Does Herbalife Use Red Dye 40?

December 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to official product labels from Herbalife, certain products have contained Red Dye 40, a synthetic color additive. This has raised questions among consumers about ingredient transparency and potential health implications. The presence of Red Dye 40 in some formulas contrasts with other products from the company that are marketed as having no artificial colors.

Quick Summary

An examination of Herbalife's ingredients shows that select products, particularly some drink mixes and older formulas, contain Red Dye 40. The company is actively reformulating some products to remove synthetic dyes, while other lines are manufactured without artificial colors from the start. Consumers should always check specific product labels for the most accurate information.

Key Points

Specific Products Use It: Not all Herbalife products contain Red Dye 40, but some specific drink mixes and older shake formulas, like certain strawberry or wild berry flavors, have included it.
Company is Reformulating: Herbalife is in the process of reformulating some of its product lines to remove synthetic dyes, adopting natural alternatives instead.
Check the Label: To know for certain if a specific product contains Red Dye 40, consumers must check the most recent ingredient label, as formulations vary and are updated.
Some Lines are Dye-Free: Herbalife's high-performance Herbalife24™ line and newer supplements like MultiBurn™ are intentionally formulated without synthetic colors.
Transparency is Key: Herbalife provides detailed ingredient information on its official product labels, enabling consumers to make informed decisions based on their preferences.
Consumer Concerns Drive Change: The company's move away from synthetic dyes is likely a response to evolving consumer preferences and ongoing public health discussions regarding artificial food colors.

A Closer Look at Herbalife Ingredients and Red Dye 40

The question of whether Herbalife uses Red Dye 40 is a common one for consumers who scrutinize product ingredients for synthetic additives. The answer is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on the specific Herbalife product and its formulation. The company's diverse product portfolio means ingredients can vary significantly between product lines, flavor variations, and over time as recipes are updated. This article breaks down which Herbalife products have contained Red Dye 40, examines the broader company policy on artificial colors, and advises consumers on how to check their specific products.

Products Historically Containing Red Dye 40

Historically, and according to ingredient labels available online, certain Herbalife drink mixes and older versions of their products have included Red Dye 40. For example:

Strawberry Drink Mix: A label from December 2023 for a Strawberry Drink Mix listed "Red 40" as an ingredient.
Rainbow Candy Beverage Enhancer: A label from May 2024 for a Rainbow Candy flavored Beverage Enhancer explicitly lists "Red 40, and Red 3".
Wild Berry Shake Mix: An older label for a Wild Berry flavored meal replacement shake also listed FD&C Red No. 40, among other artificial colors.

These examples confirm that the company has used this synthetic food coloring in some of its formulations. It's crucial for consumers to note that product ingredients can change, so checking the most recent label is always recommended.

Herbalife's Shift Away from Synthetic Dyes

In recent years, Herbalife has made noticeable moves towards removing artificial colors and adopting more natural alternatives in many of its products. This shift appears to be a response to evolving consumer preferences for cleaner labels and increased awareness of the potential health implications of synthetic dyes.

Evidence of this shift can be seen in several company communications and product reformulations:

MultiBurn Launch: A 2025 press release for the new MultiBurn™ supplement highlighted its formulation without synthetic colors or dyes, positioning it as a "clean-label" solution.
Formula 1 Shake Mix Updates: Announcements from distributors and support pages indicate that new batches of certain flavors, such as Mint Chocolate, are being produced without added artificial colors, resulting in a change in appearance (e.g., from green to white).
Herbalife24™ Line: The company’s Herbalife24™ line of performance nutrition products has long been formulated without artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners, a point the company highlights in its FAQs.

This indicates a dual-pronged strategy: maintaining synthetic dyes in some legacy products while creating new, 'cleaner' product lines that align with current wellness trends.

