Do Nacho Doritos Have Red 40? The Truth About The Tortilla Chip

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the ingredient list on most Nacho Cheese Doritos products sold in the United States, they do indeed contain the artificial color Red 40. This common food dye, also known as Allura Red AC, is frequently added to processed foods to enhance their visual appeal. Despite its widespread use, the dye has raised some health concerns, leading many consumers to question its safety.

Quick Summary

Nacho Cheese Doritos contain Red 40, alongside Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, to achieve their signature orange color. This artificial food dye, derived from petroleum, is used for cosmetic appeal and is found in numerous processed snacks. While approved by the FDA, the dye is subject to controversy due to potential health implications, including links to hyperactivity in children. Natural colorants like paprika are used in some regions as an alternative.

Key Points

Yes, they do: Nacho Cheese Doritos in the U.S. contain the synthetic food dye Red 40, along with Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, for coloring.
Dye is petroleum-derived: Red 40 is a cost-effective, petroleum-based dye used to ensure consistent color and visual appeal in processed foods.
Health concerns: Potential side effects linked to Red 40 include hyperactivity in some sensitive children and allergic reactions.
Global ingredient variations: Doritos recipes change based on local regulations; many European versions use natural colorants like paprika extract instead of Red 40.
Read the label: The best way to confirm the presence of Red 40 is to check the ingredient list on the product packaging, as required by the FDA.
Natural alternatives exist: For those avoiding artificial dyes, options include snacks colored with natural agents like beetroot or paprika, or choosing organic products.

Do Nacho Doritos Contain Red 40? An Ingredient Deep Dive

Yes, for consumers in the United States, Nacho Cheese Doritos do contain Red 40. The vibrant orange color of the popular tortilla chip is created using a blend of artificial colorings, including Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. This combination of synthetic dyes provides a consistent and appealing color to the product, a common practice in the processed food industry. While the presence of this dye is a non-issue for many, it is a point of concern for others who are sensitive to artificial ingredients or who avoid them for other health reasons.

The Role of Red 40 and Other Artificial Colors

Artificial food dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 are used in a wide array of food products beyond just chips. Their primary purpose is to make foods more visually attractive and to help consumers identify certain flavors. Since the manufacturing process can sometimes result in variations in a product's natural color, these dyes help maintain a consistent appearance from one batch to the next. For snacks like Nacho Doritos, the dyes help create the expectation of a rich, cheesy flavor. These synthetic dyes are derived from petroleum and are a more cost-effective option for manufacturers compared to sourcing and processing natural colorants.

Health Concerns and Controversies Surrounding Red 40

The use of Red 40 has been controversial for decades, primarily due to potential health effects, particularly in children.

Hyperactivity in children: Several studies have investigated the link between artificial food dyes and hyperactivity, particularly in children with ADHD. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains that the dye is safe, it does acknowledge that a subgroup of children with behavioral issues may be sensitive to food dyes. European regulations, in contrast, require a warning label on products containing certain artificial dyes, including Red 40, stating that they "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children".
Allergic reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions or hypersensitivity to Red 40, with symptoms that can include hives, itching, and swelling.
Link to cancer: The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has voiced concerns regarding potential carcinogenic contaminants in Red 40, but the FDA considers it safe for consumption within regulated limits. More long-term research is needed to fully understand any potential risks.
Inflammatory bowel disease: A 2022 study found that long-term consumption of Red 40 may disrupt gut health and increase the risk of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

Global Regulations and Ingredients Variations

The inclusion of artificial dyes like Red 40 is not universal for Doritos products. Differences in food regulations across countries mean that the ingredients can vary significantly depending on where the chips are purchased. Many countries in Europe, for instance, either ban or require warning labels for synthetic dyes, prompting companies to use natural alternatives instead.

Comparison of Doritos Nacho Cheese Ingredients (US vs. Europe)


Feature	U.S. Version	European Version	Alternative used in Europe
Artificial Colors	Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40	Paprika Extract, Annatto	Beetroot, Annatto, Paprika extract
Labeling	Lists artificial colors by name or FD&C number	May require warning label regarding hyperactivity	Naturally derived colorants are used
Coloring Source	Petroleum-derived synthetic dyes	Plant-based extracts	Plant-based extracts

How to Avoid Red 40 in Snacks

For those who wish to avoid Red 40, there are several strategies. First and foremost, always read the ingredient label. The FDA requires Red 40 and other certified color additives to be clearly listed. For Doritos specifically, keep in mind that ingredients may vary by region, so checking the label is essential. Consumers can also look for brands that use natural coloring agents, such as beetroot, paprika, or turmeric. Many brands now offer "clean label" or organic products that explicitly avoid synthetic dyes. Finally, consider making homemade snack alternatives where you have full control over the ingredients, using options like spices, beetroot powder, or other plant-based colorants.

Conclusion

The answer to the question "do Nacho Doritos have Red 40?" is a definitive yes for the American market. This synthetic food dye, derived from petroleum, is used to give the snack its iconic appearance, but it is not without controversy. Health concerns range from potential links to hyperactivity in sensitive children to more recent findings about its impact on gut health. The good news is that ingredient formulations vary by country, and with increased awareness, consumers have more power to choose snack alternatives that utilize natural colorants. Being an informed consumer and reading product labels is the best way to make decisions aligned with your personal dietary needs and preferences.

Visit the Environmental Working Group's website for an in-depth breakdown of food scores and ingredient concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food dye that is derived from petroleum or crude oil.

Some studies suggest a link between Red 40 and hyperactivity, particularly in sensitive children with ADHD. While the FDA has not found conclusive evidence for the general population, some European countries require warning labels for the dye's potential effect on children's activity.

Ingredient formulations vary by country due to differing food safety regulations. Many European countries have stricter rules or warning label requirements for synthetic food dyes, prompting companies to use natural colorants instead.

Natural alternatives to Red 40 include colorants derived from beetroot, paprika, annatto, and pomegranate juice. Many organic and "clean label" brands use these plant-based options.

While not banned in the United States, Red 40 is banned in Norway and Iceland. The European Union requires a specific warning label on products containing the dye.

The FDA mandates that all certified color additives, including Red 40, be clearly listed on the product's ingredient label. The dye may be listed as 'Red 40' or 'Red 40 Lake'.

Recent research, including a 2022 study from McMaster University, suggests that Red 40 can disrupt gut function and may be linked to an increased risk of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).