Decoding Your Drink: Is there Red 40 in energy drinks?

October 14, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, beverages like energy and sports drinks are a major source of artificial dye intake in the United States. This raises a critical question for those concerned with their nutrition diet: Is there Red 40 in energy drinks?

Quick Summary

Many energy drinks contain the synthetic color additive Red 40, especially those with red or pink hues. Checking the ingredient list is crucial for consumers who want to avoid this common petroleum-derived dye due to potential health concerns.

Key Points

Presence of Red 40: Many energy drinks, particularly red or fruit-flavored varieties, include the synthetic, petroleum-derived dye Red 40.
Labeling and Identification: Red 40 can be listed under several names, including FD&C Red No. 40, Allura Red AC, or E129, requiring careful reading of ingredient lists.
Potential Health Concerns: While deemed safe by the FDA, research links Red 40 to hyperactivity in sensitive children, potential allergic reactions, and may be a factor in conditions like gut inflammation.
Dye-Free Alternatives: Due to consumer demand, a growing number of brands offer energy drinks without artificial colors, using natural alternatives instead.
Healthy Diet Choices: For a more sustainable energy boost, prioritizing a balanced diet of whole foods, staying hydrated with water, and getting adequate sleep is more effective than relying on processed energy drinks.
Regulatory Differences: Red 40 is approved by the FDA, but some states and international bodies, like the EU, have stricter regulations or require warning labels due to potential health effects.

The Role of Artificial Dyes in Beverages

Artificial food colorings like Red 40 are a pervasive ingredient in the modern food supply. As a synthetic dye derived from petroleum, Red 40 (also known as Allura Red AC or FD&C Red No. 40) is used to create bright, vibrant colors that can enhance a product's visual appeal and help consumers identify certain flavors. Its presence is not limited to just red or pink beverages, as it can be mixed with other dyes to achieve different color variations. For manufacturers of energy drinks, using such dyes is a cost-effective way to ensure a consistent, eye-catching product. However, its inclusion is purely for aesthetics and offers no nutritional value.

The Prevalence of Red 40 in Energy Drinks

Yes, many energy drinks contain Red 40. A quick glance at the ingredients list of many popular beverages will often reveal the presence of this color additive. It is particularly common in fruit-flavored energy drinks, especially those with strawberry, cherry, or fruit punch profiles, as the red coloring is used to signal the associated flavor. However, not all energy drinks use artificial dyes. As consumer demand for cleaner ingredients grows, many brands are offering dye-free or naturally colored options.

How to Identify Red 40 on Labels

For consumers striving to maintain a balanced nutrition diet, knowing how to spot Red 40 on a product label is essential. The dye can be listed under several names, so it is important to be vigilant when reading ingredient lists. Common names include:

Red 40
FD&C Red No. 40
Red 40 Lake (a variant used for insoluble applications)
Allura Red AC
INS No. 129
E129 (in European labeling)

Health Implications of Red 40

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently considers Red 40 safe for consumption within approved limits, a significant body of research and concern exists regarding its potential health effects. The FDA acknowledges that while most people experience no adverse effects, some individuals may be sensitive to it.

Red 40 and Children's Health

Much of the controversy surrounding Red 40 stems from its potential impact on children's behavior. The 2007 Southampton study and subsequent reviews have linked the consumption of artificial food dyes, including Red 40, to increased hyperactivity in some children. Potential side effects in sensitive individuals can include irritability, restlessness, and inattentiveness, particularly in children with ADHD. This has led the European Union to require warning labels on products containing Red 40, a measure not mandated in the U.S..

Other Potential Side Effects and Concerns

Beyond behavioral issues, other concerns about Red 40 have been raised:

Allergic Reactions: Though rare, sensitive individuals may experience allergic reactions such as hives, itching, or swelling.
DNA Damage and Inflammation: Recent animal studies have suggested that Red 40 may cause DNA damage and low-level colonic inflammation, raising concerns about potential links to colorectal issues. However, more research is needed to determine the implications for humans.
Contaminants: The dye contains trace amounts of carcinogens such as benzidine.

