Do Trolli Gummies Have Red Dye 40? The Definitive Ingredient Guide

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

According to ingredient lists from multiple sources, many Trolli gummies, including the popular Sour Brite Crawlers sold in the United States, contain the synthetic food coloring Red Dye 40. This additive is used to give the candies their vivid red and orange hues.

Quick Summary

Many Trolli products in the US, like Sour Brite Crawlers, list Red 40 among their ingredients. However, some international versions and specific product lines, such as European vegan gummies, use natural colorings instead.

Key Points

US Products: Many Trolli gummies sold in the United States, including Sour Brite Crawlers, contain Red Dye 40.
Check Labels: The presence of Red Dye 40 varies by product and country; always check the ingredient list on the packaging for confirmation.
European Market: Trolli products sold in Europe often use natural food colorings and are free of azo dyes like Red 40.
Vegan Options: Some Trolli vegan products, particularly in Europe, use plant-based colors instead of artificial dyes.
Potential Concerns: Red Dye 40 has been linked to behavioral issues in some children and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, though the FDA considers it safe.
Alternative Dyes: Trolli also uses other synthetic colorings like Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1 in many of its artificially colored products.

Unpacking the Ingredients: Does Your Candy Contain Red 40?

For candy lovers, especially those with sensitivities or dietary concerns, understanding ingredients is crucial. A common question arises about the vibrant colors in Trolli gummies and whether they contain Red Dye 40, also known as Allura Red AC or E129 in Europe. The answer depends heavily on the specific product and where it is sold, with many U.S. versions containing the artificial dye.

What Exactly is Red Dye 40?

Red Dye 40 is an artificial, petroleum-based food dye widely used in the food and beverage industry to enhance color. It is approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which considers it safe for consumption. However, this stance is debated, and in many countries, especially those within the European Union, products containing Red 40 must carry a warning label about potential effects on activity and attention in children. Concerns over potential links to hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, and other health issues have made many consumers and parents more cautious.

Trolli Products That Contain Red Dye 40

To determine if a specific Trolli candy contains Red 40, the most reliable method is to check the ingredient list on the packaging. Based on market data, here are some products that typically contain this dye:

Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers: The iconic, dual-colored gummy worms explicitly list Red 40 on their ingredient panel.
Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers Very Berry: Ingredients confirm the presence of Red 40 and other artificial colors.
Trolli Classic Bears: Ingredient information shows Red 40 is used to achieve the red color.
Trolli Sour Brite Octopus: Similarly, these gummies contain Red 40 among their color additives.

The European Alternative: Natural Colorings

An important distinction exists between Trolli's U.S. products and those sold in Europe. The European company, Trolli GmbH, has committed to avoiding azo dyes (a category that includes Red 40) in its products. This is a response to consumer concerns and stricter regulations. European customers can find products like:

Trolli Dinorex (Vegan): This product is explicitly labeled vegan and uses natural food colorings from sources like black currant, black carrot, and turmeric.
Other European 'Veggie' and Vegan products: Trolli offers a range of vegetarian and vegan gummies in Europe that use gelling agents like starch or pectin and rely on fruit and vegetable-based coloring agents instead of artificial dyes.

Comparison Table: Trolli US vs. Trolli Europe

To highlight the key differences in ingredient philosophy, here is a comparison of two similar Trolli products sold in different markets.


Feature	Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers (US)	Trolli Dinorex (European Vegan)
Red Coloring	Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1	Black carrot, black currant, red radish
Market	United States, owned by Ferrara Candy	Europe, owned by Trolli GmbH
Gelatin	Contains gelatin (animal-based)	Vegan, uses starch/pectin
Azo Dyes	Contains Red 40 (an azo dye)	Azo dye-free

How to Verify for Yourself

Since ingredient sourcing and formulation can change, and product lines differ, the best practice is always to check the packaging. Look for the ingredient statement, typically located on the back of the bag. You'll find Red 40 listed clearly if it's included. For those sensitive to this additive, choosing products with natural colorings or certified vegan options is the safest bet.

Concerns and Context of Red Dye 40

While the FDA maintains Red Dye 40 is safe, the ongoing debate and regulatory differences in other countries are notable. Some studies have linked it to behavioral issues, particularly in susceptible children. Other reported side effects include allergic reactions, hives, and migraines. For this reason, many health-conscious consumers and parents choose to avoid it. The trend towards using natural food colorings is a direct response to this widespread concern and indicates a shift in consumer demand towards cleaner, more transparent ingredients.

Conclusion

So, do Trolli gummies have Red Dye 40? In short, yes, many of the most popular Trolli gummies available in the U.S. market, such as Sour Brite Crawlers, do contain Red Dye 40. However, the landscape is different internationally, particularly in Europe, where some Trolli products are specifically made without artificial azo dyes and use natural colorings instead. For consumers mindful of their intake of artificial additives, checking the label is essential, as manufacturers like Trolli continue to offer different formulations across global markets to meet varying regulatory and consumer preferences.

Natural Alternatives to Trolli Gummies

For those seeking a sour gummy experience without Red Dye 40 or other artificial colors, several alternatives exist:

SmartSweets: Offers various sour gummies with natural ingredients and low sugar content, often using fruit and vegetable juices for coloring.
YumEarth Organic Gummy Bears: Made with real fruit juice and free from artificial colors.
Homemade Gummies: Making gummies from scratch using fruit juice, honey, and gelatin or a vegan alternative like agar-agar allows for complete control over ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many of Trolli's popular products in the US, such as Sour Brite Crawlers, Sour Brite Crawlers Very Berry, and Classic Bears, explicitly list Red 40 as an ingredient.

Yes, there is a significant difference. Trolli GmbH in Europe has stated they do not use azo dyes like Red 40 and instead use natural colorings, especially in their vegan and vegetarian lines.

In some regions, notably the European Union, products with Red 40 are required to carry a warning label stating that the dye 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'.

Not all, but certain vegan Trolli products, particularly those sold in Europe like the Dinorex, use natural colorings derived from sources like black carrot and black currant instead of Red Dye 40.

Potential side effects linked to Red Dye 40 include hyperactivity and worsened ADHD symptoms in some children, as well as possible allergic reactions like hives and migraines.

To find alternatives, you can look for brands that specialize in natural or organic candies, like SmartSweets or YumEarth, or consider making homemade gummies with natural ingredients.

Read the ingredients list on the packaging and look for 'Red 40', 'Allura Red AC', or 'E129'. If no red dye is listed, check for other potential natural colorings like fruit and vegetable juices.