A Guide: What chips don't have Red 40?

January 9, 2026 •

5 min read

Red 40 is the most widely used synthetic food dye in the United States, yet a growing number of consumers are seeking snacks free from artificial colorings. Whether due to health concerns or a preference for clean eating, knowing what chips don't have Red 40 has become increasingly important for informed snacking.

Quick Summary

This article explores a variety of commercially available chips and snack brands that are manufactured without the use of artificial food dye Red 40. The content includes lists of popular alternatives, explains the reasons people avoid synthetic dyes, and compares dye-free and conventional options.

Key Points

Check the Ingredient Label: Always read the ingredient list for FD&C Red No. 40, Red 40, or Allura Red AC to confirm if a chip contains the dye.
Look for Natural Brands: Brands like Kettle Brand, Cape Cod, and Terra are known for using natural ingredients and avoiding artificial colorings.
Explore 'Simply' Sub-Brands: Frito-Lay's 'Simply' line, which includes Simply Doritos White Cheddar and Simply LAY'S, offers popular dye-free versions of classic snacks.
Consider Store Brands: Retailers like Aldi often have store-brand chip varieties, including spicy options, that do not use artificial dyes.
Recognize Natural Alternatives: Colorful chips can still be dye-free if their color comes from natural sources like beet juice, paprika, or other vegetable powders.
Understand Health Motivations: Concerns about potential links between Red 40 and issues like hyperactivity, allergies, and inflammation are key reasons for avoiding the dye.
Support the Natural Trend: Consumer demand for cleaner ingredients is driving food companies to develop more dye-free snack options, expanding your choices.

Navigating the Snack Aisle: Understanding Red 40

Many consumers are concerned about the ingredients in their food, and artificial colorings like Red 40 are a common area of scrutiny. For those with sensitivities, allergies, or a general preference for natural ingredients, finding chip options without this synthetic dye can be a challenge. Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a petroleum-derived colorant found in thousands of food and beverage products, often used to create a bright red hue. While the FDA has approved its use, some studies have suggested potential links to hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, and other health issues, leading many to seek alternatives. Fortunately, the market for dye-free snacks has expanded significantly, offering plenty of delicious choices.

Popular Chip Brands Without Red 40

Identifying chips that do not contain Red 40 typically means looking for brands that use natural coloring alternatives or offer flavors that don't require vibrant dyes. Frito-Lay, a major player in the snack industry, has responded to consumer demand with its 'Simply' line. Other brands focus on a more natural or organic approach from the outset. By examining ingredient lists, you can easily find safe options.

General and Potato Chip Brands

Kettle Brand: Most flavors, such as Sea Salt, Backyard Barbeque, and Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper, do not use artificial colorings.
Cape Cod: This brand is known for its classic kettle-cooked potato chips and generally avoids artificial dyes.
Simply LAY'S: This sub-brand offers options like Simply Sea Salted Thick Cut Potato Chips, explicitly stating no artificial flavors or colors.
Utz: Many of Utz's classic potato chip varieties are made without synthetic dyes, but checking the specific flavor's ingredient list is always recommended.
Aldi Clancy's Brands: Shoppers at Aldi can find many store-brand chip options that are free from artificial colors, including an alternative to Hot Cheetos that contains no Red 40.

Tortilla and Veggie Chip Options

Simply Doritos White Cheddar Flavored Tortilla Chips: A dye-free version of the popular Doritos, this flavor uses vegetable and cheese powders for coloring instead of artificial dyes.
Terra Veggie Chips: These colorful and crunchy chips derive their vibrant appearance from vegetables like carrots, beets, and yams, with no need for synthetic dyes.
Stacy's Pita Chips: A long-standing favorite for dipping, Stacy's Pita Chips and its variations are free of artificial colorings.
Siete Family Foods: Siete offers a wide range of grain-free tortilla chips made with natural ingredients, ensuring they are free of synthetic dyes like Red 40.
Rhythm Superfoods Chips: This brand offers healthy chip alternatives made from kale and beets, utilizing the natural colors of the vegetables.

How to Verify for Yourself

To ensure a chip is free of Red 40, always read the ingredient label. The dye is often listed as FD&C Red No. 40, Red 40, or Allura Red AC. Looking for brands that advertise 'no artificial colors' or are USDA Organic can also increase your chances of finding a dye-free option. Be aware that some natural colorings, like annatto, can still trigger sensitivities in some individuals, so always review the full ingredient list.

