A Nutrition Guide: Which Sodas Have Red Dye 40?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a vast number of food products, including sodas, contain artificial color additives like Red Dye 40. Navigating the grocery store to find healthier drink options can be challenging, especially when you need to know which sodas have red dye 40 and other synthetic ingredients.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals specific soda brands that use Red Dye 40, explores the associated health concerns linked to this artificial colorant, and offers advice on identifying dye-free alternatives for mindful consumption.

Key Points

Sodas with Red 40: Common sodas containing Red Dye 40 include Mountain Dew Code Red, Pepsi Wild Cherry, and Fanta (Orange and Strawberry in the US).
Health Concerns: Concerns linked to Red Dye 40 range from potential hyperactivity in children to gut inflammation and possible DNA damage, though research is ongoing and mainly animal-based.
Regulatory Differences: Unlike the EU, where warning labels are required, the US FDA does not mandate warnings for Red Dye 40, placing the onus on consumers to check labels.
Dye-Free Alternatives: Many brands, like Sprite and 7-Up, are naturally dye-free, while others are switching to natural colorants from fruits and vegetables.
DIY Healthy Drinks: For ultimate control, consider making your own refreshing and colorful drinks using fruit-infused water, kombucha, or herbal teas.

Understanding Red Dye 40 in Your Soda

Red Dye 40, also known as Allura Red AC or Food Red 17, is one of the most widely used artificial food colorings in the United States. Derived from petroleum, it's used by manufacturers to give foods and drinks a vibrant red hue and to enhance the appeal of flavored products. While approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a growing body of research and consumer awareness has highlighted potential health concerns.

Unlike in the European Union, where products containing certain artificial dyes require a warning label about effects on children's activity and attention, the U.S. has no such requirement. This means consumers must be proactive in reading ingredient labels to determine what is in their beverages.

Popular Sodas with Red Dye 40

Many popular and flavorful sodas get their bright, appealing colors from Red Dye 40. This is often the case with cherry, strawberry, and fruit punch varieties. Here is a list of commonly consumed sodas and flavors that have been identified as containing this artificial coloring:

Mountain Dew Code Red: This version of Mountain Dew is famously red, with Red 40 and other dyes listed in the ingredients.
Pepsi Wild Cherry: The vibrant cherry color in this soda is achieved with the use of Red Dye 40.
Fanta (Strawberry and Orange flavors in the US): In the United States, Fanta Orange relies on a combination of Red 40 and Yellow 6 for its color, whereas European versions use natural extracts from fruits like pumpkin and carrot.
Cherry Coke: The distinctive dark red color of Cherry Coke is another example of a soda that contains Red Dye 40.
Dr. Pepper Cherry: As with other cherry-flavored sodas, this variant includes Red 40 as a color additive.
Crush (Strawberry and Grape): The vividly colored Crush sodas often contain Red Dye 40, particularly the strawberry and grape flavors.

Potential Health Concerns Associated with Red Dye 40

While health organizations like the FDA have deemed Red Dye 40 safe for consumption within approved limits, research has raised several potential concerns. Many studies, particularly in animals, have suggested potential adverse effects, though more human research is needed.

Neurobehavioral Effects

ADHD symptoms: The link between artificial food dyes and hyperactivity, especially in children, is a long-standing debate. Studies like the 2007 Southampton study found associations between dye consumption, including Allura Red AC (Red 40), and increased hyperactivity in children.
Brain function: Animal studies and a 2021 review have suggested that Red Dye 40 might affect brain activity and memory.

Inflammatory and Digestive Issues

Gut health: A 2023 study in mice published in Nature Communications indicated that continuous exposure to Red Dye 40 harmed gut health by increasing serotonin production, leading to inflammation.
DNA Damage: The same mouse study also found that Red Dye 40 caused DNA damage in vitro and in vivo. It's worth noting that animal studies do not always translate directly to humans, but the findings raise concerns.

Allergic Reactions

Hypersensitivity: Though rare, allergic reactions to Red Dye 40 have been reported and can manifest as hives, skin swelling, or in very rare cases, anaphylaxis.

Making Healthier Choices: Finding Alternatives

If you're looking to reduce or eliminate Red Dye 40 from your diet, there are many alternatives available. Reading labels is key, as some sodas may still contain artificial colors even if their flavors don't suggest it. Here are some comparisons to help you make informed decisions:

Soda Comparison: Red Dye 40 vs. Alternatives


Feature	Sodas with Red Dye 40	Red Dye 40-Free Alternatives
Example Brands	Mountain Dew Code Red, Pepsi Wild Cherry	Sprite, 7-Up, Zevia, Health-Ade Kombucha
Color Source	Artificial colorants derived from petroleum	Natural fruit and vegetable extracts (e.g., beet juice, paprika) or clear
Ingredients	Synthetic dyes (Red 40, Yellow 6), high fructose corn syrup	Natural sweeteners (stevia), fruit juice, sparkling water, natural flavors
Health Concerns	Linked to hyperactivity in children, potential inflammation in gut	Minimal concerns, though sugar content should be considered with some brands
Flavor Profile	Intense, often overly sweet, artificial fruit flavors	Often more subtle, complex, or natural-tasting profiles

Natural and Homemade Drink Options

Beyond commercial alternatives, making your own beverages is a sure-fire way to control ingredients and avoid all artificial additives. Here are some simple, delicious options:

Infused Seltzer Water: Add slices of fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or lime to seltzer water for a refreshing, naturally flavored and colored drink.
Kombucha: This fermented tea is naturally bubbly and comes in a variety of flavors, offering probiotics in addition to great taste.
Fruit Juice Spritzers: Mix 100% fruit juice with sparkling water to create a lighter, less sugary drink. Beet juice or berry purees can be used for natural red coloring.
Herbal Teas: Steep hibiscus flowers or other fruity herbal teas to create colorful, flavorful, and hydrating beverages.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Choices

While it’s unlikely that a single can of soda with Red Dye 40 will cause immediate health problems, the cumulative effect of consuming processed foods and drinks with synthetic dyes is a valid concern for many. For individuals sensitive to these additives, particularly children, or those seeking a cleaner diet, avoiding sodas with Red Dye 40 is a prudent choice. The key lies in reading ingredient labels carefully and considering the many healthier and equally satisfying alternatives available. By making informed decisions about your beverage choices, you can better manage your nutritional intake and overall well-being.

For more in-depth scientific research on the effects of artificial dyes, including Red 40, a relevant study can be found at the National Institutes of Health: The synthetic food dye, Red 40, causes DNA damage, causes colonic inflammation, and impacts the microbiome in mice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red Dye 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food coloring derived from petroleum that is used in sodas and other processed foods to enhance or add a vibrant red color for aesthetic appeal.

In the United States, Fanta Orange and Fanta Strawberry often contain Red Dye 40, alongside Yellow 6, for their coloring.

Clear sodas, such as Sprite and 7-Up, are typically free of Red Dye 40 and other artificial color additives. However, it is always best to check the ingredient label for confirmation.

Healthier alternatives include fruit-infused seltzer water, kombucha, natural fruit juice spritzers, and herbal teas. You can also find brands that use natural coloring like beet juice or vegetable extracts.

While rare, Red Dye 40 has been linked to allergic reactions, which can include hives, swelling, and in very infrequent cases, anaphylaxis.

Some studies, like the Southampton study, have found an association between Red Dye 40 consumption and increased hyperactivity in children, particularly those who may be more sensitive to it.

While not banned in the US, the European Union requires products containing Red Dye 40 and other artificial dyes to carry a warning label stating they may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.