Do Twizzlers Have Red Dye Number 3? A Nutrition Diet Deep Dive

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

Following the FDA's ban on Red Dye #3 in early 2025, many consumers are questioning the safety of their favorite candies. While the question 'do Twizzlers have red dye number 3?' is common, the answer is no; Twizzlers instead use Red Dye #40. This shift in focus prompts a larger conversation about nutrition, processed foods, and the ingredients we consume.

Quick Summary

Twizzlers do not contain Red Dye #3, which was recently banned by the FDA, but they do use Red Dye #40. This article breaks down the different artificial colorings, explores the overall nutritional profile of Twizzlers, and provides context on artificial food additives.

Key Points

No Red Dye #3: Twizzlers do not contain FD&C Red No. 3; the original strawberry twists are colored with Red Dye #40.
FDA Ban Explained: The FDA banned Red Dye #3 for use in food and ingested drugs in January 2025, citing links to cancer in animal studies, but this does not impact Twizzlers.
Red Dye #40 Concerns: Red Dye #40 has been linked to potential behavioral issues in children and negative impacts on gut health in animal studies.
Ultra-Processed Food: Twizzlers are classified as an unhealthy ultra-processed food, high in added sugars and low in essential nutrients like fiber and protein.
Informed Nutrition Choices: For a healthier diet, focus on whole foods, read ingredient labels carefully, and minimize consumption of processed sweets and products containing artificial additives.
Alternatives to Dyes: Natural colorings from sources like beets, berries, and vegetables are available and pose fewer potential health risks than synthetic dyes.

Twizzlers and the Red Dye Distinction: What You Need to Know

Amid growing consumer awareness and recent regulatory action concerning food additives, the question of 'do Twizzlers have red dye number 3?' has come to the forefront. It is a common misconception, likely fueled by the fact that many red-colored candies contain artificial dyes. However, the search results confirm that Twizzlers' original strawberry twists do not contain Red Dye #3 (FD&C Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine). The coloring agent used is Red Dye #40 (FD&C Red No. 40). This seemingly small distinction is important for those monitoring their diet for specific additives.

The FDA's ban on Red Dye #3, which took effect in early 2025, was based on decades-old animal studies that linked high doses of the dye to thyroid cancer in rats. While the FDA stated that available scientific information did not support a direct risk to humans from current consumption levels, the decision was legally required under the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Many food manufacturers, including Hershey's (the company behind Twizzlers), had already phased out the additive or never used it in the first place, opting for Red Dye #40 and other colorings instead.

The Controversy Surrounding Red Dye #40

Just because Twizzlers don't contain Red Dye #3, it doesn't mean the product is free from scrutiny regarding its ingredients. Red Dye #40 is also a synthetic food coloring that has faced its own set of concerns. Studies have explored potential links between artificial food colorings, including Red Dye #40, and behavioral issues in children, such as decreased attention and hyperactivity. In response, places like California have implemented specific regulations, with a ban on several dyes (including Red Dye #40) in public school foods as of September 2025.

Additionally, a 2023 study published in Nature Communications showed that continual exposure to Red Dye #40 harmed gut health and caused inflammation in mice. While the effect has not been proven in humans, it raises further questions about the long-term impact of artificial colors on the human body, particularly concerning the gut microbiome. For individuals prioritizing a whole-foods-based diet, these synthetic additives are typically avoided in favor of natural alternatives.

Deconstructing a Twizzler: Ingredients and Nutrition

Beyond the debate over specific dyes, it's important to look at the overall nutritional content of Twizzlers. A quick glance at the ingredients reveals a profile typical of ultra-processed candy:

Corn Syrup
Enriched Wheat Flour
Sugar
Cornstarch
Palm Oil
Salt
Artificial Flavor
Artificial Color (Red 40)
Soy Lecithin

As an ultra-processed product, Twizzlers offer minimal nutritional value. They are high in added sugar and provide very little protein, fiber, or essential vitamins. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has classified Twizzlers as an unhealthy ultra-processed food, linking regular consumption of such products to higher risks of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

