Do M&M's Have Red Dye 40?: A Look at Candy Ingredients and Your Nutrition Diet

October 10, 2025 •

3 min read

In 1976, Mars temporarily removed red M&M's from the market due to consumer fears over a different red dye (Red Dye No. 2) that they did not even use, but today, standard U.S. M&M's do have red dye 40. This ingredient is one of many artificial colorings used to create the vibrant candy shells and has been a subject of consumer health debates for years.

Quick Summary

US M&M's contain Red Dye 40, a synthetic color additive linked to health concerns like hyperactivity in sensitive children. Mars uses different, often natural, colorings for products sold in Europe. These differences highlight global standards regarding artificial additives in processed foods.

Key Points

Red Dye 40 in US M&M's: Standard M&M's sold in the United States contain the synthetic color additive Red Dye 40.
International Differences: Due to stricter regulations, M&M's and other candies sold in Europe often use natural colorings instead of synthetic dyes like Red Dye 40.
Origin and Controversy: Red Dye 40 is a petroleum-derived dye that has been a subject of controversy due to potential links with hyperactivity in children, among other health concerns.
Informed Consumerism: To avoid artificial dyes, consumers should always read ingredient labels, seek out naturally colored products, or use natural alternatives for baking.
Behavioral Impact: Some research suggests that Red Dye 40 can worsen hyperactive behaviors in sensitive children, even though the FDA considers it safe for general consumption.
Historical Context: The history of the red M&M, including its temporary removal in 1976, highlights how public perception and health concerns have influenced food manufacturing decisions.

Do M&M's have red dye 40? The simple answer

In the United States, M&M's do contain Red Dye 40. This, along with other artificial colorings such as Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1, is listed on the ingredient label. The specific red used is Allura Red AC, known in the U.S. as FD&C Red No. 40. Its presence in various processed foods has led to some health concerns.

The history of the red M&M and food dye controversies

The red M&M has a history tied to food dye controversies. In the 1970s, another red dye, FD&C Red No. 2, was banned by the FDA due to potential cancer links. Although M&M's didn't use this dye, public concern prompted Mars to remove red M&M's from the U.S. market in 1976. They were reintroduced in 1987, using the FDA-approved Red Dye 40.

What is Red Dye 40?

Red Dye 40 is a synthetic color additive derived from petroleum, used to create a red color in foods and drinks. The FDA approves its use within specific limits. However, some consumer groups and studies raise concerns about its safety, particularly for children.

What are the health concerns surrounding Red Dye 40?

Concerns regarding Red Dye 40 include:

Hyperactivity in Children: Studies, including the 2007 Southampton study, suggest a link between synthetic dyes like Red 40 and increased hyperactivity in some children. The FDA acknowledges this for sensitive individuals.
Allergic Reactions: Though uncommon, Red Dye 40 can cause allergic symptoms in susceptible people.
Digestive and Inflammatory Issues: Some animal studies suggest potential negative effects on gut health and inflammation from Red 40. More human research is needed.
Contaminants: Red Dye 40 has been found to contain low levels of carcinogens like benzene and benzidine, which are regulated by the FDA.

Global variations: US vs. European M&M's

There are notable differences in M&M's ingredients between the U.S. and Europe due to differing regulations. While U.S. M&M's use synthetic dyes like Red Dye 40, European versions often use natural colorings from plants and insects. European products with certain artificial dyes, including Red Dye 40 (E129), require a warning about potential effects on children's activity and attention.

Comparison: US vs. European M&M's Dyes


Feature	U.S. M&M's	European M&M's
Red Coloring	Red 40, Red 40 Lake	Carmine (E120), Beetroot concentrate
Other Colorings	Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2	Turmeric (E100), Anthocyanins (E163), Blue 132 (E132), Blue 133 (E133), Plain Caramel (E150)
Source	Petroleum-based synthetic dyes	Plant- and insect-based natural colorings
Labeling	No specific warnings required for Red 40	Requires warning label: "May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children"

Natural alternatives to artificial dyes

For those avoiding synthetic dyes, natural alternatives are available, often from fruits, vegetables, and other natural sources. Examples of natural red dyes include beetroot, carmine, paprika, and freeze-dried strawberries.

Navigating food dyes in your diet

To manage food dyes in your diet:

Read Labels: Check ingredient lists for names like Red 40, FD&C Red No. 40, or Allura Red AC.
Choose Natural Options: Look for products that specify natural colorings, often found in organic items.
Eat Whole Foods: Prioritize unprocessed foods to limit exposure to dyes.
Homemade Dyes: Use natural ingredients like beet juice for coloring in home cooking.

For more information on Red Dye 40, consult resources like Medical News Today.

Conclusion: Making informed choices about your nutrition diet

The decision to consume products with Red Dye 40 involves weighing potential risks against known facts. While the FDA considers it safe within limits, ongoing research and different global standards highlight the complexities. Staying informed about ingredients and exploring alternatives can help in making personal dietary choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, M&M's sold in Europe and other regions often use different coloring agents due to stricter regulations. For instance, European M&M's typically use natural colors like carmine and beetroot concentrate instead of synthetic dyes.

Red Dye 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food dye derived from petroleum.

Some studies have suggested links between Red Dye 40 and hyperactivity in sensitive children, allergic reactions, and potential gut inflammation based on animal studies. However, the FDA still considers it safe within regulated limits.

M&M's temporarily removed red candies in 1976 in response to consumer fears over a different red dye (Red Dye No. 2) that was under scrutiny. M&M's had never used that specific dye, but the company acted out of caution.

You can check for Red Dye 40 by reading the ingredient list on the food packaging. It may be listed as 'Red 40', 'FD&C Red No. 40', or 'Allura Red AC'.

Yes, many natural alternatives are available, such as beetroot powder, carmine (cochineal extract), paprika, and various fruit and vegetable powders.

While many artificial food dyes have been subject to similar scrutiny, each dye has its own chemical composition and regulatory status. For example, Red Dye No. 3 was recently banned in the U.S. due to cancer concerns, while Red Dye 40 remains on the market.