Are Bomb Pops Dye Free? A Deep Dive for Your Nutrition Diet

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the original Bomb Pop contains two of its top food additives of concern: Red 40 and Blue 1. This fact immediately answers the critical question: are bomb pops dye free? The reality is, the classic colorful ice pop relies on synthetic dyes to achieve its signature red, white, and blue layers, prompting many health-conscious consumers to seek healthier alternatives.

Quick Summary

The iconic original Bomb Pop contains artificial food dyes Red 40 and Blue 1, making it not dye-free. Health concerns associated with artificial coloring have increased consumer interest in dye-free, naturally colored frozen treats. Several brands now offer alternatives using plant-based colorants.

Key Points

Original Bomb Pops Are Not Dye-Free: The classic red, white, and blue Bomb Pop contains artificial food dyes, specifically Red 40 and Blue 1, as listed on its ingredients.
Artificial Dyes Have Potential Health Concerns: Research and health advocates have linked artificial food colorings to hyperactivity and other health issues, particularly in sensitive individuals.
Many Brands Offer Dye-Free Alternatives: Due to consumer demand, a variety of brands like GoodPop, JonnyPops, and Outshine offer frozen treats colored with natural ingredients like fruit and vegetable extracts.
DIY Popsicles are a Dye-Free Option: For complete control over ingredients, you can make your own popsicles using natural sources like beet juice, spinach, and spirulina to achieve vibrant colors without artificial additives.
Focusing on a 'Nutrition Diet' Means Reading Labels: Looking beyond the product name to read the ingredient list is essential for a nutrition-focused diet, as it reveals synthetic additives, artificial flavors, and high sugar content.

The Surprising Truth Behind the Classic Bomb Pop

While the sight of a red, white, and blue Bomb Pop evokes nostalgic summer memories for many, the reality of its ingredients list can be surprising to those prioritizing a clean nutrition diet. The vibrant colors are not derived from fruit but from synthetic food dyes. A quick look at the ingredients confirms the presence of Blue 1 and Red 40 in the original version, along with a significant amount of sugar and high fructose corn syrup.

For years, artificial food dyes like these have faced scrutiny and health questions, particularly concerning children's behavior. While regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have deemed approved dyes safe for consumption, some research and health advocates point to potential links with hyperactivity and other health issues. As a result, many families have made a conscious effort to eliminate or reduce these additives from their diet, turning their attention towards dye-free options.

Why Artificial Dyes Are a Concern for a Nutrition Diet

Artificial colors add no nutritional value to food. Their sole purpose is aesthetic—making products visually appealing to consumers, especially children. The primary concern for those focused on a health-centric diet is that these dyes are often found in highly processed, sugary foods, such as candy, sugary drinks, and certain popsicles. By eliminating foods with artificial dyes, you often reduce intake of sugar, artificial flavors, and other additives at the same time.

Here are some of the reasons artificial dyes are a topic of debate:

Potential Link to Hyperactivity: Multiple studies and reports have explored a connection between certain artificial food colorings and hyperactivity, especially in sensitive children.
Allergic Reactions: In some individuals, artificial dyes can trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities.
Contaminants: Some dyes have been found to contain low levels of carcinogenic substances.

Finding Healthier, Dye-Free Alternatives

The good news is that the growing demand for cleaner, more natural ingredients has led to a boom in dye-free frozen treats. Many brands now use plant-based ingredients for coloring, such as beet juice for red and spirulina for blue. When shopping for dye-free popsicles, look for brands that explicitly state they use 'colors from natural sources' or 'no artificial colors' on their packaging. You can also identify these products by looking for ingredients like fruit and vegetable extracts, or for a lack of numerical dyes like Red 40 or Blue 1.

Popular Dye-Free Frozen Treat Brands

GoodPop: Offers a variety of pops made with real, organic fruit juices and no artificial dyes.
JonnyPops: Features a range of pops made with simple, real ingredients and without artificial dyes.
Outshine Fruit Bars: Some of their fruit bars use natural fruit and vegetable juices for color.
Otter Pops: Offers a line of 100% fruit juice colorless ice pops for a completely dye-free experience.
DeeBee's Organics: Known for their organic, fruit-based frozen treats that do not contain artificial dyes.

DIY Dye-Free Popsicles

For complete control over the ingredients, making your own popsicles at home is a simple and rewarding option. This allows you to use whole fruits and natural sweeteners, ensuring a treat that is both delicious and genuinely healthy. You can easily create a rainbow of colors using natural ingredients.

Red/Pink: Use strawberries, raspberries, pomegranate juice, or beet juice.
Orange: Blend carrots, mango, or peaches.
Yellow: Try pineapple, mango, or a small pinch of turmeric.
Green: Blend spinach (the taste is often masked by fruit) or use matcha powder.
Blue: A little bit of blue spirulina powder is a fantastic natural way to create a vibrant blue hue.
Purple: Combine blueberries or blackberries.

Comparison Table: Classic Bomb Pop vs. Dye-Free Alternative


Feature	Original Bomb Pop	Dye-Free Alternative (e.g., GoodPop)
Color Source	Artificial dyes (Red 40, Blue 1)	Natural fruit and vegetable juices
Sweeteners	Sugar, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup	Organic cane sugar or fruit juice concentrate
Flavoring	Natural and artificial flavors	Natural flavors, often from real fruit
Processing	Highly processed ingredients	Minimally processed, simpler ingredients
Health Concerns	Associated with artificial dyes, sugar content	Generally fewer additives and less sugar

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

The search for dye-free treats is an important step towards a more mindful nutrition diet. While the original Bomb Pop contains artificial dyes and is not dye-free, the food industry has responded to consumer demand with many great alternatives. By reading ingredient labels, exploring different brands, or even making your own at home, you can enjoy a colorful and refreshing frozen treat without compromising your commitment to healthier eating. It's a clear reminder that paying attention to what's inside our food, beyond the vibrant packaging, is crucial for our health and well-being. For more information on food additives, consider reviewing resources like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) website. https://www.www.ewg.org/foodscores/

Frequently Asked Questions

The original Bomb Pop and many of its flavored varieties contain artificial dyes such as Red 40 and Blue 1. However, consumers interested in dye-free options should always check the specific product label, as new product lines could be developed.

Artificial food dyes are regulated as food additives and have been deemed safe by some regulatory bodies. However, some health advocates and studies raise concerns about potential links to hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions in some people.

Brands known for offering dye-free options include GoodPop, JonnyPops, DeeBee's Organics, and Outshine Fruit Bars. Some brands, like Otter Pops, also have specific colorless versions of their products.

You can create natural colors by blending fruits and vegetables. For example, use blended berries for red/pink, carrot juice for orange, spinach for green, and blue spirulina powder for blue.

In addition to avoiding artificial dyes, look for treats with lower sugar content (specifically added sugars) and those made from whole fruit rather than concentrates or high fructose corn syrup.

Not necessarily. While a dye-free popsicle avoids artificial colors, it can still contain high amounts of sugar and processed ingredients. Always check the nutrition label and ingredient list to ensure it aligns with your dietary goals.

Currently, the Bomb Pop brand is associated with artificial dyes in its original formulation. If you are specifically seeking dye-free frozen treats, it is best to explore other brands that specialize in naturally colored products.