Do Cheetos Have Red 40 in it?

November 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group, more than 3,000 products contain Red 40, and Cheetos are a prime example. Many consumers question the ingredients in their favorite snacks, especially concerning artificial colors like Red 40, sparking the common query: "Do Cheetos have Red 40 in it?"

Quick Summary

Several Cheetos varieties, including Flamin' Hot, contain the artificial food dye Red 40. Other flavors use Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, or natural alternatives like annatto, depending on the specific product and version. The dye is used to achieve the vibrant coloring of the popular snack.

Key Points

Flamin' Hot contains Red 40: The iconic Flamin' Hot Cheetos explicitly list Red 40 as an ingredient on the label.
Not all Cheetos have Red 40: Standard cheese Cheetos typically use Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 instead.
Simply Cheetos are dye-free: For those avoiding artificial colorants, the 'Simply' line uses natural alternatives like annatto.
Dyes are for visual appeal: The primary purpose of dyes like Red 40 is to make the snack more visually appealing and consistent.
Health concerns are debated: While some studies and anecdotes raise health concerns about artificial dyes, they are FDA-approved within certain limits.

Which Cheetos Flavors Use Red 40?

The question of whether Cheetos contain Red 40 is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on the specific flavor and type. The well-known and brightly colored varieties, especially the Flamin' Hot line, are the most likely candidates. For instance, Flamin' Hot Cheetos are confirmed to contain Red 40, along with other artificial colors such as Yellow 6.

However, this is not true for all Cheetos products. The brand offers several lines, including 'Simply' branded Cheetos, which are made without artificial dyes. These are a popular choice for consumers who wish to avoid synthetic coloring. Many standard cheese-flavored Cheetos use Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 to achieve their iconic orange hue, rather than Red 40. Ingredient lists can vary by country as well, with different versions of the same product sometimes containing different colorants based on local regulations.

The Purpose of Food Dyes in Snacks

The primary reason for adding food dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 6 to snacks like Cheetos is to enhance their visual appeal. Food manufacturers often use these colors to make products more enticing to consumers, linking color to flavor perception. A vibrant red color signals spiciness for Flamin' Hot Cheetos, while a rich orange color reinforces the cheesy flavor of the classic versions. For Cheetos, this visual cue is a key part of the brand experience and marketing. In addition, using artificial colors ensures a consistent product appearance from one batch to the next, regardless of minor variations in natural ingredients.

Understanding the Controversy Behind Artificial Dyes

The use of synthetic food dyes has been a subject of ongoing debate for years. While regulatory bodies like the FDA in the United States deem them safe for consumption within certain limits, concerns persist. Red 40, in particular, has been linked in some studies and anecdotes to potential behavioral issues in children, though the research is not conclusive across the board. Some individuals report sensitivities to artificial dyes, experiencing side effects like anxiety or confusion. Furthermore, a study showed that Red 40 caused DNA damage in mice, but further research on humans is needed. This has led many consumers to seek out alternatives free of synthetic colors.

List of Cheetos Flavors and Their Common Dyes

Flamin' Hot Cheetos: Contains Red 40, Yellow 6 Lake, and Yellow 5.
Cheetos Crunchy/Puffs (Regular Cheese): Typically contains Yellow 6 and Yellow 5.
Cheetos White Cheddar: These often rely on natural colors, or are made without added dyes, resulting in a white or off-white color.
Cheetos Simply Puffs/Crunchy: These products use natural alternatives like annatto for coloring and do not contain artificial dyes.
Cheddar Jalapeño Cheetos: Contains Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6.

Comparison of Cheetos Variants and Coloring


Cheetos Product	Primary Artificial Dyes	Key Coloring Agent	Availability of Dye-Free Version
Flamin' Hot Crunchy	Red 40, Yellow 6, Yellow 5	Synthetic Dyes	No, but alternatives from other brands exist.
Original Crunchy/Puffs	Yellow 6, Yellow 5	Synthetic Dyes	Yes, the 'Simply' Cheetos line.
White Cheddar Puffs	None	Naturally colored or no added color	N/A (Already dye-free).
Simply White Cheddar	None	Annatto (natural)	N/A (Already dye-free).

Natural Alternatives to Artificial Dyes

Due to growing consumer demand for more natural ingredients, snack manufacturers are increasingly exploring and adopting natural alternatives to artificial food dyes. These can include:

Annatto: Derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, annatto is used to create colors ranging from yellow to orange. It's often found in natural and 'Simply' Cheetos varieties.
Paprika: This spice can provide a reddish-orange hue and is used as a natural colorant in various foods.
Turmeric: Another spice that can create a yellow color.
Beta-carotene: A natural pigment found in carrots and other plants, it produces orange and yellow colors.

These natural colorants offer manufacturers a way to achieve the desired visual effect without using synthetic chemicals, appealing to a health-conscious market segment.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to "Do Cheetos have Red 40 in it?" depends on the specific flavor. Flamin' Hot Cheetos definitely contain Red 40, along with other synthetic colorants, to create their signature vibrant red color. However, standard cheese Cheetos typically use Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, while the 'Simply' Cheetos line and White Cheddar varieties are made without artificial dyes. For consumers concerned about artificial ingredients, reading the label is the most reliable method for confirming which colorants are present. For those seeking alternatives, there are plenty of options available, both within the Cheetos brand and from competing manufacturers, that rely on natural coloring agents.

For more in-depth information on food additives, the Center for Science in the Public Interest provides comprehensive resources and reports. CSPI.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Red 40 is a synthetic food dye, also known as Allura Red AC, derived from petroleum. It is one of the most commonly used food colorants in the United States and is approved by the FDA for use in food and beverages.

Food manufacturers use Red 40 to enhance the visual appeal of their products. This vibrant crimson dye helps create consistency in color and makes snacks, candies, and drinks look more appetizing to consumers.

The 'Simply' branded Cheetos, such as Simply Puffs White Cheddar, are formulated without artificial colorings. The White Cheddar flavored Cheetos also typically do not contain synthetic dyes.

Some studies and anecdotal reports have linked Red 40 to potential health issues, such as hyperactivity in children. However, the science is still debated and not fully conclusive, and regulatory agencies consider it safe when consumed within established guidelines.

No, many countries, particularly in Europe, have restrictions or outright bans on certain artificial food dyes, including Red 40. This can lead to different ingredient formulations for the same products across various countries.

To determine if a product contains Red 40, always read the ingredient label. The dye will be listed either as "Red 40" or "Red 40 Lake".

Natural alternatives used by food manufacturers include annatto, paprika, turmeric, and beet extract. These are derived from natural sources and are used to achieve similar colors without synthetic ingredients.