Does Nestle use red dye 40? Understanding their recent commitment

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

In a major shift toward consumer transparency, food and beverage giant Nestlé recently announced plans to phase out all synthetic food dyes from its U.S. portfolio. This comes amid long-standing public concerns and scrutiny regarding ingredients like Red Dye 40 and its potential health effects, especially on children.

Quick Summary

Nestle has committed to eliminating all synthetic food colors, including Red Dye 40, from its U.S. products by mid-2026. While the company has made similar promises before, this new pledge signals a major industry shift towards natural alternatives in response to consumer demands and growing health concerns.

Key Points

Nestle's Pledge: Nestle announced it will remove all synthetic food dyes, including Red Dye 40, from its U.S. products by mid-2026.
Previous Inconsistencies: The company had previously made similar commitments in 2015, which were not fully implemented across its product line.
Health Concerns: Concerns about Red Dye 40 include potential links to hyperactivity in children and recent animal studies showing links to DNA damage and gut inflammation.
Regulatory Differences: The U.S. FDA approves Red Dye 40 for consumption, while the European Union requires warning labels on products containing it.
Natural Alternatives: As part of the move, Nestle is replacing synthetic dyes with natural colorants derived from sources like beet juice, paprika, and turmeric.
Consumer Power: The industry-wide shift away from synthetic dyes highlights the growing influence of consumer demand for cleaner, more transparent food ingredients.

Nestle's Position on Artificial Food Dyes

Nestle, like other major food companies, has faced increasing pressure from consumers and health advocates to remove artificial colors and other additives from its products. For years, the company's stance and progress on this issue have been subject to change. In 2015, Nestle initially announced plans to remove artificial flavors and colors, but the promise did not fully materialize across its product line. This led to continued consumer uncertainty about the ingredients in some of their most popular items.

However, in June 2025, in a move coordinated with new federal health initiatives, Nestlé USA announced a firm commitment to eliminate synthetic food dyes from all its U.S. food and beverages by mid-2026. This means that by this date, consumers should expect to see the removal of petroleum-based dyes, including FD&C Red No. 40, from Nestlé products sold in the United States. The company stated that a significant portion of its U.S. portfolio already does not contain these synthetic colors, indicating an ongoing reformulation process.

The Health Controversy Surrounding Red Dye 40

Red Dye 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic color additive derived from petroleum and one of the most widely used food dyes. It is approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is found in a wide variety of processed foods, from candy and beverages to snacks and baked goods. Despite its approval, the dye remains highly controversial due to ongoing concerns about its potential impact on health.

Studies have linked Red Dye 40 and other synthetic dyes to adverse neurobehavioral effects in some children, including hyperactivity and other attention-related issues. While the FDA acknowledges that some children may be sensitive to food dyes, its stance is that most do not experience negative behavioral effects. In contrast, the European Union mandates a warning label on products containing Red Dye 40 and other specified dyes, stating that they “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”. Beyond behavioral concerns, a 2023 study found that continuous exposure to Red Dye 40 harmed gut health and caused inflammation in mice, raising questions about potential long-term digestive and inflammatory effects in humans.

Natural Alternatives to Synthetic Dyes

As companies like Nestle move away from synthetic colors, they are increasingly turning to natural alternatives to achieve vibrant hues in their products. These plant-based colorants are derived from fruits, vegetables, herbs, and minerals.

Beet Juice: Provides pink and red tones, suitable for yogurt, ice cream, and beverages.
Paprika Extract: Delivers orange and reddish shades, commonly used in snacks and sauces.
Turmeric: Creates a yellow color, often used in condiments and pastries.
Spirulina Powder: A blue-green algae that gives food a green or blue hue.
Annatto: Sourced from the seeds of the achiote tree, offering a yellowish-orange color.
Pomegranate Juice: Can produce a reddish-pink hue for beverages and frostings.

Comparison of Synthetic vs. Natural Colorants


Feature	Synthetic Food Dyes (e.g., Red 40)	Natural Food Colorants (e.g., Beet Juice)
Origin	Derived from petroleum or coal tar	Extracted from fruits, vegetables, and other natural sources
Manufacturing	Chemically synthesized in a lab	Processed from natural sources
Color Intensity	Often more vibrant, consistent, and stable	Can be more subtle and may fade over time
Cost	Generally cheaper to produce	Typically more expensive due to processing and sourcing
Regulation	FDA-certified in the U.S.; EU requires warning labels	No batch certification required in the U.S.
Health Perception	Associated with health concerns by consumers	Widely perceived as healthier and cleaner

What this Means for Your Nutrition Diet

For a mindful nutrition diet, Nestlé's commitment to eliminating Red Dye 40 and other synthetic dyes is a positive development. As brands reformulate their products, consumers can expect a shift toward more natural and potentially safer ingredients. This trend, driven by public demand, is a powerful reminder that consumer choices can influence major industry players and foster greater food transparency. For those concerned about artificial additives, this transition offers greater peace of mind and simplifies the process of avoiding synthetic dyes when shopping.

Conclusion

In summary, while Nestlé historically used Red Dye 40 in some products, the company has pledged to remove it from its entire U.S. portfolio by mid-2026. This decision, influenced by consumer preferences and growing health concerns, represents a significant move towards transparency and natural ingredients. As this transition occurs, careful label reading remains the best way for consumers to make informed choices about their nutrition and diet. The move from major food manufacturers like Nestlé signals a future where natural, plant-based colorants will become the new standard for food products.

Frequently Asked Questions

As of mid-2025, Nestlé still uses Red Dye 40 and other synthetic colors in some of its U.S. products, such as Nesquik strawberry syrup. However, the company has committed to removing all synthetic dyes by mid-2026.

While 90% of Nestle's U.S. portfolio is already free of synthetic colors, some products like Nesquik strawberry syrup and formerly Nesquik Banana Strawberry milk (which contained Red Dye 3, now banned) still contain them until the mid-2026 deadline.

Nestle is moving towards natural, plant-based alternatives, which include colorants derived from sources such as beet juice concentrate and paprika extract.

Red Dye 40 is not universally banned, but the European Union requires a warning label on products containing it. In the U.S., Red Dye 3 was banned in 2025, and there is pressure on the FDA to remove other synthetic dyes as well.

The controversy stems from studies suggesting potential links between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in some children, as well as concerns raised by animal studies about potential negative effects on gut health and DNA.

The best way to avoid Red Dye 40 is to read ingredient labels carefully and look for natural alternatives. You can also prioritize fresh, unprocessed foods and products that explicitly state they are free of artificial colors.

Nestle has set a deadline of mid-2026 to eliminate all synthetic food colors from its food and beverage products sold in the United States.