Do strawberry milkshakes have red dye 40? Separating Fact from Flavor

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2016 study, Red Dye 40 is one of the most commonly used artificial food colorings in items geared towards children. This prevalence raises the question: do strawberry milkshakes have red dye 40? The short answer is that it depends entirely on the brand, and a simple look at the ingredient list is the only way to know for sure.

Quick Summary

Ingredient lists hold the key to whether your strawberry milkshake contains artificial red dye, like Red 40. While some brands use natural alternatives, others rely on synthetic dyes, which have potential health concerns and no nutritional value.

Key Points

Check the Ingredient Label: The only surefire way to know if a strawberry milkshake contains Red Dye 40 is to read the product's ingredient list.
The Color is a Choice: The vibrant pink of most commercial strawberry milkshakes comes from added color, as blending real strawberries can result in a more muted shade.
Varied Brand Practices: Some brands, particularly in the natural foods and conscious consumer markets, have switched to natural alternatives, while others continue to use synthetic dyes.
Known Health Concerns: Red Dye 40 has been linked in some studies to behavioral issues, particularly hyperactivity in sensitive children, and potential gut health problems and inflammation based on animal studies.
Red 40 vs. Red 3: It is important not to confuse Red Dye 40 with Red Dye 3, which was recently banned by the FDA for its links to cancer in animal studies.
Natural Alternatives Exist: Natural food dyes made from sources like beet juice, concentrated berry juice, or black carrot extract are widely available and can be used as a substitute.
No Nutritional Value: Red Dye 40 and other synthetic colorings provide no nutritional benefit and are added solely for aesthetic purposes.
The Bottom Line on Safety: While the FDA considers Red 40 safe at regulated levels, the scientific community continues to study its long-term effects, and some states and regions have taken steps to restrict or label products containing synthetic dyes.

The Pink Paradox: Why Your Milkshake Might Have Red Dye 40

The vibrant, rosy color of a strawberry milkshake is often the result of artificial food coloring, specifically Red Dye 40 (also known as Allura Red AC). While real strawberries are naturally red, the blending process with milk and other ingredients can dilute their color, resulting in a muted, off-white, or brownish-pink hue. To achieve the bright, consistent pink that consumers expect, many food manufacturers turn to synthetic dyes.

Which Brands Use Artificial Dyes and Which Don't?

Because the use of artificial dyes varies significantly across products, reading the ingredient label is crucial. Some companies have actively moved away from synthetic dyes, while others continue to use them.

Brands that may contain Red Dye 40: A quick check of ingredient lists for popular ice cream and beverage products reveals that many use artificial coloring. For example, some mainstream ice cream products and store-bought syrups list "artificial color" or specifically "Red 40".
Brands that have removed or avoided Red Dye 40: A growing number of companies, including fast-food chains and health-conscious food brands, are phasing out artificial dyes. In 2025, USA Today reported that In-N-Out was transitioning its strawberry shakes to a beta-carotene and vegetable juice base instead of Red 40. Similarly, some specialty or natural food brands, like Kate Farms, explicitly state that their strawberry shakes don't use color additives, which is why they aren't pink.

The Controversies and Concerns Surrounding Red Dye 40

While approved for use by the FDA, Red Dye 40 and other synthetic dyes have been a subject of controversy and concern for years, particularly regarding children's health.

Hyperactivity in Children: Research, including the well-known Southampton study, has found a link between the consumption of synthetic food dyes and increased hyperactivity in some children. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment also published a 2021 report linking synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, to adverse neurobehavioral effects in children. However, the FDA acknowledges that while some children may be sensitive, most do not experience adverse effects.
Inflammation and Gut Health: Recent animal studies suggest that continuous exposure to Red 40 can harm gut health by disrupting the gut microbiome and causing inflammation. While these findings have yet to be conclusively proven in humans, they raise serious questions about the potential long-term impacts of regular consumption.
Allergic Reactions: Though rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions, including hives, swelling, and itching, after consuming Red Dye 40.
Carcinogenic Concerns: Although Red 40 is not classified as a carcinogen, it has been found to contain trace amounts of known cancer-causing substances as contaminants. Some animal studies have also linked high doses of certain dyes, like the recently banned Red Dye 3, to cancer in rodents, although this hasn't been conclusively established for Red 40.

