Do Fruit Roll-Ups Have Food Coloring?

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), some varieties of Fruit Roll-Ups once contained synthetic food dyes like Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. This raises a key question for many health-conscious consumers: do Fruit Roll-Ups have food coloring today? The answer depends on the product version and the ingredients used by the manufacturer at the time of production, as changes have occurred over the years.

Quick Summary

The inclusion of food coloring in Fruit Roll-Ups depends on the specific product and its manufacturing date. Some past versions and regional varieties contained artificial dyes like Red 40, while recent reformulations from General Mills have shifted toward using natural colors derived from fruits and vegetables instead.

Key Points

Shift to Natural Colors: In 2017, Fruit Roll-Ups manufacturer General Mills removed artificial colors from its products and replaced them with natural sources like fruit and vegetable juices.
Past Products Used Artificial Dyes: Older versions and some international varieties of Fruit Roll-Ups contained synthetic food colorings such as Red 40, Yellow 5 & 6, and Blue 1.
Check the Label: To be certain, consumers should always read the ingredient list; modern versions will list natural colorants, while older or regional ones may still have artificial dyes.
Still a Sugary Treat: Despite the removal of artificial colors, Fruit Roll-Ups are still a highly processed, sugar-heavy snack and should be consumed in moderation.
Homemade is an Alternative: For those wanting a completely natural snack, making homemade fruit leather from real fruit puree is a healthy alternative.
Manufacturer Transparency: The change by General Mills was a direct response to increasing consumer demand for cleaner ingredient labels and fewer artificial additives.

The History of Food Coloring in Fruit Roll-Ups

For many years, the iconic bright colors of Fruit Roll-Ups were the result of artificial food dyes. These synthetic color additives were a standard ingredient, contributing to the vibrant and visually appealing nature of the snack. The list of ingredients often included a mix of common artificial colorings to achieve the desired effect. This use of synthetic dyes was widespread in the snack food industry, especially in products marketed towards children.

However, in recent years, there has been a significant shift in consumer preferences towards more natural ingredients and a move away from artificial additives. This led major food manufacturers, including General Mills (the maker of Fruit Roll-Ups), to re-evaluate their product formulations.

General Mills' Commitment to Natural Colors

In 2015, General Mills announced a major initiative to remove artificial colors and flavors from their fruit-flavored snacks, including Fruit Roll-Ups. This decision was largely driven by consumer demand for cleaner labels and healthier product offerings. The company pledged to replace the synthetic ingredients with colors from natural sources, such as fruit and vegetable juices and other plant-based extracts.

This reformulation process was not without its challenges. Creating vibrant, shelf-stable colors from natural sources that could withstand the manufacturing process was a complex task. The new formulations had to maintain the product's visual appeal while satisfying the new ingredient standards. By early 2017, the company had successfully transitioned its Fruit Roll-Ups and other fruit snacks to use colors from natural sources.

Reading the Label: Artificial vs. Natural Colors

To determine if a specific box of Fruit Roll-Ups has food coloring, the most reliable method is to check the ingredient list on the packaging. Recent products will typically list colors derived from natural sources, such as "Color (vegetable and fruit juice, turmeric extract, spirulina extract)". In contrast, older packages or international versions may still list specific FD&C synthetic dyes like "Color (Red 40, Yellows 5 & 6, Blue 1)".

A Visual Guide to Ingredients

Here is a simple breakdown of what to look for on the ingredient label:

Legacy Products (Older or Regional): Look for chemical names associated with artificial dyes. These are often explicitly named in the ingredients list.
Modern Products (Post-2017 Reformulation): Expect to see more natural-sounding sources for color. The ingredients will typically refer to extracts or juices.
Natural Color Alternatives: The shift to natural colors has introduced ingredients like turmeric for yellow, spirulina extract for blue and green, and fruit and vegetable juices for reds and purples.

How the Change Impacts Consumers

The move away from artificial food dyes has been widely praised by health advocates and many consumers. Artificial colors have been linked to potential health concerns, particularly in children. Removing these ingredients aligns the product with a growing market trend towards cleaner, more transparent food production.

