Does Cherry Jello Have Red Dye 40? The Definitive Answer

December 25, 2025 •

2 min read

According to manufacturer ingredient lists, most standard cherry Jell-O products contain the artificial food coloring Red Dye 40. This common petroleum-based dye, also known as Allura Red AC, is a controversial topic for many consumers concerned about food additives. The question, 'Does cherry Jello have Red Dye 40?' often stems from a desire to understand what is in our food.

Quick Summary

Most cherry Jell-O products are made with the artificial color additive Red Dye 40 to achieve their signature hue. While deemed safe by the FDA, some consumers seek natural alternatives due to potential health concerns linked to synthetic dyes.

Key Points

Contains Red Dye 40: Most standard and sugar-free cherry Jell-O varieties include the synthetic food coloring Red Dye 40.
Derived from Petroleum: Red Dye 40 (Allura Red AC) is a petroleum-based dye, not a natural colorant.
Linked to Health Concerns: Concerns exist regarding potential links between Red Dye 40 and hyperactivity in sensitive children, as well as possible allergic reactions and effects on gut health.
FDA vs. EU Regulation: While the U.S. FDA deems it safe for most people, the European Union requires warning labels on products containing Red 40.
Natural Alternatives Exist: Consumers can opt for products using natural colorings or make their own dye-free gelatin with fruit juices like cherry or beet juice.
Industry Shift Towards Clean Labels: Major manufacturers and retailers, including Kraft Heinz and Walmart, are moving away from synthetic dyes in many products.

The Ingredients: A Closer Look at Cherry Jell-O

Standard cherry Jell-O gelatin mix does contain Red Dye 40, as listed in its ingredients. Other artificial colors like Blue 1 are also used in some variations, including sugar-free and black cherry Jell-O. Beyond synthetic dyes, a typical ingredient list includes sugar, gelatin, adipic acid, and flavorings. While dyes are a small percentage of the total ingredients, they are consistent in these brightly colored desserts.

The Science Behind Red Dye 40

Red Dye 40 (Allura Red AC) is a synthetic food dye derived from petroleum, approved by the FDA for food use. However, the European Union requires warning labels for foods containing this dye due to potential links to hyperactivity in children.

Potential Health Concerns with Artificial Dyes

While considered safe for most, some individuals may react to Red Dye 40. Concerns include potential links to hyperactivity in sensitive children, as suggested by studies like the 2007 Southampton study, although the FDA notes this affects only a subset of children. Rare allergic reactions and potential negative impacts on gut health, based on animal studies, have also been discussed.

Comparing Cherry Gelatin Products


Feature	Standard Cherry Jell-O	Sugar-Free Cherry Jell-O	Natural Cherry Gelatin
Coloring	Red 40, Blue 1 (in some variations)	Red 40, Blue 1 (in some variations)	Naturally colored with fruit juice (e.g., beet, cherry)
Sweetener	Sugar	Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium	Maple syrup, honey, or fruit juice
Other Additives	Adipic acid, fumaric acid, sodium citrate	Adipic acid, maltodextrin, sodium phosphate	Typically contains fewer additives
Diet Suitability	Not vegan/vegetarian	Not vegan/vegetarian	Varies; can be vegan (agar) or vegetarian-friendly
Primary Goal	Convenient, sweet, artificially colored dessert	Low-calorie, artificially colored dessert	Whole-food, dye-free, customizable dessert

Finding Alternatives to Red Dye 40

Avoiding synthetic dyes is possible through several options:

Homemade Gelatin: Control ingredients by making your own with gelatin powder (or agar), fruit purees or juices for color, and natural sweeteners.
Naturally Colored Products: Look for brands using natural colorings from fruits and vegetables, driven by increasing consumer demand.
Check the Label: Always read ingredient lists, as manufacturers must disclose certified color additives.

The Shift Toward Natural Colorings

Consumer and regulatory pressure is leading major food companies, like Kraft Heinz (maker of Jell-O), and retailers, like Walmart, to remove artificial colorings from many products. This reflects a trend towards cleaner, more understandable food labels.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Most conventional and sugar-free cherry Jell-O products contain Red Dye 40 and other synthetic dyes. While the FDA considers these safe for most, potential adverse effects in sensitive individuals, particularly children, are a concern. Natural alternatives are readily available for those wishing to avoid artificial dyes, whether through homemade recipes or commercially produced items. Understanding the ingredients and ongoing discussions about food additives empowers consumers to make choices aligned with their preferences.

For more detailed information on synthetic food dyes, refer to this comprehensive guide from Healthline.

What is Red Dye 40?

Frequently Asked Questions

The FDA considers Red Dye 40 safe for most people. However, some studies suggest a link between synthetic food dyes and adverse effects like hyperactivity in sensitive children, and some researchers have raised concerns about gut health.

Yes, you can make your own dye-free gelatin using unflavored gelatin and natural fruit juice, or look for commercially available gelatin mixes that advertise using natural colorings, often from fruits or vegetables.

Red Dye 40 is used to give cherry Jell-O its signature vibrant red color. Without it, the gelatin would have a very pale or neutral color, which manufacturers believe is less appealing to consumers.

Most flavored Jell-O products contain synthetic food dyes, though the specific types vary. Unflavored Jell-O gelatin does not contain any added colorings.

Kraft Heinz, the parent company of Jell-O, has committed to removing synthetic colors from many of its products. This is part of a broader industry trend toward cleaner food labels.

Artificial food colors like Red Dye 40 are synthetic, petroleum-based chemicals, while natural colors are derived from sources like fruits, vegetables, and other organic matter.

Yes, while both contain artificial dyes, sugar-free cherry Jell-O replaces sugar with artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium, and includes different fillers like maltodextrin.