Do Starburst Jelly Beans Have Red Dye 40?

October 22, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the official Starburst website, Starburst Original Jellybeans do contain Red 40. This artificial coloring is used to achieve the vibrant, fruity colors that have become synonymous with the candy brand, including for its original jelly bean assortment.

Quick Summary

Starburst Original Jellybeans include Red 40 as a coloring ingredient, alongside other artificial colors like Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1. Ingredient lists on product packaging confirm the presence of this synthetic dye in the candy.

Key Points

Contains Red Dye 40: Starburst Original Jelly Beans explicitly list Red 40 as an ingredient on their packaging.
Multiple Synthetic Dyes: In addition to Red 40, Starburst jelly beans also contain Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1.
Not Vegan-Friendly: The inclusion of confectioner's glaze, an insect by-product, makes standard Starburst jelly beans unsuitable for vegans.
Product Formulations Vary: Ingredient lists differ by specific product and region, with some European versions formulated without artificial colors.
Natural Alternatives Exist: Driven by consumer demand, some manufacturers are now offering candy options made with natural, plant-based colorings.

Yes, Starburst Original Jelly Beans Do Have Red Dye 40

If you're wondering, "Do Starburst jelly beans have red dye 40?", the answer is a clear yes. The candy's official ingredient lists confirm that the popular artificial color is used in the manufacturing of its classic jelly bean product. This is also true for other candies under the Starburst brand, such as the Original Fruit Chews and Gummies. However, this coloring is not present in all candy products across the board, and consumer demand for natural alternatives is prompting some change in the industry.

The Role of Red Dye 40 and Other Artificial Colors

Red 40 is an artificial food coloring that provides the vibrant red hue for candies and a wide array of other food and beverage products. In Starburst Original Jelly Beans, it works in combination with other artificial colors to create the colorful assortment. This includes Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1, all of which are synthetic dyes approved by the FDA for use in the United States. The use of these artificial colors allows for consistency in product appearance across large-scale manufacturing.

While approved for consumption, artificial dyes like Red 40 have been the subject of public debate and concern. Some studies have suggested a potential link between certain dyes and hyperactivity in sensitive children, though the FDA has maintained that the evidence is not conclusive. As a result, consumer trends are shifting towards more natural options, influencing some companies to offer dye-free versions of their products. For example, in 2025, Mars Wrigley announced that some of their popular products would have options available without synthetic dyes.

Other Notable Starburst Jelly Bean Ingredients

Beyond the colorings, it's helpful to understand what else makes up a Starburst jelly bean. The primary ingredients are sugar and corn syrup, which are the basis for the chewy, sweet candy. Modified corn starch is used as a thickener and texturizer. The distinctive fruit flavors are achieved through a combination of natural and artificial flavors. For a shiny finish, the candy is coated with confectioner's glaze and carnauba wax, which is what makes them look so appealing. It is worth noting for vegan consumers that confectioner's glaze is an animal by-product, making the standard Starburst jelly bean non-vegan.

A Closer Look at the Ingredients

Sugar and Corn Syrup: The foundation of the candy's sweetness and chewiness.
Modified Corn Starch: Provides the jelly bean's unique texture.
Citric Acid: Delivers the signature tangy burst of flavor.
Confectioner's Glaze: Creates the candy's glossy shine and contributes to its non-vegan status.
Carnauba Wax: Also adds shine to the candy's exterior.
Natural and Artificial Flavors: Provides the distinct fruit flavors.
Artificial Colors: A blend including Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1.

Comparing Candy Ingredients: Starburst Jelly Beans vs. Natural Alternatives


Feature	Starburst Original Jelly Beans	Wholesome Organic Fruit Chews (Dye-Free Example)
Red Dye 40	Yes	No, uses plant-based colorings like purple carrot juice concentrate
Other Dyes	Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1	Beta-carotene
Flavoring	Natural and Artificial Flavors	Natural Flavor
Glaze	Confectioner's Glaze (non-vegan)	Carnauba Wax (vegan)
Sweeteners	Sugar, Corn Syrup	Soluble Corn Fiber, Allulose, Sugar
Vegan	No	Yes

Shifting Consumer Demands and Industry Responses

Heightened consumer awareness about food additives has driven changes in the candy industry. While Starburst has traditionally relied on synthetic colors, parent company Mars Wrigley is responding to this demand. As mentioned, some products are beginning to offer alternatives without artificial dyes, showing a move toward clearer labeling and more natural options. In Europe, where regulations around food dyes are stricter, the formulations for popular candies often differ to meet local standards. Consumers who want to avoid artificial ingredients entirely now have a growing market of alternatives to choose from.

Conclusion

In summary, Starburst Original Jelly Beans do contain Red Dye 40, along with several other synthetic colors. This is confirmed by checking the ingredient label on the product. For those looking to avoid this particular food additive, it is crucial to always read ingredient lists carefully, as formulations can vary by product and region. The increasing availability of dye-free and all-natural candy alternatives, sometimes offered by the same manufacturers, provides viable options for concerned consumers. Ultimately, knowing what's in your candy allows for a more informed and conscious choice.

Visit the official Starburst website for full ingredient details.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Starburst products contain Red 40, though many of the original versions like the jelly beans and fruit chews do. Some newly introduced or regional products are being formulated without synthetic dyes to cater to consumer preferences.

Red Dye 40 is a concern for some due to suggestions of links between synthetic dyes and hyperactivity in sensitive individuals, particularly children. While regulatory bodies like the FDA consider it safe, consumer groups continue to raise concerns.

Starburst jelly beans are not vegan because they contain confectioner's glaze, which is derived from insect secretions. Most jelly beans from the brand are also not suitable for strict vegetarians for this reason.

In addition to Red 40, Starburst Original Jelly Beans also contain Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1 to create the full spectrum of colors in the mix.

Yes, some versions or limited editions of Starburst candy, particularly in markets outside the U.S. or as part of newer natural-ingredient lines, may be made without artificial dyes.

Confectioner's glaze is a food additive used to provide a shiny coating on candy. It is made from shellac, which is a resin secreted by the female lac bug, making it a non-vegan ingredient.

The most reliable way is to check the ingredient list on the product's packaging. Red Dye 40 is required to be listed by name, often as 'Red 40' or 'Red No. 40'.