Does Fairlife strawberry milk have red dye?

October 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the official Fairlife ingredient list, their strawberry milk is colored with natural tomato lycopene extract and does not contain artificial red dye. This makes it a popular choice for consumers who wish to avoid synthetic food colorings like Red Dye 40. The ultra-filtered milk process also concentrates natural proteins and calcium while removing half of the sugar.

Quick Summary

An examination of Fairlife strawberry milk's ingredients reveals it uses a natural, plant-based coloring. The vibrant red-pink hue comes from tomato lycopene extract, not artificial food dyes. The product is also lactose-free and offers concentrated protein and calcium due to its ultra-filtered process.

Key Points

No Artificial Dyes: Fairlife strawberry milk uses a natural coloring agent from tomatoes, not synthetic red dyes like Red Dye 40.
Natural Color Source: The pink color is derived from tomato lycopene extract, which is a naturally occurring carotenoid found in red fruits and vegetables.
Cleaner Ingredient List: By avoiding artificial dyes, Fairlife appeals to consumers seeking products with more natural and less processed ingredients.
Higher in Protein, Lower in Sugar: The ultra-filtered process concentrates protein and removes half of the sugar, offering a more nutritious alternative to traditional flavored milks.
Lactose-Free: The milk is processed with a lactase enzyme, making it a lactose-free option suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance.
Appeals to Health-Conscious Consumers: The use of natural colorings is a key selling point for a growing market of health-conscious consumers who read ingredient labels carefully.

Fairlife's Natural Coloring: Tomato Lycopene Extract

For many health-conscious consumers, knowing what goes into their food and drink is a top priority. When it comes to the iconic pink color of strawberry milk, a common question arises: what is providing that color? In the case of Fairlife strawberry milk, the answer is a natural, plant-based source called tomato lycopene extract.

Unlike many conventional flavored milk brands that use artificial dyes like Red Dye 40, Fairlife opts for an alternative derived from tomatoes. Lycopene is the same phytonutrient that gives tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables their color. It is a powerful antioxidant that, when extracted, provides a stable and safe red coloring for food products. This choice aligns with the brand's positioning as a premium product focused on high-quality ingredients.

The Ultra-Filtered Difference

Fairlife is known for its ultra-filtered milk, a process that sets it apart from traditional milk. This innovative technique involves passing milk through soft filters to remove some of the natural sugars (lactose) while concentrating the protein and calcium. For the consumer, this translates to a product that is:

Higher in protein: Provides more protein per serving compared to regular milk.
Lower in sugar: Contains less sugar than traditional flavored milks.
Lactose-free: The ultra-filtration process removes lactose, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
Richer in nutrients: Delivers more calcium and other nutrients in every glass.

This process, combined with natural flavors and the tomato-based coloring, provides a nutritional profile that appeals to those seeking better-for-you beverages without compromising on taste.

Comparing Fairlife's Coloring to Artificial Dyes

When considering colored food products, it is helpful to compare the different types of colorants used in the food industry. Both natural and artificial colorings are regulated, but they have distinct differences in their source and composition.


Feature	Fairlife's Tomato Lycopene Extract	Artificial Red Dye (e.g., Red Dye 40)
Source	Natural, plant-based source (tomatoes).	Synthetic, derived from coal tar or petroleum distillates.
Processing	Extracted from natural sources and processed minimally to retain color.	Produced through chemical synthesis.
Allergen/Sensitivity	Generally well-tolerated; not associated with the same sensitivities as artificial dyes.	Has been linked to hyperactivity in children and may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Flavor Impact	Flavorless, used solely for coloring.	Can sometimes impart an aftertaste.
Consumer Perception	Viewed as a cleaner, more natural ingredient.	Often viewed negatively by consumers due to potential health concerns.

Ingredients in Fairlife Strawberry Milk

Beyond the coloring, the ingredient list for Fairlife strawberry milk reveals a simple, focused recipe. The key components include:

Ultra-filtered milk: The foundation of the product, providing concentrated protein and calcium.
Cane sugar: Used for sweetness, though in lower amounts than many conventional flavored milks.
Natural flavor: Enhances the strawberry taste without synthetic alternatives.
Tomato lycopene extract (color): Provides the signature pink hue naturally.
Cellulose gel/gum: Plant-based thickeners that help achieve a smooth, consistent texture.
Lactase enzyme: Added to break down lactose, making the milk lactose-free.
Vitamins A and D3: Fortifies the milk with essential nutrients.

The Appeal of Natural Colorants

The shift towards natural colorants is part of a broader industry trend responding to consumer demand for cleaner labels. In recent years, public awareness and concern regarding artificial food dyes have grown, prompting many companies to seek alternatives. Fairlife's use of tomato lycopene is a direct response to this market need, allowing them to provide a vibrant, appealing product without the potential baggage of artificial additives. This transparency in labeling builds trust with consumers who prioritize natural ingredients in their diet.

Conclusion

Fairlife strawberry milk does not use artificial red dye. Instead, it achieves its pink color with tomato lycopene extract, a natural colorant derived from tomatoes. This choice, combined with the brand's ultra-filtered, lactose-free milk, appeals to consumers seeking a healthier, more natural alternative to traditional flavored milks. By opting for plant-based coloring and offering a product with more protein and less sugar, Fairlife provides a transparent and conscientious option for those paying close attention to ingredients.

Authoritative Link: For detailed information on the food coloring alternatives used in the industry, you can refer to the FDA website's resources on food additives and colorings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tomato lycopene extract is a natural, plant-based coloring agent derived from tomatoes. It's the same compound that gives red and pink fruits and vegetables their distinct color.

Fairlife strawberry milk is not artificially colored. It uses natural flavorings and a plant-based color from tomato lycopene extract. However, it does contain sucralose and acesulfame potassium, which are artificial sweeteners.

Lycopene is an antioxidant found naturally in tomatoes and other red produce. When used as a coloring agent, it is generally considered safe and may even offer some health benefits associated with antioxidants, though the amount is minimal.

Some people avoid Red Dye 40 due to concerns about potential links to hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, though research is ongoing.

Yes, all Fairlife milks, including the strawberry variety, are lactose-free. The ultra-filtration process naturally removes lactose, and a lactase enzyme is added to ensure it is completely lactose-free.

Fairlife's difference lies in its ultra-filtration process, which removes some of the sugar while concentrating the milk's natural protein and calcium. This results in a product with less sugar, more protein, and more calcium than conventional milk.

You can find the ingredients list for Fairlife products on the product label itself or by visiting the official Fairlife website and viewing the product details.