Navigating the Ingredient Label

To determine if your milkshake contains artificial dyes, you need to read the ingredient list carefully. Red Dye 40 is often listed under several different names.

Common names for Red Dye 40:

Red 40
FD&C Red No. 40
Allura Red AC
CI Food Red 17
E129 (in European markets)

A Comparison of Natural vs. Artificial Red Dyes


Feature	Artificial Dyes (e.g., Red 40)	Natural Dyes (e.g., Beet Juice, Anthocyanins)
Source	Petroleum-based synthetic chemicals.	Plant, mineral, or insect-based (e.g., beets, carrots, grapes, cochineal).
Color Intensity	Provides a vivid, consistent, and stable color.	Can vary in shade and may be less intense or stable than synthetic versions.
Nutritional Value	None; only serves an aesthetic purpose.	Derived from whole foods, potentially offering some nutritional benefit, though minimal.
Flavor Impact	Generally flavorless, making it suitable for a wide range of foods.	May impart a subtle flavor, such as an earthy taste from beets.
Cost	Typically more affordable to produce.	Can be more expensive to source and process.

Alternatives to Artificial Dyes

For those who wish to avoid synthetic ingredients, many natural alternatives can be used to color food. These options are derived from whole foods and offer a more "clean-label" approach.

Beetroot Powder or Juice: Provides a vibrant red or pink hue and is a popular choice for baking and dairy products.
Concentrated Berry Juice: Purees or concentrates from berries like strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries can add a natural reddish tint.
Black or Purple Carrot Extract: These extracts contain anthocyanins that can create various red and purple shades.
Pomegranate Juice: Offers a deep red color and a slightly tart flavor.

Making an Informed Decision

Ultimately, whether a strawberry milkshake contains red dye 40 is a product-specific question. While some brands have transitioned to natural alternatives, others continue to use the synthetic additive for its cost-effectiveness and consistent coloring. The FDA and other health organizations have deemed Red 40 safe in regulated amounts, but a growing body of research, particularly in animal studies, has raised concerns about potential links to behavioral issues in sensitive individuals, inflammation, and other health risks. With the increasing availability of dye-free options and natural coloring alternatives, consumers can easily choose products that align with their dietary preferences. By prioritizing whole foods and reading labels, you can enjoy a delicious, and naturally colored, treat with confidence. For more information on the history and safety of food colorings, you can refer to the FDA's detailed guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red Dye 40 is a synthetic, petroleum-derived food coloring, also known as Allura Red AC, that is one of the most commonly used food dyes in the U.S. It is added to many processed foods, including cereals, drinks, and dairy products, to create a bright red color.

According to the FDA, Red Dye 40 is safe for public consumption when used in regulated amounts. However, some research suggests it may cause health concerns, particularly behavioral issues in sensitive children and potential inflammatory effects in the gut.

Artificial colors like Red Dye 40 are often used to create a more vibrant and consistent pink or red color in strawberry-flavored products. The natural color of strawberries can be diluted by milk, so the dye is added for aesthetic appeal.

To check for artificial dyes, read the ingredient list on the product label. Look for "Red 40," "FD&C Red No. 40," "artificial color," or the European code "E129".

Natural alternatives include beetroot powder or juice, concentrated berry juice (from strawberries, raspberries, or cranberries), black carrot extract, and pomegranate juice.

Some studies, notably the 2007 Southampton study, have found an association between certain artificial dyes, including Red 40, and increased hyperactivity in children. However, the effects are not universal, and most research suggests it affects a small, sensitive portion of the population.

While not banned at the federal level in the U.S., some states, like California, have banned certain synthetic dyes, including Red 40, from foods in public schools. In Europe, products containing these dyes are required to carry a warning label about potential effects on children's activity and attention.