Do Strawberry Wafers Have Red 40?

November 6, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Red 40 is one of the most commonly used food color additives in the United States. Do strawberry wafers have Red 40? The presence of Red 40 in strawberry wafers is not universal and can vary significantly depending on the specific brand, so always check the ingredient label before purchasing.

Quick Summary

The inclusion of Red 40 in strawberry wafers is brand-dependent; some use it while others utilize natural alternatives like beet concentrate or real fruit powder. Reading ingredient labels is crucial for consumers looking to avoid this specific synthetic food dye. A variety of colorings and substitutes are used across different products to achieve the desired pink or red shade.

Key Points

Check the Label: Whether strawberry wafers have Red 40 depends on the brand, not the flavor, so always read the ingredient list before purchasing.
Red 40 is Common: Many popular strawberry wafer brands, including some from Voortman, Great Value, and Colombina, use Red 40 or other artificial colorings.
Natural Alternatives Exist: Some brands, like Bauducco, use natural colorings such as beet concentrate to achieve the desired pink color.
Color is Not a Guide: The intensity of the pink color is not an indicator of the type of dye used, as both synthetic and natural dyes can produce similar visual results.
Other Dyes are Used: In addition to Red 40, some brands may use other dyes like Red 3 or carmine (E120), a natural, insect-derived colorant.
Read for Aliases: Red 40 may also appear on international labels as Allura Red AC or E129.
Some Brands Avoid It: Certain brands offer specific product lines advertised as 'Naturally Flavored' with no artificial colors, specifically catering to health-conscious consumers.

Why Strawberry Wafers Have Red 40 (or Other Dyes)

Many consumers are surprised to learn that the vibrant pink color of their favorite strawberry-flavored treat often comes from artificial dyes rather than actual strawberries. While some brands have transitioned to natural alternatives, many mainstream manufacturers still rely on synthetic coloring to ensure product consistency and a visually appealing product. The use of artificial colorants like Red 40 is primarily a marketing decision, as the hue has little to no impact on the flavor profile of the wafer.

The most common reason for using Red 40 is cost-effectiveness. Synthetic dyes are inexpensive and provide a consistent, stable color that won't fade over time. Natural colorings, such as beet juice or carmine, can be more expensive, less stable, and may alter the flavor of the final product slightly. However, as consumer demand for natural ingredients rises, more brands are making the switch, and these are the brands you need to look for if you want to avoid artificial additives.

Notable Brands Using Red 40 in Strawberry Wafers

Voortman's Strawberry Wafers: While some of their products might not, specific versions explicitly list "Artificial Color (FD&C Red#40, FD&C Red #40 Lake)" in their ingredients. Always double-check the packaging for the most current information.
Great Value (Walmart) Strawberry Creme Wafer Cookies: These include a mix of artificial colors, such as "Red 40 Lake, Red 3, Yellow 6, Blue 2".
Colombina Wafers (formerly Capri): The strawberry flavor explicitly lists "Artificial Colors (FD&C red 3, red 40)" in its ingredients.

Brands Using Natural Alternatives for Coloring

Some manufacturers have responded to consumer concerns and offer strawberry wafers colored with natural ingredients. Examples include:

Bauducco Strawberry Wafers: This brand lists "Beet Concentrate (Beet Juice, Cane Sugar, Water, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid)" for its coloring, avoiding synthetic dyes.
Voortman's Naturally Flavored Strawberry Wafer: Certain lines specifically market themselves as having "No Artificial Color" and use real strawberry powder, indicating a different formulation than their standard product.

Other Red Dyes and Colorants to Watch For

It's not just Red 40 that gives wafers their signature color. Depending on the brand and origin, you might encounter other red dyes or colorants. These include:

Red 3 (Erythrosine): This is another synthetic dye, often found alongside Red 40 in some wafer products.
Carmine (E120): Derived from cochineal insects, this is a natural but non-vegan coloring. Some international brands like Piraquê use carmine for their strawberry wafers.
Cochineal red A (E124): Another red dye used in some regions, though it is not approved in the United States for human consumption.

How to Tell if Your Strawberry Wafers Have Red 40

The most reliable method is to check the ingredient list on the packaging. Here's what to look for:

Scan the Ingredients: Look for FD&C Red No. 40 or FD&C Red No. 40 Lake. These will be clearly listed if present.
Check for Aliases: Sometimes, especially in products manufactured for international markets, Red 40 is listed as Allura Red AC or E129.
Read the "Contains" Section: The ingredient list may also explicitly state "Artificial Color" followed by a parenthetical list of dyes.

