Does Hi-C Have Red Food Dye? Unpacking the Ingredients

October 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), some Hi-C products contain Red 40 and Yellow 6, two of their top food additives of concern. So, to answer the question, does Hi-C have red food dye? The answer depends on the specific product, as ingredients vary between juice boxes, drink mixes, and fountain drinks.

Quick Summary

Ingredient analysis reveals that while some Hi-C products, specifically certain drink mixes and fountain versions like Orange Lavaburst, contain artificial red food dye, the standard juice boxes often do not. The presence of Red 40 and Yellow 6 is a key differentiating factor, impacting consumers mindful of food additives and their dietary intake.

Key Points

Product-Specific Ingredients: The presence of red food dye, specifically Red 40, in Hi-C varies significantly depending on the specific product formulation.
Juice Boxes vs. Mixes: While the single-serving Hi-C juice boxes often contain no artificial dyes, powdered drink mixes and fountain drinks have been known to include Red 40 and other synthetic colors.
Red 40 Concerns: Red 40 (Allura Red AC) is an artificial dye present in some Hi-C products and is listed as a food additive of concern by groups like the EWG, though it's approved by the FDA.
Check Labels: To confirm the presence of red food dye, always read the ingredient list on the product packaging, which will clearly list Red 40 if included.
Healthier Alternatives: For those seeking to avoid artificial dyes, natural options like water infused with fruit, 100% fruit juice, or homemade smoothies offer healthier beverage choices.

Deciphering the Labels: The Truth About Hi-C and Food Dyes

For many, Hi-C is a nostalgic drink, but as consumers become more health-conscious, questions about its ingredients, particularly artificial food dyes, have become common. The simple question, does Hi-C have red food dye?, requires a more nuanced answer, as the formulation varies significantly depending on the product type. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone monitoring their diet or avoiding certain food additives. The presence of food dyes like Red 40 is a key factor distinguishing different Hi-C offerings.

The Product-Specific Nature of Hi-C Ingredients

Not all Hi-C products are created equal when it comes to artificial food dyes. The primary distinction lies between the boxed, ready-to-drink juice cartons and the powdered drink mixes or fountain versions. While the boxed drinks have moved towards a formula without synthetic colors, the mixes and fountain versions have historically included them to achieve their vibrant colors. For instance, a quick look at the ingredients for the Hi-C Orange Lavaburst served at McDonald's reveals the presence of Red 40, alongside Yellow 6. In contrast, Hi-C juice box varieties have transitioned to being dye-free and rely on fruit juice concentrates for their color.

Red 40 and its Implications

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is one of the most commonly used food dyes in the food and beverage industry. While the FDA considers it safe for consumption, some advocacy groups and studies have raised concerns about its potential health effects, particularly in children. Some individuals report sensitivities to artificial dyes, which can manifest in various ways, though comprehensive scientific evidence is still debated. The presence of Red 40 in some Hi-C products is a key consideration for consumers who are wary of synthetic additives in their diet.

How to Verify the Presence of Food Dyes

The best way to determine if a specific Hi-C product contains red food dye is to check the ingredients list on the packaging. By law, manufacturers must disclose all ingredients. For those buying from a soda fountain, it can be more challenging to verify. However, most consumers have found that the fountain drinks and powdered mixes are the ones to scrutinize for artificial colors, while the individual juice boxes are generally free of them.

Read the Label: The ingredients list is the most reliable source of information. Look for "Red 40" or "artificial color".
Cross-Reference with Online Resources: Websites like the EWG provide ingredient and concern breakdowns for many Hi-C products.
Contact the Manufacturer: For fountain drinks, a consumer can contact The Coca-Cola Company directly for the most current information.

Making Healthier Beverage Choices

Choosing healthier alternatives is a key aspect of a balanced nutrition diet. Many store-brand and natural juice options offer similar fruit flavors without artificial colors, and many companies are reformulating products to meet consumer demand for cleaner ingredients. Comparing Hi-C with other beverages highlights the importance of understanding food additives.

Comparison Table: Hi-C vs. Alternatives


Feature	Hi-C Orange Lavaburst (Fountain)	Hi-C Flashin' Fruit Punch (Box)	Alternative Natural Juice	Water
Artificial Red Dye	Yes (Red 40)	No	No	No
Artificial Sweeteners	Yes (often contains acesulfame potassium, sucralose)	Yes (sucralose, acesulfame potassium)	No	No
High Fructose Corn Syrup	Yes	Yes	May contain sugar, but often less processed	No
Added Sugar	Yes (high amount)	Yes (high amount)	Varies, check label	No
Health Concerns	Moderate to high concern (EWG)	Moderate concern (EWG)	Lower concern, depends on brand	Low/None

Practical Alternatives for Health-Conscious Consumers

Infused Water: Add sliced fruit like strawberries, oranges, or lemons to water for a naturally flavored and colored drink.
100% Fruit Juice: While still high in sugar, 100% fruit juice is a better alternative as it contains no artificial colors. A popular strategy is to dilute juice with water.
Homemade Smoothies: Blending fresh or frozen fruits like berries, mangoes, and spinach can create a nutrient-rich and colorful beverage without any additives.
Naturally Flavored Seltzers: Many brands now offer seltzer water with natural fruit essences, providing a bubbly, flavorful drink without sugar or dyes.

Conclusion

The question, does Hi-C have red food dye?, does not have a simple "yes" or "no" answer; it depends on the specific product. While the Hi-C juice boxes have been reformulated to remove artificial dyes, older versions and many fountain or powdered mix variations, including popular options like Orange Lavaburst, contain Red 40. This highlights the importance of being an informed consumer and reading ingredient labels diligently. For those seeking to avoid synthetic additives as part of a healthier nutrition diet, exploring natural beverage alternatives is an effective strategy.

Note: While some products may have been reformulated over time, it's always best to check the most current and product-specific ingredient lists for the most accurate information. For more information on food dyes and additives, consult reputable sources like the EWG's Food Scores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Hi-C Orange Lavaburst, particularly the fountain version found at McDonald's, explicitly lists Red 40 as an ingredient on its nutritional information.

No, not all Hi-C products are free of red dye. While some juice box formulations have been made without synthetic colors, powdered mixes and fountain drinks may still contain Red 40.

The most reliable way is to check the ingredient list on the specific juice box. Most ready-to-drink juice boxes in the current market are dye-free and use fruit juice for color, but checking the label is always the best practice.

Red 40 (Allura Red AC) is an artificial food dye used to enhance and standardize the visual appearance of foods and beverages. It provides a consistent, vibrant color that can be lost during processing.

Regulatory bodies like the FDA consider Red 40 safe for consumption. However, some groups and studies have raised concerns about potential health effects, particularly on children, and some individuals may have sensitivities to the additive.

Excellent alternatives include infused water with fresh fruit, 100% fruit juice (consumed in moderation), homemade fruit smoothies, or naturally flavored seltzer water.

Yes, the ingredients in Hi-C products have changed over time. The Coca-Cola Company has reformulated certain products, like some juice box varieties, to remove artificial colors in response to consumer demand for cleaner ingredients.