Comparison: Conventional vs. Dye-Free Chips


Feature	Conventional Chips (often contain Red 40)	Dye-Free Chips (No Red 40)
Appearance	Bright, vibrant, and uniform coloring. Often a strong red, orange, or cheesy yellow hue.	More subdued, natural colors derived from ingredients. May appear off-white, light yellow, or earthy toned.
Flavoring	Relies on a mix of artificial and natural flavors to achieve a consistent, bold taste.	Utilizes spices, real cheese, or vegetable powders for flavoring. Taste is often perceived as more natural.
Ingredients	Typically includes FD&C dyes, artificial flavors, and preservatives.	Uses natural colorings (e.g., beet juice, paprika), natural flavors, and fewer preservatives.
Health Concerns	For sensitive individuals, potential links to hyperactivity, allergies, or other adverse reactions have been noted.	Generally considered a cleaner, safer option for those sensitive to artificial additives.
Brand Examples	Flamin' Hot Cheetos, conventional Nacho Cheese Doritos, many flavored potato chips.	Simply Doritos White Cheddar, Terra Veggie Chips, Kettle Brand, Cape Cod, Siete.

The Drive Toward Natural Ingredients

The increasing availability of dye-free chips is part of a larger trend toward cleaner food production. Many food companies, including major players like PepsiCo (the parent company of Frito-Lay), are shifting toward natural colors to meet consumer demand and align with modern health perceptions. The push for transparency and natural ingredients is not just a passing fad but a sustained movement driven by consumers' desire for healthier, less processed foods. This shift has led to the development of new natural color additives derived from sources like algae and gardenia. For consumers, this means more choices that don't compromise on flavor or quality. The market is also seeing more options from specialty brands that have always catered to the natural and organic food space, creating a competitive environment that benefits the consumer.

Conclusion: Informed Snacking for Everyone

Finding snacks that align with your dietary preferences, whether due to allergies or simply a commitment to cleaner eating, is more straightforward than ever before. With many brands now offering delicious chip options without Red 40, you can enjoy a satisfying, crunchy snack without worrying about artificial dyes. The key is to be an informed consumer, read labels carefully, and explore the brands that prioritize natural ingredients. As consumer demand for transparency and natural alternatives continues to grow, so will the variety of delicious, dye-free chips available on store shelves, making healthy and mindful snacking a reality for everyone. For more information on food dyes and their impact, a useful resource is the Center for Science in the Public Interest's work on this topic. https://cspinet.org/new-artificial-colors

How to Find Chips Without Red 40: A Step-by-Step Guide

For those committed to avoiding Red 40, a systematic approach to finding suitable chips is helpful. First, target brands known for their natural ingredients or organic certifications, such as Kettle Brand, Cape Cod, or Terra. Next, always make a habit of reading the ingredient list on any product you consider. Red 40 is also listed as FD&C Red No. 40 or Allura Red AC. When shopping, utilize store apps or online resources to check ingredient lists before purchasing. Finally, consider exploring store brands from retailers like Aldi, which often provide dye-free options at a lower cost. By following these steps, you can confidently navigate the snack aisle and find delicious, dye-free chips for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red 40 is a synthetic red food dye derived from petroleum that is used to color many food and beverage products. Some people avoid it due to potential links to health concerns like hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions, as suggested by some studies.

Yes, Frito-Lay's 'Simply' line includes a flavor called Simply Doritos White Cheddar, which is made without artificial colors like Red 40.

Yes, Terra Veggie Chips are made without artificial colorings. Their vibrant colors come naturally from the vegetables used, such as beets, carrots, and sweet potatoes.

The easiest way is to read the ingredient label. Look for FD&C Red No. 40, Red 40, or Allura Red AC in the list of ingredients. Labels on organic products or those specifying 'no artificial colors' are also a good indicator.

Common natural sources of red coloring used in foods include beet juice, paprika, and annatto. These are often found in dye-free snacks.

Besides Frito-Lay's 'Simply' line, other popular brands offering dye-free options include Kettle Brand, Cape Cod, Siete, Pirate's Booty, and Aldi's Clancy's brand.

Yes, brands like Clancy's (available at Aldi) offer spicy chip alternatives, such as their take on Hot Cheetos, that are made without artificial dyes.

Chips with natural food coloring are typically part of a cleaner ingredient profile. While they might contain fewer artificial additives, the overall healthiness of a chip depends on its nutritional content, such as fat, sodium, and calorie count.