Decoding Your Diet: What number is the red dye in Twizzlers?

October 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, Red 40 is one of only nine certified color additives approved for use in foods in the U.S., including the red dye used in Twizzlers. While regulations exist, many consumers are still curious about the specific ingredients, like what number is the red dye in Twizzlers?, and how they fit into a balanced and healthy nutrition diet.

Quick Summary

The red dye used in Twizzlers is Red 40, a synthetic coloring agent also known as Allura Red AC. While considered safe by the FDA, Red 40 is a topic of concern for some due to potential links with behavioral issues in children and other health effects. As a highly processed candy, Twizzlers offer minimal nutritional value beyond sugar.

Key Points

Red 40 is the Dye: The specific red dye found in Twizzlers is Artificial Color (Red 40), also known as Allura Red AC.
Not the Banned Red 3: Twizzlers do not contain Red 3, a different dye that has been banned by the FDA for use in food due to cancer concerns in animal studies.
Behavioral Concerns: Some studies and advocates link Red 40 consumption to potential behavioral issues, like hyperactivity, in a subset of sensitive children.
A Processed Treat: From a nutrition diet perspective, Twizzlers are primarily sugar and corn syrup, offering minimal nutritional benefits and should be consumed in moderation.
Industry Shift: Due to consumer pressure and evolving regulations, Hershey has indicated plans to move away from synthetic dyes like Red 40 in its products by 2027.
Natural Alternatives Exist: As companies reformulate, natural red colorants from sources like beet juice, pomegranate, and hibiscus are becoming more common.

Identifying the Red Dye in Twizzlers

For those curious about the ingredients in their favorite snacks, the question of what number is the red dye in Twizzlers? is a common one. The answer is Artificial Color (Red 40), as listed on the product's packaging. Red 40 is a synthetic coloring agent, officially known as Allura Red AC, that is derived from petroleum. It is important to distinguish Red 40 from other food dyes, such as the now-restricted Red 3, which have different safety profiles and regulatory statuses. Red 40 is widely used in many food and beverage products to achieve a vibrant crimson hue.

The Synthetic Dye Debate: Red 40 vs. Red 3

Understanding the specific dye is crucial for making informed dietary choices. Recent changes in food safety regulations, particularly concerning Red 3, highlight the evolving landscape of food additives. While both are artificial, they are distinct chemicals with different histories and implications. The following table provides a comparison to clarify the differences.


Feature	Red 40 (Allura Red AC)	Red 3 (Erythrosine)
Source	Petroleum distillates	Petroleum-based synthetic dye
Regulatory Status (U.S.)	Currently FDA-approved	Ban for use in food and ingested drugs effective January 2027
Key Health Concerns	Linked to behavioral changes (ADHD) in sensitive children, allergies, and potential gut health impacts, though considered low concern by some agencies.	Linked to cancer in male laboratory rats, leading to the ban.
Common Use	Very common in a wide range of foods and drinks	Historically used in many red products like candies and maraschino cherries, but now being phased out.
In Twizzlers?	Yes, Red 40 is the red dye in Twizzlers.	No, Twizzlers do not contain Red 3.

Health and Nutritional Considerations of Red 40

While Red 40 remains an FDA-approved additive, it is not without controversy. Extensive research has been conducted, and while there is no conclusive evidence of widespread harm for most people, specific concerns persist.

Potential Impact on Behavior

Studies suggest a link between the consumption of artificial food dyes, including Red 40, and behavioral changes in sensitive children, especially those with conditions like ADHD. While not proven to cause ADHD, these dyes may exacerbate symptoms in a subset of the population. This has led to advocacy for warning labels and, in some cases, product reformulation by manufacturers.

Other Health Concerns

Beyond behavioral effects, other potential health issues have been associated with Red 40:

Allergic Reactions: Though rare, allergic-type reactions have been reported in some individuals sensitive to artificial color additives.
Gut Health: Emerging research, including animal studies, suggests that Red 40 may cause low-level inflammation in the colon and affect the gut microbiome, which can have broader health implications.
Carcinogen Exposure: Concerns about benzene contamination during the manufacturing process of Red 40 and other petroleum-derived dyes have also been raised, though agencies like the FDA maintain that approved dyes are safe when used according to guidelines.

Putting it in Context: The Nutrition Diet

It's important to consider Red 40 within the larger context of the food it's in. Twizzlers, like many candies, are a highly processed food primarily composed of corn syrup, sugar, and flour. They offer minimal nutritional value, providing high sugar and calorie content with little to no protein, fiber, or vitamins. Therefore, for individuals mindful of a healthy nutrition diet, Twizzlers are best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular snack.

The Shift Towards Natural Alternatives

Consumer demand and evolving regulations are pushing the food industry to seek alternatives to synthetic dyes like Red 40. Companies like Hershey, the maker of Twizzlers, have announced plans to transition away from synthetic dyes in many products. This means that in the future, the answer to what number is the red dye in Twizzlers? may change.

Natural coloring alternatives are derived from sources like fruits, vegetables, and spices. Examples of natural red colorants include:

Beet juice and powder: Provides a vibrant red color.
Pomegranate juice: Offers a deep red hue.
Anthocyanins: Pigments found in purple corn and hibiscus.
Lycopene: Found in red fruits like tomatoes.

Conclusion

For those wondering what number is the red dye in Twizzlers?, the answer is Red 40. This is an FDA-approved, petroleum-derived synthetic color additive that differs from the controversial Red 3. While regulatory bodies deem it safe for most people, some have concerns, particularly regarding behavioral effects in sensitive children. When evaluating Red 40's place in a nutrition diet, it's crucial to remember that it is just one component of a larger processed food product, high in sugar and calories. The best advice for mindful eating is moderation, treating such products as occasional indulgences rather than nutritional staples. With food manufacturers increasingly shifting toward natural alternatives, the ingredient list for Twizzlers and other candies may soon reflect a different, and potentially more health-conscious, reality.

For more information on food additives and their effects, you can visit the Environmental Working Group's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the FDA states that there is no conclusive evidence that Red 40 causes hyperactivity in most children, it acknowledges that some evidence suggests certain children may be sensitive to it. Some studies indicate that it may exacerbate behavioral issues in susceptible children, particularly those with ADHD.

No, Red 40 (Allura Red AC) and Red 3 (Erythrosine) are different synthetic dyes. Red 40 is still FDA-approved for food, while Red 3 is being phased out for use in food products due to cancer risks identified in animal studies.

Yes, standard Twizzlers Twists are considered vegan. They do not contain animal products like gelatin or carmine, and Hershey confirms their glycerin is vegetable-based.

Yes, like Twizzlers, Red Vines also typically use Red 40 for their 'Original Red' flavor. Many red licorice-like candies on the market rely on this same artificial coloring.

Several natural alternatives exist, and are increasingly being used by manufacturers, including beet juice, pomegranate juice, hibiscus, lycopene (from tomatoes), and anthocyanins (from purple corn).

For most individuals, Red 40 is not considered a significant health risk, according to major health organizations. However, if you are concerned about potential effects on sensitive individuals, or want to reduce consumption of artificial additives, it is wise to limit processed foods that contain them.

A balanced nutrition diet favors whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, and nuts over processed, sugar-laden treats. Snacks like Twizzlers, with minimal nutritional value, should be considered occasional indulgences rather than dietary staples.