Do Ring Pops Have Red 40? An Ingredient Guide by Flavor

December 16, 2025 •

3 min read

Many popular candies are colored with artificial dyes like Red 40, prompting consumers to question the ingredients in their favorite treats. For those monitoring their intake of artificial additives, understanding the contents of Ring Pops is a common point of inquiry.

Quick Summary

Some Ring Pop flavors, like certain Cherry and Strawberry varieties, contain Red 40 or Red 40 Lake, while others use different food dyes. Ingredients vary by flavor and product line, making it essential to read the specific packaging label for accurate information.

Key Points

Red 40 is present in specific flavors: Some Ring Pop flavors, particularly certain Cherry and Strawberry varieties, contain the artificial color Red 40 or its Lake version.
Dye content varies by flavor: Not all Ring Pops have Red 40; Blue Raspberry typically uses Blue 1, while Watermelon uses Yellow 5 and Blue 1.
Always check the ingredient list: Due to different formulations across product lines (e.g., hard candy, gummy) and flavors, reading the specific product label is the most reliable method.
Red 40 vs. Red 40 Lake: These are different forms of the same dye; Red 40 is water-soluble, while Red 40 Lake is water-insoluble and used for opaque coloring.
Natural alternatives exist: For those avoiding artificial dyes, there are other candy brands and products available that use natural colorings like beet juice or paprika.
Gummy Ring Pops contain Red 40: The Ring Pop Gummy Rings product line explicitly lists Red 40 among its ingredients.

Do Ring Pops Contain Red 40? Breaking Down the Ingredients

Yes, some Ring Pop flavors do contain the artificial color Red 40 or a related ingredient, Red 40 Lake. The presence of this and other food dyes depends heavily on the specific flavor and product type. It's a common misconception that all flavors would contain the same dyes, but a closer look at the ingredients reveals significant variation. Checking the label of the exact product you're considering is the only way to be certain, as formulations can change over time and differ between product lines, such as classic lollipops, Jumbo pops, or gummy rings.

Flavor-by-Flavor Ingredient Breakdown

The specific food colorings used in Ring Pops differ dramatically depending on the flavor. Here is a breakdown of ingredients commonly found in various Ring Pop varieties, based on recent product information:

Cherry: Often contains Red 40. For example, a standard Cherry flavor may list "natural & artificial flavors, Red 40".
Strawberry: Some Strawberry varieties have been noted to contain Red 40, while others might use a combination of different dyes, such as Red 3 and Blue 1, to achieve the desired color.
Blue Raspberry: This flavor does not contain Red 40. Instead, it is colored with Blue 1.
Watermelon: Typically uses a combination of Yellow 5 and Blue 1 to create its green color. Some older or different formulations may use other combinations or natural colorings.
Twisted Berry Blast: This product line often includes a mix of dyes, and ingredients may list both Red 40 Lake and Blue 1 Lake.
Gummy Rings: The gummy version of Ring Pops explicitly lists Red 40 alongside Yellow 5 and Blue 1.

What is Red 40 Lake?

While the names are similar, Red 40 and Red 40 Lake are not exactly the same thing. They are both derived from the same source, but Red 40 is a water-soluble dye, whereas Red 40 Lake is a water-insoluble version of the same color additive.

Red 40 (water-soluble): Used to color products where the dye can dissolve and mix evenly, such as in liquid form or hard candies where the color is integrated into the sugar mixture.
Red 40 Lake (water-insoluble): Used when the color needs to be more stable or opaque, such as in coatings for candies or tablets. It essentially allows the color to 'cling' to the product's surface or stay suspended in a non-liquid medium.

Common Ring Pop Dyes and Their Uses


Food Dye	Common Ring Pop Flavors	Characteristics
Red 40	Cherry, some Strawberry	Water-soluble, used for vibrant reds in hard candies.
Red 40 Lake	Berry Blast, coatings	Water-insoluble, used for opaque coatings and coloring.
Blue 1	Blue Raspberry, Watermelon	Water-soluble, used for blue and green shades.
Yellow 5	Watermelon	Water-soluble, used for yellow and green shades.
Red 3	Some Strawberry, Berry Blast	Water-soluble, also used for red and pink colors.
Yellow 6	Some older varieties	Water-soluble, used for orange and yellow shades.

How to Avoid Red 40 in Candy

For those who wish to avoid Red 40, several strategies can be employed. The most crucial step is to consistently check the ingredient list on the packaging. Additionally, seeking out candies that use natural colorings is a reliable approach. Many health food stores and specialized online retailers offer candies that get their color from natural sources.

Here are some examples of natural coloring agents used in place of Red 40:

Beetroot powder or juice: Provides a natural red color.
Paprika extract: Offers red or orange hues.
Annatto: A reddish-orange food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree.
Anthocyanins: Pigments found in black carrots, elderberries, and other fruits, which can produce red and purple colors.

Making Informed Choices

Ultimately, making an informed decision about your candy requires a quick read of the nutrition label. The Ring Pop brand, like many large candy manufacturers, uses a variety of dyes to create its signature colorful treats. By understanding which specific flavors contain Red 40, consumers can make choices that align with their dietary preferences. Remember that the classic cherry and certain strawberry flavors are the most likely candidates, while blue raspberry and watermelon are typically colored differently. For a definitive answer, especially with evolving product lines, refer to the ingredient information printed on the wrapper.

For more information on food additives, including Red 40, you can consult resources from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which provides detailed food scores based on ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the blue Ring Pop, which is typically Blue Raspberry flavor, does not contain Red 40. It is colored using Blue 1, and often lists titanium dioxide as a coloring agent for opaqueness.

Ring Pops can contain a variety of food dyes depending on the flavor. Common dyes include Red 40, Red 40 Lake, Blue 1, Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 5, Yellow 5 Lake, and Yellow 6.

Yes, Ring Pop Gummy Rings do contain Red 40. The ingredient list for this product line includes Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1.

The main difference is solubility. Red 40 is a water-soluble dye, while Red 40 Lake is a water-insoluble version. They are used for different applications in candy making, with the lake form providing more opaque color coverage.

Red 40 is typically found in red and pink-colored flavors. Common examples include Cherry and some Strawberry varieties, though you should always check the specific product label to be sure.

Standard Ring Pop product lines are known to contain artificial food dyes. For candy without artificial dyes, you would need to seek out brands or specialty products that specifically advertise the use of natural colorings.

Alternatives to candy with Red 40 include seeking out brands that use natural food colorings from sources like beetroot, annatto, or paprika. These are often found in health food stores or specialty candy shops.