However, it's important to note that the removal of artificial colors does not inherently make Fruit Roll-Ups a health food. They remain a processed, sugar-rich snack, with pear puree concentrate and various types of sugar typically topping the ingredient list. While healthier than older versions, they are still considered a treat rather than a nutritious dietary staple. Consumers should always read the nutritional information and ingredient list to make informed choices for their family.

Comparison Table: Old vs. New Fruit Roll-Ups


Feature	Original Fruit Roll-Ups	Reformed Fruit Roll-Ups
Color Source	Artificial FD&C Dyes (e.g., Red 40, Blue 1)	Natural Sources (e.g., Fruit/Vegetable Juice, Turmeric)
Flavor Source	Often contained artificial flavors	Now use natural flavors only
Key Ingredient	Pear Puree Concentrate, Corn Syrup	Pear Puree Concentrate, Corn Syrup
Overall Health	Considered a candy due to artificial additives	A step towards a cleaner label, but still a sugary treat
Consumer Focus	Focused on vibrant visual appeal	Focused on natural ingredients and cleaner labels

Exploring Homemade and Healthier Alternatives

For those who want to avoid all food additives, including natural colors, making homemade fruit leather is an excellent option. It allows complete control over the ingredients, ensuring the final product is made from 100% real fruit with no added sugars or preservatives. Recipes typically involve pureeing fruit and then dehydrating it in the oven or a food dehydrator.

Conclusion: The Modern Answer

So, do Fruit Roll-Ups have food coloring? The short answer is yes, but the type has changed. While past versions relied on artificial dyes, modern Fruit Roll-Ups produced by General Mills now use colors derived from natural sources like fruits and vegetables. However, this does not alter their status as a candy-like snack primarily composed of sugar. Reading the ingredient list remains the most effective way to know exactly what is in the package and to make the best choice for your dietary needs. The shift in ingredients reflects a broader industry trend towards cleaner, though not necessarily healthier, packaged food products.

For those seeking a truly healthy fruit snack, exploring homemade options or minimally processed fruit leathers is advisable, as they offer the most nutrient-dense and natural alternative.

Homemade Fruit Leather Recipe

Ingredients

2 lbs of fruit (e.g., strawberries, apples, mangoes)
1-2 tbsp of honey or sugar (optional)
A splash of lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Wash and chop the fruit, then blend it into a smooth puree.
For a smoother texture, strain the puree to remove seeds or pulp.
Pour the puree onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly.
Bake for 3 to 4 hours, or until the leather is no longer sticky to the touch.
Let it cool completely before cutting into strips and rolling with the parchment paper.

This simple recipe demonstrates a wholesome and natural alternative for those who prefer to know exactly what goes into their food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most modern Fruit Roll-Ups sold by General Mills in the United States are free of artificial colors. However, some older packages or products sold in different countries may still contain synthetic dyes, so it is always best to check the ingredient label.

Modern Fruit Roll-Ups use colors from natural sources. These can include concentrates from fruits and vegetables, as well as extracts like turmeric for yellow and spirulina for blue and green.

The manufacturer, General Mills, changed the ingredients in response to growing consumer demand for natural ingredients and concerns about artificial additives, particularly in products marketed to children.

No, while the removal of artificial colors is a positive change, Fruit Roll-Ups remain a highly processed, sugar-based candy. They are not a substitute for whole, unprocessed fruit.

Yes, homemade fruit leather is a great, all-natural alternative. You can control the ingredients and avoid any added sugars or artificial ingredients by using real fruit puree and a dehydrator or oven.

To identify artificial colors, read the ingredient list on the packaging. Look for specific FD&C dye names (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5) or phrases like 'artificial colors'. If natural colorants are used, they will be listed as extracts or juices.

Natural colorings from fruit and vegetable juices are generally considered a safer, less controversial alternative to synthetic dyes. However, some individuals may have sensitivities to certain natural extracts as well.