A Comparison of Red Dyes and Healthy Alternatives

To better understand the differences and implications of these additives, consider the following table:


Feature	Red Dye #3 (FD&C Red No. 3 / Erythrosine)	Red Dye #40 (FD&C Red No. 40)	Natural Red Colorings	Healthy Alternative
Regulatory Status (US, 2025)	Banned in food and ingested drugs	FDA-approved, but regulated in some states/schools	Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by FDA	Whole fruits, berries, and vegetables
Carcinogen Concerns	Linked to thyroid cancer in male rats at high doses	Potential link to accelerated immune-system tumor growth in mice	None (from sources like beets, berries, etc.)	N/A
Behavioral Issues	Some studies link artificial colors to behavioral issues in children	Concerns raised, some states regulate it in schools	N/A	A diet rich in nutrients, with minimal additives
Source	Synthetic, made from petroleum distillates	Synthetic, made from petroleum distillates	Plant-based (e.g., beet juice, cochineal extract from insects, anthocyanins from berries)	N/A
Typical Products	Maraschino cherries, some older candies	Twizzlers, Doritos, Skittles, cereals, puddings	Berry yogurts, certain juices, fruit snacks	Fresh strawberries, raspberries, pomegranates, beets

Prioritizing a Healthy Nutrition Diet

For those concerned about food dyes and ultra-processed ingredients, the best approach is to focus on a balanced nutrition diet rich in whole foods. Here are some steps you can take:

Read Ingredient Labels Carefully: Always check the ingredients list for artificial colorings like 'Red 40,' 'Yellow 5,' and 'Blue 1.' Opt for products that use natural colorants or no colorants at all.
Choose Whole Foods: Prioritize fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. For a naturally red treat, consider fresh strawberries, raspberries, or cherry tomatoes.
Limit Processed Sweets: Reduce the consumption of candies, cookies, and other ultra-processed foods that are often high in added sugars and artificial ingredients.
Explore Natural Alternatives: When baking or cooking, use natural colorings like beet juice or fruit purees instead of synthetic dyes.
Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest information from regulatory bodies like the FDA and public health advocates regarding food additives. For example, the FDA provides resources for consumers on color additives on its website.

Conclusion

To definitively answer the question, Twizzlers do not have red dye number 3, and have not for some time, instead relying on Red Dye #40. While this might put a consumer's specific concern to rest, it highlights a broader issue about the health implications of synthetic food colorings and the ultra-processed nature of many common foods. A truly beneficial nutrition diet involves more than just checking for a single ingredient; it requires a conscious effort to consume fewer processed products and to prioritize wholesome, nutrient-dense foods. Making informed choices by reading labels and opting for natural alternatives can significantly contribute to better long-term health.

Optional Link: For more information on artificial food colorings and health, the Center for Science in the Public Interest is a great resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Twizzlers do not contain Red Dye #3. The original strawberry twists are colored using Red Dye #40 instead.

The FDA banned Red Dye #3 due to studies that showed a link between high doses of the dye and thyroid cancer in male rats. This decision followed the mandate of the Delaney Clause, which prohibits food additives shown to cause cancer in animals or humans.

Both are synthetic food colorings. Red Dye #3 was recently banned by the FDA, while Red Dye #40 is still approved but has been subject to health concerns, including links to behavioral issues in children.

Twizzlers' primary ingredients include corn syrup, enriched wheat flour, sugar, and Red Dye #40. They also contain cornstarch, palm oil, salt, and artificial flavor.

The FDA considers Red Dye #40 safe when used in accordance with its regulations. However, some studies and health advocates raise concerns about its potential links to behavioral issues and gut health problems.

Not necessarily. While many major brands, including Twizzlers, have moved away from Red Dye #3, some candies, particularly older formulations or certain imports, may have contained it. It is always best to check the ingredient label.

To reduce your intake of artificial dyes, focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Read product labels carefully and choose items with natural colorings or no colorings at all.