Comparison of Wafers: Artificial vs. Natural Coloring


Feature	Wafers with Artificial Coloring (e.g., Red 40)	Wafers with Natural Coloring (e.g., Beet Concentrate)
Cost	Typically lower manufacturing cost	Generally higher due to ingredient sourcing
Color Consistency	Highly consistent, vibrant color in every batch	May have slight batch variations in color
Shelf Life	Excellent color stability over extended periods	Less stable; color can fade over time with light exposure
Ingredient Sourcing	Synthesized from petroleum derivatives	Derived from plant sources (like beets) or insects (carmine)
Flavor Impact	No impact on flavor profile	Can have subtle, earthy undertones depending on the source, but minimal
Consumer Appeal	Visually appealing to a broad market	Appeals to health-conscious and natural-food consumers

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether strawberry wafers contain Red 40 is not a simple yes or no answer; it depends entirely on the brand. For consumers seeking to avoid this artificial dye, the most important step is to read and understand the product's ingredient label. Brands like Voortman and Great Value are known to use Red 40 in some of their products, while others like Bauducco have shifted to natural colorings such as beet concentrate. With a growing number of brands offering alternatives, it is easier than ever to find delicious strawberry wafers without artificial dyes by simply taking a moment to review the ingredient list before purchasing. This practice empowers consumers to make informed decisions that align with their dietary preferences. For more information on food additives, you can refer to the FDA's guidance on color additives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do all strawberry-flavored snacks contain Red 40?

No, not all strawberry-flavored snacks contain Red 40. The use of this artificial color is decided by each manufacturer, and many are now using natural alternatives to color their products.

How is Red 40 listed on an ingredient label?

Red 40 is usually listed as FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Red No. 40 Lake, Allura Red AC, or E129 on ingredient labels. The specific name can vary based on the country of manufacture.

Are there any health concerns associated with Red 40?

Some studies have suggested a potential link between Red 40 and hyperactivity in children, particularly those with a genetic predisposition. However, the FDA considers it safe for general consumption within certain limits.

What are some natural alternatives to Red 40 used in foods?

Manufacturers use various natural colorants, including beet concentrate, real fruit powder, and carmine (derived from insects), to achieve a red or pink color.

Is the color of strawberry wafers a reliable indicator of whether it contains Red 40?

No, color is not a reliable indicator. A bright red or pink color can be achieved using either synthetic dyes like Red 40 or natural alternatives like beet juice, so always check the ingredient label.

Can I find strawberry wafers without artificial colors?

Yes, you can find strawberry wafers without artificial colors. Look for brands that explicitly state they use natural colors or check the ingredient list for natural sources like beet concentrate or real fruit powder.

How does the FDA regulate food coloring like Red 40?

The FDA regulates Red 40 and other color additives by certifying each batch for purity before it can be used in food products. However, they do not require a warning label about potential effects on activity in children, unlike some European regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, some brands like Bauducco use natural coloring from beet concentrate instead of Red 40. Additionally, some specific product lines from brands like Voortman also advertise that they use no artificial colors.

Food manufacturers often use Red 40 because it is a very stable and inexpensive way to produce a consistent, vibrant red or pink color. Natural colors can be more costly and may not provide the same level of color stability over time.

FD&C Red No. 40 Lake is the same dye as Red 40, but it is an insoluble form. It is often used in products where color bleeding needs to be prevented, such as in chewing gum or certain wafer fillings.

While not outright banned in most places, the use of Red 40 and other synthetic dyes is more heavily regulated in the European Union, where some foods containing these dyes must carry a warning label about potential effects on activity and attention in children.

Carmine is a natural coloring, but it is derived from the dried bodies of cochineal insects. It is used in some food products, including certain international wafer brands.

The most effective way to avoid Red 40 is to consistently read the ingredient list on all packaged food items you purchase. Look for 'FD&C Red No. 40', 'Red 40', 'Allura Red AC', or 'E129'.

In many cases, no. The flavor in strawberry wafers often comes from artificial or natural flavorings, with the color coming from a separate dye, like Red 40 or a natural alternative. Some brands may also use real strawberry powder, but it often does not contribute the full flavor profile.