye, it's crucial to know its aliases on ingredient lists. In the U.S., it will typically be listed as FD&C Red No. 40 or simply Red 40. Here are the most common names to look for:
- FD&C Red No. 40
- Allura Red AC
- Red No. 40
- C.I. 16035
- Food Red 17
- E129 (common in European products with the required warning label)
Comparison of Candies with and without Red 40
Becoming familiar with brands that use or avoid synthetic dyes can simplify your shopping. Here is a table comparing common candies and their use of Red 40.
| Candy Type/Brand | Contains Red 40? | Typical Dye Alternatives | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skittles | Yes | None (contains Red 40) | Uses a cocktail of artificial dyes, including Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1. |
| YumEarth Organics | No | Fruit and vegetable juices (e.g., beet, carrot, turmeric) | A popular natural alternative found in many grocery stores. |
| M&M's | Yes | Depends on regional recipe | Some older formulations contained Red 3, which is now banned in certain jurisdictions. |
| Unreal Candies | No | Plant-based ingredients, such as beet juice and cabbage juice | Known for creating healthier versions of classic treats without artificial dyes. |
| Jolly Ranchers | Yes | None (contains Red 40) | The assorted packs use Red 40 in the cherry and other red-tinted flavors. |
| Hershey's Kisses | No | Cocoa for color | The standard milk chocolate Kisses are typically dye-free, but seasonal flavors should be checked. |
| Starburst | Yes | None (contains Red 40) | All flavors of the original variety contain Red 40. |
| Annie's Fruit Snacks | No | Fruit and vegetable concentrates | Some organic and natural brands have successfully replaced synthetic dyes with natural colorings. |
Health concerns and alternatives
While the FDA considers Red 40 safe for most people, some individuals may experience adverse effects. Concerns include allergic reactions and a potential link to hyperactivity, particularly in children. For those looking to avoid synthetic dyes, many natural and organic brands offer delicious alternatives that use vegetable and fruit extracts for coloring. Choosing these options can be a good way to reduce exposure to artificial additives while still enjoying a sweet treat. Reading labels carefully and seeking out trusted brands can help you find products free of Red 40. Some examples of natural candy brands include YumEarth, Unreal, and certain varieties from Trader Joe's.
The future of food dyes
Growing consumer awareness and pressure from advocacy groups are prompting some manufacturers to move away from synthetic colorings. Recent actions, such as California's ban on Red 3 and other additives, suggest a potential shift toward cleaner labels and ingredients. While this does not impact Red 40 directly in all regions, it signals a broader movement toward natural alternatives. Companies may choose to reformulate products to avoid different ingredient standards across states, ultimately making it easier for consumers to avoid artificial dyes like Red 40.
Conclusion
Navigating the candy aisle to avoid specific ingredients like Red 40 requires diligence, but it is entirely possible. Many popular brands still use this artificial dye, so reading the ingredient list is the most effective strategy. Luckily, a growing number of natural and organic alternatives are available, providing plenty of options for those seeking to reduce or eliminate synthetic colorings from their diet. Being an informed consumer is the key to managing dietary choices related to ingredients like Red 40. For more information, check out the Center for Science in the Public Interest's list of synthetic food dyes to better understand the landscape of food colorings today.
