Understanding the Ingredient Shift at Welch's
For years, many of the vibrant red and purple hues found in Welch's Fruit Snacks were achieved using a synthetic food additive known as Red 40, or Allura Red AC. This dye is derived from petroleum and is one of the most widely used food colorings in the United States. However, increasing consumer demand for natural ingredients has led food manufacturers to re-evaluate their recipes.
In a major corporate decision, PIM Brands Inc., the company that makes Welch's Fruit Snacks, announced a phased transition to remove all synthetic colorings from its U.S. product lineup. Some varieties, such as the top-selling Mixed Fruit, were among the first to be reformulated, with the change starting in mid-2025. By early 2026, the company expects all Welch's Fruit Snacks to be exclusively colored with natural sources, such as fruit and vegetable juices.
How to Check Your Welch's Gummies for Red Dye 40
During this transition period, it is important for consumers to check the packaging, as both versions of the fruit snacks may be on store shelves simultaneously. The easiest way to determine if your Welch's gummies contain Red 40 is by examining the ingredient list on the back of the box or pouch. You will need to look for specific names of artificial and natural colorings.
Where to look on the packaging:
- On older packages: The ingredient list for the original Mixed Fruit variety explicitly names
Red 40, often alongside other artificial colorings likeBlue 1. - On newer packages: The reformulated products will state that they are made with "colors from natural sources". Instead of Red 40, the ingredients list will mention colorings like
fruit and vegetable juice (color),annatto (color), andturmeric (color). - In some varieties: Certain specific lines, such as
Welch's Juicefulsand theZero Sugarvarieties, were already formulated without artificial dyes and use natural color sources.
The Shift to Natural Colors: Old vs. New Ingredients
This reformulation process required years of research and testing to find natural alternatives that could maintain the bright appearance and shelf stability of the original snacks. Below is a comparison of typical color ingredients used in the old and new formulations.
| Feature | Original Welch's Fruit Snacks | Reformulated Welch's Fruit Snacks |
|---|---|---|
| Coloring Sources | Synthetic dyes (e.g., Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5) | Natural sources (e.g., fruit & vegetable juices, annatto, turmeric) |
| Red Hue Source | Petroleum-derived Red 40 dye | Purple carrot, red grape, and anthocyanins |
| Blue Hue Source | Petroleum-derived Blue 1 dye | Huito fruit and spirulina |
| Yellow Hue Source | Primarily synthetic yellow dyes | Turmeric and annatto |
| Rollout Status | Phased out of production | Rolling out to shelves since mid-2025 |
| Labeling | Lists specific chemical names of artificial dyes | Explicitly states "no artificial dyes" or "colors from natural sources" |
Why the Controversy over Artificial Dyes?
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has historically deemed Red Dye 40 safe for consumption, it is not without controversy. Concerns have primarily centered on potential links to health issues, particularly for sensitive individuals and children.
- Behavioral Effects in Children: Studies, including a 2021 review, have suggested a link between synthetic food dye consumption and neurobehavioral changes, especially worsening ADHD symptoms in some children. While the effects may be small, they have led to warning labels on such products in the European Union.
- Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, such as hives or swelling, after consuming Red 40.
- Potential for Inflammation: Some animal studies have shown that consistent exposure to Red 40 can cause inflammation in the colon and may impact the gut microbiome.
For consumers, especially parents, the decision by Welch's to remove artificial dyes aligns with a growing desire for simpler, more natural ingredient lists. The move reflects changing market preferences and proactive steps by companies to meet consumer expectations, even if regulatory bodies still classify the dyes as safe.
Making the Right Choice for Your Family
Choosing the right products can be confusing, especially during a brand's ingredient transition. While Welch's new formulations offer a dye-free option, it is always wise to read the label to be certain of what you are buying. Other fruit snack brands have also made similar shifts, offering even more alternatives if you are strictly avoiding artificial colorings.
The important takeaway is that change is happening. The presence of Red 40 in Welch's gummies is becoming a thing of the past in the U.S., but it's not a universal change overnight. This period requires consumers to be vigilant label readers until the transition is fully complete in early 2026.
For more information on the transition and other products, refer to the official Welch's Fruit Snacks FAQ page.
Conclusion In summary, while older versions of Welch's fruit snacks historically included Red Dye 40, the company is actively phasing it out of its U.S. product line. The move towards natural colors sourced from fruits and vegetables, which began in mid-2025, is a response to evolving consumer preferences. This transition means that packages containing the artificial dye may still be found on shelves, requiring consumers to check the ingredient list to confirm the product's coloring source. The company expects all U.S. products to be artificial dye-free by early 2026.
