Does orange Jell-O have red dye 40 in it?

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the ingredient list on a US-market box of orange Jell-O, it contains both Yellow 6 and Red 40. This fact directly answers the question, 'Does orange Jell-O have red dye 40 in it?' and confirms that the familiar orange color is not created with a single orange pigment, but a combination of artificial dyes.

Quick Summary

Standard US-market orange Jell-O is colored using a blend of artificial food dyes, specifically Yellow 6 and Red 40. This article details the specific ingredients used to achieve the color and explores different product variations.

Key Points

Presence of Red 40: Standard US-market orange Jell-O uses both Yellow 6 and Red 40 to create its color.
Color Blending: The combination of a red and a yellow dye is a common technique in the food industry to achieve specific orange shades.
Sugar-Free Version: Sugar-free orange Jell-O also contains Red 40, indicating its use is for color, not flavor, and isn't tied to the product's sweetness.
International Differences: Due to differing food regulations, Jell-O products sold in different countries, such as Canada, may have different ingredients and dyes.
Health Concerns: Red 40 and other synthetic dyes have been linked in some studies to potential behavioral issues, particularly hyperactivity in sensitive children.
Natural Alternatives: For those wishing to avoid artificial colors, natural options like carrot juice or paprika exist for coloring food at home.

The Surprising Ingredients in Orange Jell-O

It may seem counterintuitive that a product designed to be orange would require a red dye, but the ingredient list for standard orange Jell-O in the United States clearly confirms the presence of Red Dye 40. The specific formula used by Kraft Heinz, the company behind Jell-O, relies on a combination of artificial colors, primarily Yellow 6 and Red 40, to achieve the vibrant and consistent orange hue that consumers expect. This is common practice in the food industry, where specific shades are precisely formulated by blending different color additives.

The Purpose of Mixing Dyes

When mixing dyes, food manufacturers blend primary and secondary colors to create the final desired shade. For Jell-O's classic orange, Yellow 6 provides the base yellow, while Red 40 adds the necessary red tone to shift the color from yellow to a vivid orange. The precise ratio of these two dyes ensures a consistent color from batch to batch, a critical factor for branded food products. Natural colors, while available, can be more expensive and less stable, making artificial dyes a more common choice for long-shelf-life products.

Jell-O Variations and Ingredient Differences

Not all Jell-O products are the same, and a close look at different variations reveals some key differences in their ingredient lists.

Sugar-Free Jell-O: The orange, low-calorie version of Jell-O also contains Red 40, along with Yellow 6. It uses artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium in place of sugar. This confirms that the presence of Red 40 is not tied to the sugar content, but to the desired final color. Phenylketonurics should note the inclusion of phenylalanine in some sugar-free versions.
International Markets: Jell-O products can have different formulas depending on the country where they are sold due to varying regulations on food dyes. Some markets, particularly in Europe, have different requirements or consumer preferences regarding artificial food colorings. For instance, Canadian Jell-O ingredients might differ.

Concerns and Alternatives Regarding Artificial Dyes

Concerns about synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, are not new. Research and advocacy groups have raised questions about potential links between these additives and health issues, particularly in sensitive individuals and children. While regulatory bodies like the FDA in the US and the EFSA in Europe have approved Red 40 for use within certain limits, some studies and anecdotes suggest adverse effects like hyperactivity. This has prompted a portion of the public to seek out products made with natural coloring alternatives.

Table: Artificial vs. Natural Orange Coloring


Feature	Artificial Orange (e.g., Jell-O)	Natural Orange Coloring (DIY or specialty products)
Dyes Used	Red 40, Yellow 6	Beta-carotene (carrots), annatto, paprika
Source	Petroleum-based synthetic chemicals	Plant-based extracts
Cost	Generally low	Can be higher due to extraction and sourcing
Color Consistency	Highly consistent and vibrant	Can vary depending on source, processing, and batch
Health Concerns	Linked by some studies to potential hyperactivity	Generally considered safer, though allergies can occur
Labeling	Explicitly listed as 'Red 40' and 'Yellow 6'	Listed as natural colorings (e.g., 'annatto extract')

A Growing Interest in Natural Alternatives

The growing demand for cleaner food labels and fewer artificial ingredients has led to a rise in natural alternatives. For those who want to avoid synthetic dyes, natural orange food coloring can be made at home using various plant-based sources. For example, carrot juice or paprika powder can produce orange hues in homemade desserts and frostings. This trend has also pushed some manufacturers to develop products that use natural colorants, though they are less common in standard, mass-market products like Jell-O.

Conclusion

To answer the initial question, yes, orange Jell-O, as sold in the US, does contain Red Dye 40, along with Yellow Dye 6, to create its characteristic orange shade. This practice is part of a broader industry standard for achieving vibrant, consistent colors in processed foods. While regulatory bodies consider these dyes safe for consumption within approved limits, concerns about potential adverse effects exist, prompting some consumers to seek out natural alternatives. Ultimately, reading the ingredient list is the best way to know exactly what is in your food, especially if you or your family are sensitive to artificial additives. For more information on food dyes and their effects, Amen Clinics offers more insight into artificial dyes.

List of Other Foods Containing Red 40

Breakfast cereals: Many popular breakfast cereals use a combination of Red 40 and other dyes.
Sports drinks: Brands like Gatorade are known to contain Red 40.
Candy: A wide variety of candy products use Red 40 to create red, orange, and even purple colors.
Snack foods: Some brands of flavored chips and other snacks include Red 40.
Ice cream: Certain ice cream and frozen dessert flavors may be colored with Red 40.
Medications: Both over-the-counter and prescription medications sometimes use artificial dyes like Red 40.

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange Jell-O contains Red Dye 40 because it is combined with Yellow Dye 6 to create the specific shade of orange desired by the manufacturer. A pure orange dye is not used; instead, a blend of red and yellow dyes is used for consistency.

No, not all orange foods are colored with Red Dye 40. The use of dyes varies by product and brand. While some processed foods use it, many others, particularly those with natural colors, use ingredients like beta-carotene, annatto, or paprika.

Yes, sugar-free orange Jell-O contains Red Dye 40. It is included in the ingredient list along with Yellow 6 to achieve the orange color, even without the added sugar.

Red Dye 40 is approved for use in food by regulatory agencies like the FDA. However, some studies and reports suggest a potential link between the dye and adverse effects like hyperactivity in sensitive individuals. The safety of food dyes is an ongoing area of discussion and research.

Kraft, the manufacturer of Jell-O, does not typically offer a version of its classic gelatin dessert without artificial dyes in the US market. Some specialty or organic brands, however, may offer gelatin dessert mixes made with natural colorings.

Most conventional Jell-O flavors contain artificial dyes to achieve their bright colors. However, some clear or naturally colored products may exist, and ingredients should be checked individually. The specific dyes used will differ by flavor.

Yes, natural alternatives for orange food coloring include ingredients like carrot juice, pumpkin puree, or paprika powder. These can be used for coloring homemade baked goods, frosting, and other dishes.