Making Healthier Choices for Your Nutrition Diet

Navigating the energy drink aisle can be tricky for those prioritizing a clean diet. The best strategy is to become a discerning reader of ingredient labels. Consumers should look for terms like "natural colors" or "color from natural sources" on the label, which indicate that the product is colored with natural alternatives like beta-carotene, fruit extracts, or vegetable juice. Ultimately, a healthier and more sustainable energy boost can be achieved through lifestyle choices rather than relying on processed beverages.

Here are some steps to improve your nutrition diet and avoid Red 40:

Read the Label: Always check the ingredient list for Red 40 or its other names (e.g., E129). This is the most direct way to know what you are consuming.
Opt for Clear or White Drinks: Brands that offer clear or white versions of their energy drinks (e.g., Monster Ultra White) are typically dye-free.
Choose Natural Alternatives: Some energy drinks are explicitly marketed as containing no artificial colors. Examples include brands like Zevia and Pureboost.
DIY Energy Boosts: Prepare your own natural energy drinks by mixing green tea, herbal teas, or fresh fruit juices. For example, a yerba mate drink can provide a clean, natural caffeine boost.
Prioritize Whole Foods: The most effective and healthy way to combat fatigue is by eating balanced meals rich in complex carbohydrates, staying hydrated, and ensuring you get adequate sleep.

Natural Sources of Energy vs. Processed Energy Drinks


Feature	Processed Energy Drink with Red 40	Natural Energy Alternatives	Natural Energy Boost from Diet	Effect on Body
Energy Source	High doses of caffeine, sugar (or artificial sweeteners).	Coffee, tea, yerba mate.	Complex carbs, protein, fiber.	Initial spike followed by a crash, potential jitters.
Coloring	Artificial, petroleum-derived dyes like Red 40.	Natural colorings from fruits, vegetables (e.g., beet juice).	None needed, focuses on whole foods.	Linked to behavioral issues and allergic reactions in some.
Nutritional Value	Little to none, often contains excess sugar.	Can provide antioxidants and other benefits.	High in essential vitamins, minerals, and sustained energy.	Provides essential nutrients for overall health.
Ingredients	Long list, including additives, proprietary blends.	Simple, recognizable ingredients.	Varied whole foods, customizable to needs.	Generally safe and promotes wellness.
Overall Health Impact	Occasional use is fine for most, but regular consumption linked to health risks.	Generally considered a healthier, more sustainable option.	Optimal for long-term health and wellness.	Promotes overall well-being.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Choices

For those questioning is there Red 40 in energy drinks, the answer is yes, in many cases. However, being an informed consumer means recognizing that a product's ingredient list is a blueprint for its effect on your body. While the occasional consumption of a drink with Red 40 may not be a major concern for most healthy adults, understanding the potential risks and the availability of healthier alternatives is crucial for a proactive nutrition diet. The trend towards cleaner, naturally derived ingredients provides consumers with more options than ever before. By reading labels diligently and prioritizing whole-food energy sources, you can ensure that your choices align with your long-term health and wellness goals. For additional information on food additives, consult authoritative sources like the Environmental Health organization website.

Environmental Working Group

Frequently Asked Questions

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food dye made from petroleum. It is used to add color to foods and beverages and is one of the most widely used color additives in the food industry.

Red 40 is included in energy drinks for purely aesthetic reasons. It is used to achieve vibrant colors that make the product more visually appealing and to help consumers associate the color with a specific flavor, such as cherry or fruit punch.

Many red or pink-colored energy drinks from various brands contain Red 40. For instance, specific flavors of Monster Energy and other red-tinted beverages may list this dye in their ingredients.

Yes, many energy drink brands offer products without Red 40. Some use natural colorings from fruits and vegetables, while others, particularly clear or 'white' versions, are completely dye-free. Zevia, Celsius, and some versions of Monster Ultra are examples of brands with dye-free options.

Potential health risks linked to Red 40 include exacerbating hyperactivity and other behavioral issues in sensitive children, and potential allergic reactions in some individuals. Recent animal studies also suggest possible links to gut inflammation and DNA damage, though more human research is needed.

While the links between Red 40 and behavioral changes are most studied in children, some adults may also experience sensitivities to artificial dyes. However, the evidence is not as conclusive, and the effects may vary significantly among individuals.

Healthier alternatives include unsweetened coffee or tea, sparkling water with natural fruit flavors, kombucha, and nutrient-rich whole foods. Staying well-hydrated and ensuring adequate sleep are also excellent ways to boost energy naturally.