Does Hot Cheetos Have Red 40 in it? The Full Ingredient Breakdown

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) database, Flamin' Hot Cheetos contain several artificial colors, including Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 6, and Yellow 5. As a widely popular snack, this fact raises questions among health-conscious consumers and parents about the composition and safety of the vibrant red seasoning.

Quick Summary

This article confirms that Flamin' Hot Cheetos contain Red 40, detailing its presence in the seasoning alongside other artificial colors. It explores the sourcing of this synthetic dye and addresses the potential health concerns associated with it, particularly regarding hyperactivity and other effects. Furthermore, the content provides insights for consumers on how to identify this ingredient and offers suggestions for naturally colored alternatives.

Key Points

Contains Red 40: The Flamin' Hot Cheetos sold in the US use synthetic Red 40 Lake to achieve their iconic red color.
FDA Approved, EU Cautionary Label: The FDA considers Red 40 safe, but the EU requires a warning label on products containing it due to potential effects on children's behavior.
Linked to Hyperactivity: Some studies suggest a connection between artificial dyes, including Red 40, and exacerbated hyperactivity in certain children.
Look for Natural Alternatives: Consumers concerned about Red 40 can find alternatives that use natural colorants like paprika extract or beet juice.
Not Vegan-Friendly: The Flamin' Hot seasoning contains dairy-based ingredients, such as cheese and buttermilk, making them unsuitable for a vegan diet.
Ingredient Label is Key: The most reliable way to know if a product contains Red 40 is to read the ingredient list for names like "Red 40" or "Allura Red AC".

Yes, Flamin' Hot Cheetos Contain Red 40

The short answer to the question, "Does Hot Cheetos have Red 40 in it?" is a definitive yes. The vibrant, fiery red powder that defines the Flamin' Hot line is largely attributed to this synthetic food coloring, along with others. While the bold flavor is the main draw for many consumers, the artificial colorants are what create the iconic visual appeal. The use of artificial colors, including Red 40, is a common practice in the snack food industry to enhance product appearance and consumer desirability.

The Role of Red 40 in Flamin' Hot Seasoning

When you examine the ingredient list on a bag of Flamin' Hot Cheetos (in the US), you will see it explicitly mentions "ARTIFICIAL COLOR [RED 40 LAKE, YELLOW 6 LAKE, YELLOW 6, YELLOW 5]". This is a clear indicator that the snack's signature look is not derived from natural spices alone. Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a petroleum-derived dye used extensively in the food and cosmetic industries. The use of an 'aluminum lake' form of the dye allows the color to stick to the snack evenly without bleeding.

Potential Health Concerns Associated with Red 40

Red 40 has been a subject of controversy and concern for several years, with numerous studies exploring its potential health effects. While the FDA currently considers it safe for consumption within certain limits, some organizations and studies have raised red flags.

A Closer Look at the Concerns:

Hyperactivity in Children: Research, including the Southampton Study and reports from the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), has suggested a link between synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, and increased hyperactivity in some children. While not all children are affected, sensitive individuals and those with ADHD may see an exacerbation of symptoms.
Allergic Reactions: Though rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions, such as hives or asthma-like symptoms, after consuming Red 40.
Other Potential Effects: Some animal studies and emerging research have explored other potential impacts, including DNA damage and gut inflammation, though more human studies are needed for conclusive evidence.

The International View on Red 40

Regulatory approaches to Red 40 vary significantly across the globe. While the FDA in the US certifies Red 40 as safe and continues to approve its use, the European Union (EU) has a different stance. Products containing Red 40 in Europe must carry a warning label stating the colorant "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children". Some countries have even moved to ban or heavily restrict these dyes. This divergence in policy reflects the ongoing debate and differing interpretations of the scientific evidence regarding food dyes.

How to Identify and Avoid Red 40

If you want to avoid products containing Red 40, reading the ingredient label is the most crucial step. Red 40 can be listed under several names. You should look for:

Red 40
Red 40 Lake
FD&C Red No. 40
Allura Red AC
E129 (in European products)

Many natural alternatives exist that can provide vibrant red colors without synthetic dyes. These include beet juice, paprika extract, and anthocyanins derived from fruits like pomegranate. Some manufacturers are already exploring these alternatives to cater to consumer demand for "clean-label" products. For example, PepsiCo has been reported to be experimenting with paprika and turmeric to replace artificial dyes in products like Flamin' Hot Cheetos in certain markets.

Comparison of Cheetos Variants and Alternatives


Feature	Flamin' Hot Cheetos (US)	Flamin' Hot Cheetos (UK)	Naturally Colored Alternatives
Key Colorant	Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake	Paprika Extract, Sulphite Ammonia Caramel	Beet Juice, Paprika, Annatto
Artificial Dyes	Yes	No	No
Required Labeling	Standard ingredient list	Warning label in Europe	No warning label
Vegan	No (contains dairy)	Suitable for vegetarians	Varies by product
Availability	Wide availability in the US	Primarily in the UK	Growing market, health food stores
Potential Concerns	Hyperactivity in sensitive individuals	None related to artificial dyes	Allergies to natural ingredients (e.g., paprika)

The Bottom Line

The presence of Red 40 in Flamin' Hot Cheetos is confirmed by the product's ingredient list in the US. While the FDA deems it safe for consumption, controversies and studies linking the dye to potential behavioral issues in sensitive children persist. The existence of versions in other countries (like the UK) that use natural colorants and the increasing availability of dye-free alternatives show that synthetic colorants are not necessary for a visually appealing or flavorful product. For consumers concerned about the health implications of artificial food dyes, the best course of action is to check ingredient labels carefully and explore the growing market of naturally colored snacks.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for specific health concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Cheetos products contain Red 40. However, the Flamin' Hot variety sold in the US does. It is important to check the ingredient list for each specific flavor, as some may use different colorants or none at all.

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food coloring used to make processed foods and beverages more visually appealing. It is derived from petroleum and provides a bright, stable color that manufacturers prefer.

The health effects of Red 40 are a subject of ongoing debate. While the FDA considers it safe, some studies have linked it to potential health issues, including increased hyperactivity in sensitive children. The decision to avoid it often depends on personal health concerns and sensitivity.

Yes, several natural colorants can be used instead of Red 40. These include beet juice, paprika extract, annatto, and pomegranate juice. Some manufacturers are already transitioning to these natural options.

No, Flamin' Hot Cheetos are not vegan. The seasoning contains several dairy-based ingredients, such as cheddar cheese, whey, and buttermilk, making them unsuitable for a vegan diet.

The differing regulations for Red 40 and other artificial dyes are due to different interpretations of scientific evidence regarding their safety. In Europe, for example, the precautionary principle leads to a required warning label on products containing Red 40, citing potential adverse effects on children's activity and attention.

The best way to check for Red 40 is to read the ingredient list on the product packaging. Look for names such as 'Red 40,' 'FD&C Red No. 40,' 'Allura Red AC,' or 'E129' (in Europe).