Does Red Jell-O Have Red Dye in It? The Truth About Its Ingredients

October 24, 2025 •

3 min read

Many people wonder about the ingredients in their favorite desserts, and a common question is whether Red Jell-O has red dye in it. The answer is yes; standard commercial versions of red Jell-O contain an artificial colorant, most commonly Red Dye 40, to achieve their vibrant hue. This bright, synthetic color serves a purely cosmetic purpose, making the dessert more visually appealing to consumers.

Quick Summary

Standard Red Jell-O varieties contain the synthetic petroleum-based colorant Red Dye 40 for their vibrant color. This article explores the specific ingredients, potential health concerns associated with artificial dyes like Red 40, and available natural alternatives for those looking to avoid synthetic additives.

Key Points

Standard Red Jell-O contains Red 40: The ingredients list for cherry or strawberry Jell-O confirms the use of the artificial colorant Red Dye 40.
Red 40 is a synthetic, petroleum-based dye: It is used purely for cosmetic purposes to create the vibrant red color.
Health concerns are debated: While the FDA deems Red 40 safe, some studies link it to hyperactivity in sensitive children, leading to stricter regulations in Europe.
Natural alternatives exist: Ingredients like beet juice, pomegranate juice, and fruit concentrates can create red colors naturally for those avoiding artificial dyes.
Read the label: The only way to be certain of a product's contents is to read the ingredient list, as some brands are switching to natural colorings.
Red Dye 40 is different from Red Dye 3: While both are artificial, Red Dye 3 was banned from food in the US due to cancer concerns, while Red 40 remains approved.

The Ingredients of Standard Red Jell-O

To understand whether red Jell-O has red dye, it's essential to look at the ingredient list of a typical boxed mix. A common list for flavors like cherry or strawberry includes:

Sugar
Gelatin
Adipic acid (for tartness)
Sodium citrate
Fumaric acid
Artificial flavor
Red 40
Sometimes a second dye, like Blue 1, is added in small amounts to create a specific shade, such as in certain cherry or grape varieties.

What is Red Dye 40?

Red Dye 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food coloring derived from petroleum. It is one of the most widely used food dyes in the United States and is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, its safety has been a subject of ongoing debate and research for many years. While the FDA considers it safe for consumption, some studies and health groups have raised concerns, particularly regarding potential links to hyperactivity in children and other adverse health effects.

The Controversy Surrounding Artificial Dyes

The controversy over artificial food dyes like Red 40 centers on several key points:

Behavioral Issues in Children: Several studies, including the 2007 Southampton study and a 2021 review by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, suggest a link between synthetic food dyes and neurobehavioral problems, such as hyperactivity and inattentiveness, in some children. The European Union (EU) requires products containing Red 40 to carry a warning label stating the dye may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children, a precautionary measure the U.S. has not adopted.
Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to food additives like Red 40, with symptoms such as hives, swelling, or asthma.
Other Potential Health Risks: Emerging research, primarily from animal studies, has suggested other potential concerns, including links to digestive inflammation and DNA damage, though more human research is needed.

The Difference Between Red Dye 40 and Red Dye 3

It's important to distinguish Red Dye 40 from another red dye, Red Dye 3 (erythrosine), which has a different regulatory status.


Feature	Red Dye 40 (Allura Red AC)	Red Dye 3 (Erythrosine)
Source	Petroleum-based synthetic dye	Petroleum-based synthetic dye
Usage in Jell-O	Commonly used in red-flavored Jell-O products	Less common now; has been used in some food items
Regulatory Status (US)	Considered safe by the FDA at current consumption levels	FDA banned its use in cosmetics in 1990; in April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase it out of all food and ingested drugs
Associated Concerns	Linked to hyperactivity in some sensitive children	Linked to thyroid cancer in rat studies in the 1980s

Natural Alternatives to Artificial Red Dyes

For those who prefer to avoid synthetic dyes, there are several natural alternatives that can achieve a red hue. Some commercial brands are starting to use these due to consumer demand.

Common natural alternatives include:

Beet Juice/Beetroot Powder: Provides a strong, vibrant red color and is a popular natural alternative for many products.
Pomegranate Juice: Offers a deep red shade, perfect for beverages and desserts.
Cherry or Raspberry Juice: Can be used to color gelatin desserts, adding a natural fruit flavor along with the color.
Red Cabbage Juice: When combined with an acid, such as lemon juice, it can create a reddish-pink color.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Yes, standard red Jell-O does contain the artificial dye Red 40, along with other ingredients like sugar and gelatin. This ingredient is primarily for aesthetic purposes and has been a source of public debate regarding its potential health impacts. While regulatory bodies like the FDA maintain that Red 40 is safe, some studies and international regulations point to potential links with hyperactivity in sensitive children. For consumers concerned about artificial ingredients, natural alternatives like those derived from beet or pomegranate are excellent options for making vibrant, colorful desserts. The best approach is to always read the ingredient label to make an informed choice based on your health preferences.

Learn more about food color additives and regulations from the FDA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard red-flavored Jell-O contains Red Dye 40, a synthetic color additive also known as Allura Red AC. Some brands or specific flavor variations might use other dyes or natural colorings.

The safety of Red Dye 40 is a subject of debate. The FDA considers it safe for consumption, but some research suggests potential links to hyperactivity and behavioral issues in certain children.

Yes, for those who want to avoid artificial dyes, there are vegetarian or organic versions of gelatin desserts that use natural colorings from sources like beet juice or fruit concentrates.

Red Dye 40 is not banned in Europe, but the European Union requires warning labels on products containing it, citing a potential link to hyperactivity in children. The U.S. FDA maintains a different interpretation of the available scientific evidence and has not mandated similar warnings.

Red Dye 40 (Allura Red AC) is still permitted in U.S. foods, though with some controversy. Red Dye 3 (Erythrosine) was banned from use in foods by the FDA in 2025 due to concerns about a link to thyroid cancer in animal studies.

For homemade recipes, you can use natural colorings such as beet juice, pomegranate juice, or powdered hibiscus to achieve a reddish color without synthetic dyes.

Yes, the gelatin in traditional Jell-O is a protein derived from animal collagen, typically sourced from the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals like cows or pigs.