Do Sweet Tarts Have Dye? A Look into Artificial and Natural Colorings

October 3, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group, three food colors—Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6—account for 90% of the food dye used in the U.S.. This statistic leads many health-conscious consumers to ask: Do Sweet Tarts have dye? The answer varies significantly depending on the specific product line.

Quick Summary

Different Sweet Tart products use a variety of coloring agents, with classic tablets and mini chews containing artificial dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1, while some newer chewy ropes feature natural coloring from fruit and vegetable juices.

Key Points

Product-Dependent Dyes: Coloring varies significantly between Sweet Tart products; classic versions use artificial dyes, while some chewy ropes opt for natural colors.
Common Synthetic Colors: Artificial dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 are standard in the ingredient lists of many traditional Sweet Tarts.
Health Concerns: Artificial food dyes, including some found in Sweet Tarts, have been linked to health issues, particularly behavioral difficulties in sensitive children.
Vegan Considerations: Some Sweet Tart varieties, particularly ropes, contain gelatin and are not vegan, despite the colorings themselves often being synthetic.
Global Differences: Due to more stringent regulations in regions like the European Union, some Sweet Tart products sold internationally are made with different, natural colorings.

Originally created in 1962 using the same formula as the powdery Pixy Stix, SweeTarts were introduced as a less-messy candy alternative. The colorful discs and ropes have become a staple in candy aisles, but their bright appearance comes from various sources, and not all SweeTarts are created equal when it comes to ingredients. Understanding the difference between product lines is crucial for anyone monitoring their intake of artificial additives.

Classic and Chewy Sweet Tarts: The Use of Artificial Dyes

The vibrant colors found in the classic, hard-pressed Sweet Tart candies and their mini chewy versions are derived from synthetic food dyes. These ingredients, which are approved for use by the FDA, are petroleum-derived chemicals that do not occur naturally. A quick glance at the ingredients list for Original SweeTARTS confirms the use of several 'lake' colors. A 'lake' is a water-insoluble version of a food dye, which is ideal for coloring solid foods like candy.

Common artificial dyes in traditional SweeTarts include:

Red 40 Lake: The most widely used food dye in the United States, used to achieve the cherry and other red hues.
Yellow 5 Lake: Provides the bright yellow color for lemon-flavored candies.
Yellow 6 Lake: A third-most common dye, sometimes found in chewy varieties.
Blue 1 Lake: Used for blue punch flavors.

Sweet Tart Ropes: A Shift Towards Natural Colors

In contrast to their classic counterparts, some Sweet Tart varieties have shifted towards using natural colorings. The Soft & Chewy Ropes, for example, have been explicitly marketed as being made with no artificial flavors or colors. Similarly, the Twisted Rainbow Soft and Chewy Ropes use fruit and vegetable juice color, spirulina extract color, and beta-carotene color for their vibrant appearance. This move caters to a growing consumer demand for products with fewer artificial additives.

Potential Concerns Regarding Artificial Food Dyes

While the FDA considers these dyes safe for consumption in the U.S., some research and regulatory bodies have raised concerns.

Health and behavioral concerns:

Behavioral Issues in Children: Artificial food dyes have been linked to behavioral difficulties, including hyperactivity, in some children, a finding confirmed by a 2021 study by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.
Allergenic Reactions: Certain individuals, particularly those sensitive to aspirin, may experience allergic-like reactions to Yellow 5.
International Regulations: The European Union has stricter rules, requiring foods containing some of these dyes to carry a warning label about potential effects on activity and attention in children. This regulatory divergence means Sweet Tart formulas can differ significantly based on location.

A Note on Vegan Status and Other Considerations

Beyond the coloring, the ingredient list also matters for those with other dietary restrictions. While classic SweeTarts are often vegan, certain products like the ropes contain gelatin, an animal-derived product, and are therefore not suitable for vegans. This highlights the importance of checking the ingredient label for each specific product.

Sweet Tarts Product Line: A Comparison of Coloring Agents


Product	Example Artificial Dyes	Example Natural Dyes	Vegan Friendly?
Original Hard Candies	Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 1 Lake	None	Yes (no gelatin)
Mini Chewy	Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Blue 1 Lake	None	Potentially not (contains egg albumen)
Twisted Rainbow Ropes	None	Fruit and vegetable juice color, Spirulina extract color	No (contains gelatin)
Soft & Chewy Ropes (select versions)	None	Fruit and vegetable juice color	No (contains gelatin)

Conclusion

So, do Sweet Tarts have dye? Yes, but the type and origin of the dye depend on the product. Consumers should be aware that classic and mini chewy versions contain synthetic, petroleum-derived dyes, while some newer, chewy ropes use colors from natural sources. For those concerned about artificial additives, particularly regarding behavioral impacts in children, it's best to read the label carefully and opt for natural-colored varieties or alternatives. Given the nutritional context, it's also worth noting that all Sweet Tarts are high in sugar and acidity, and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For further information on food additives and their effects, you can visit the Environmental Working Group's website.

Environmental Working Group (EWG) News

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the type of coloring agent used varies by product. Classic pressed candies and mini chewy versions typically contain artificial dyes, while some Sweet Tart ropes are formulated with natural fruit and vegetable-based colorings.

Classic Sweet Tarts contain synthetic dyes such as Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, and Blue 1 Lake, which are listed on the ingredients label.

Yes, some versions, such as certain varieties of Sweet Tart Ropes, are advertised as being made without artificial colors. Always check the ingredient list for confirmation.

While the FDA considers approved dyes safe for consumption in the United States, concerns have been raised, with studies linking some dyes to behavioral issues in sensitive individuals, especially children.

The easiest way is to read the ingredient label. Artificial dyes will be listed by name and number, such as 'Red 40 Lake' or 'Yellow 5 Lake.' Natural colorings will be specified as 'fruit and vegetable juice color' or other plant-derived names.

A 'lake' is a solid, water-insoluble version of a food dye, like Red 40, which is commonly used to color solid foods and is often found in Sweet Tarts and other candies.

The primary flavor in Sweet Tarts comes from natural and artificial flavorings, as well as the malic and citric acids. While the color itself doesn't contribute significantly to the taste, studies show that the color of food can influence a person's perception of its flavor.