Do Jarritos Have Red 40? An Ingredient Guide to the Iconic Mexican Soda

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the ingredient labels on certain flavors, yes, some Jarritos sodas do contain Red 40, an artificial food dye. This has become a point of interest for many consumers who are increasingly mindful of what they consume.

Quick Summary

Some Jarritos flavors, like Fruit Punch and Mandarin, contain Red 40, while many others are dye-free. It's essential to check individual product labels, especially for those sensitive to artificial additives, to determine the presence of this specific food dye.

Key Points

Red 40 in Select Flavors: Certain Jarritos flavors, specifically Fruit Punch and Mandarin, contain the artificial food dye FD&C Red No. 40 to enhance their color.
Plenty of Dye-Free Options: Many other popular Jarritos flavors, including Mango, Strawberry, and Tamarind, are free of artificial dyes.
Potential Health Concerns: Red 40 has been linked in some studies to hyperactivity in children and rare allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, sparking consumer awareness.
Natural Color Alternatives Exist: Many naturally colored varieties use fruit and vegetable extracts, offering consumers a vibrant taste experience without synthetic dyes.
Check the Label: To be certain, always check the ingredient label for "FD&C Red No. 40" or "Allura Red AC" before purchasing, as zero-sugar options can also contain the dye.
Global Differences in Regulation: While the FDA deems Red 40 safe, European regulations require a warning label on products containing it, and some countries have banned it entirely.

Which Jarritos Flavors Contain Red 40?

For lovers of Jarritos, the vibrant colors are part of the appeal. However, the source of these bright hues, namely artificial dyes like Red 40 (also known as Allura Red AC), varies by flavor. Many people, particularly those with sensitivities or who prefer natural ingredients, want to know precisely which varieties to look out for.

Flavors Confirmed to Contain Red 40

Certain Jarritos sodas use FD&C Red No. 40 in their formulation, most commonly in flavors where a bright reddish-orange tint is desired.

Fruit Punch: Contains FD&C Red No. 40.
Mandarin: Uses a combination of FD&C Yellow No. 6 and FD&C Red No. 40.

Jarritos Flavors Without Artificial Dyes

Many Jarritos flavors are either dye-free or use naturally-derived colors. A post from a dye-free focused community noted several of these.

Mango: Color is derived from fruit and vegetable juices.
Strawberry: Listed as dye-free in some markets.
Guava: A lighter, dye-free option.
Tamarind: Naturally brownish, it does not rely on artificial red dyes.
Grapefruit: Typically does not contain Red 40.
Mexican Cola: Color is natural and derived from caramel color.

The Science and Controversy Surrounding Red 40

Red 40 is a petroleum-based artificial dye used to enhance the visual appeal of many processed foods and drinks. Despite being FDA approved, it has been controversial regarding potential health effects. Concerns include:

Neurobehavioral Effects: Some studies link synthetic food dyes to adverse neurobehavioral effects in certain children.
Allergic Reactions: Rare allergic reactions to Red 40 have been reported.
Potential Contaminants: Small amounts of contaminants like benzene have been found in the dye.
Global Regulations: The EU requires warning labels on products with Red 40, while Norway and Iceland have banned it.

Navigating the Shelves: Reading Labels is Essential

Always check the ingredient label for "FD&C Red No. 40" or "Allura Red AC" to choose a dye-free option.

The Rise of Natural Color Alternatives

Manufacturers are increasingly using natural alternatives for coloring products, derived from plant and insect sources. Examples include beetroot, paprika, anthocyanins, and carmine.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Jarritos Flavor

The answer to 'do Jarritos have red 40?' is yes, in select varieties like Fruit Punch and Mandarin. However, the brand offers many dye-free options, such as Mango and Strawberry. Reading ingredient labels is key to making informed choices.

Comparison Table: Red 40 Flavors vs. Naturally Colored Options


Aspect	Red 40-Containing Flavors	Naturally Colored Flavors
Examples	Fruit Punch, Mandarin	Mango, Guava, Strawberry, Tamarind
Color Source	Synthetic FD&C Red No. 40	Fruit and vegetable concentrates
Color Intensity	Generally more intense and uniform	Often more muted and natural
Dietary Suitability	May cause concern for those with sensitivities	Typically preferred by those seeking "clean labels"
Global Regulations	May carry warning labels in some regions	Not subject to special warning labels

FAQs

Question: Is Red 40 banned in other countries? Answer: Red 40 is not banned in the EU but requires a warning label. Norway and Iceland, however, have banned it entirely.

Question: How can I identify Red 40 on a Jarritos label? Answer: Red 40 will be listed in the ingredients as "FD&C Red No. 40," "Red 40," or "Allura Red AC".

Question: Are the zero-sugar versions of Jarritos also dye-free? Answer: Not necessarily. The zero-sugar Mandarin flavor, for example, also lists FD&C Red No. 40 as an ingredient. It's crucial to check each product's label.

Question: Is there any safe amount of Red 40? Answer: The FDA has set an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Red 40 and considers consumption within these limits safe for most people. However, some individuals may have sensitivities even below this limit.

Question: Why do some food dyes cause health problems and others don't? Answer: Synthetic dyes are made from petroleum and differ chemically from natural colors. Some studies suggest that the body's reaction to these synthetic compounds can lead to health issues in sensitive individuals.

Question: Besides avoiding Red 40, what are other ways to reduce artificial dye intake? Answer: Opt for foods labeled with natural colorants, choose organic products, and prioritize whole, unprocessed foods. Brands like Watkins and Supernatural offer dye-free coloring alternatives.

Question: What is the main purpose of artificial dyes in soda? Answer: Artificial dyes are used for purely cosmetic purposes. They make the product look more visually appealing, vibrant, and consistent, helping to signify its flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jarritos' Fruit Punch and Mandarin sodas are two flavors that explicitly list FD&C Red No. 40 as an ingredient on their labels.

Flavors such as Strawberry, Guava, Mango, and Tamarind are known to be free of artificial red dye, relying on natural sources for their color.

Red 40, or Allura Red AC, is a synthetic, petroleum-based food coloring. It is controversial due to studies linking it to hyperactivity in children and potential allergic reactions in sensitive people, though regulatory agencies consider it safe.

While not all children are sensitive to artificial dyes, some studies suggest that removing Red 40 and similar additives from the diet can improve behavior in susceptible children, especially those with ADHD.

The most reliable way is to read the ingredients list on the product label. Look for "FD&C Red No. 40" or its alternative name, "Allura Red AC".

Natural alternatives include beet juice or powder, paprika, anthocyanins from fruits, and carmine, which is derived from insects.

Norway and Iceland have completely banned Red 40, while the European Union requires a warning label on products containing it regarding effects on children.