Natural vs. Artificial Colors: A Comparison Table


Feature	Artificial Food Colors (e.g., Red Dye 40)	Natural Food Colors (e.g., Beet Powder, Anthocyanins)
Source	Petroleum byproducts	Plant, fruit, or mineral-based extracts
Vibrancy	High, consistent, and long-lasting	Can vary; less intense; may fade over time
Cost	Generally more cost-effective to produce	Often more expensive due to sourcing and processing
Regulation	FDA certified in the US; may require warning labels in the EU	Exempt from batch certification in the US
Associated Concerns	Potential links to hyperactivity in sensitive children, allergic reactions, and some carcinogen contaminants	Allergic reactions, while rare, can occur
Labeling	Explicitly listed by name (e.g., Red 40, FD&C Red No. 40)	May be listed as extract or powder (e.g., beet powder, turmeric extract)

The Role of Transparency and Labeling

Herbalife states a commitment to ingredient transparency, and its official product labels provide a detailed breakdown of components. Consumers can view these labels on the Herbalife website and marketing materials. The presence or absence of Red Dye 40 is explicitly stated in the ingredient list, which allows for consumer choice.

However, the variation in ingredients across different product lines can lead to confusion. For instance, a customer who uses the dye-free Herbalife24™ line may assume all products follow suit, which is not the case for older or different formulas. This highlights the importance of checking each individual product's label rather than making assumptions based on general brand reputation or experience with another product line. For the most recent information, consulting official Herbalife product documentation is the best practice.

Potential Health Concerns and Consumer Choice

While the FDA considers Red Dye 40 safe for consumption within regulatory limits, ongoing controversy and studies have raised concerns for some consumers. Concerns frequently cited include links to hyperactivity in sensitive children and allergic reactions. These are not universal effects but are significant for those who may be sensitive or wish to avoid synthetic ingredients altogether. Herbalife's move towards removing synthetic dyes from newer products may reflect an acknowledgement of these consumer concerns.

Conclusion: How to Navigate Herbalife's Ingredients

In conclusion, yes, certain Herbalife products do and have used Red Dye 40, as evidenced by official ingredient labels for specific drink mixes and older shake formulas. However, the company is actively moving away from synthetic dyes in many new and reformulated products, particularly in its Herbalife24™ and newer "clean-label" offerings. For health-conscious consumers, the key takeaway is to maintain vigilance. Always check the ingredient list on the specific product label, as formulations can differ and evolve over time. This practice ensures you have the most accurate information for your dietary choices. Herbalife's public commitment to transparency means this information is accessible on their official product pages and documentation.

To see the detailed ingredient list for a specific product, check the official labels provided on the Herbalife website. For example, the label for the Strawberry Drink Mix confirms the presence of Red 40.(https://assets.herbalifenutrition.com/content/dam/regional/nam/en_us/consumable_content/product-catalog-assets/pdfs/2023/12-Dec/211M_BEDrinkMix_Strawberry_US_label.pdf)

Frequently Asked Questions

Historically, products such as certain Strawberry Drink Mixes, Rainbow Candy Beverage Enhancers, and some Wild Berry flavored shakes have contained Red Dye 40. Consumers should always check the most current label of the specific flavor and product they are interested in, as ingredients can change.

Yes, Herbalife has made a noticeable effort to remove artificial colors, including Red Dye 40, from new and reformulated products. Some of their product lines, like the Herbalife24™ series, have always been made without synthetic dyes.

The most reliable way is to read the official ingredient label on the product packaging or find the product's official PDF label on the Herbalife website. The presence of 'Red 40' or 'FD&C Red No. 40' will be explicitly listed there.

The use of Red Dye 40 often depends on the specific product formulation, market regulations, and consumer demand for color. However, the company's shift towards natural alternatives in newer products suggests a response to increasing consumer preference for 'cleaner' labels.

Yes, product lines such as Herbalife24™ and newer products like MultiBurn™ are formulated without synthetic colors or dyes. The company often highlights this in its product descriptions and FAQs for these specific lines.

While the FDA considers Red Dye 40 safe, some studies have linked it to potential health concerns, including allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and the exacerbation of hyperactivity in some children. It is not a nutritional ingredient.

Red Dye 40 (known as E129 or Allura Red AC in Europe) is not banned in the EU but is more restricted. Products containing it must carry a warning label stating the dye "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children".