The Surprising Ingredients in Flavored Applesauce
For many consumers, applesauce is viewed as a simple, healthy snack. However, the addition of fruit flavors like strawberry can introduce unexpected ingredients. The bright pink or red hue of many strawberry applesauces is not solely from strawberry puree but is often a result of added colorings. While some brands use natural colorants derived from fruits and vegetables, many still opt for synthetic dyes like Red 40, which is also known as Allura Red AC.
Why Manufacturers Add Red 40
Red 40 is the most widely used synthetic food coloring in the United States, appearing in over 36,000 food products. Its popularity stems from several factors:
- Cost-effectiveness: Synthetic dyes are typically much cheaper to produce than natural alternatives.
- Vibrant and consistent color: Red 40 creates a vivid, uniform red color that is difficult to achieve with natural sources.
- Stability: This dye is shelf-stable and holds its color over time, making it ideal for mass-produced products.
The Importance of Reading the Ingredient Label
The only definitive way to know if your strawberry applesauce contains Red 40 is to read the ingredient list. The FDA requires manufacturers to list all color additives, so look for "Red 40," "FD&C Red No. 40," or "Red 40 Lake". This is especially important for flavored applesauces, as the color can be a combination of artificial and natural sources, or even just artificial color with natural flavors.
Brands That Use Red 40 vs. Natural Colorants
Not all strawberry applesauces are created equal. Several manufacturers have moved away from synthetic dyes, while others still rely on them. Here is a comparison of what you might find on the shelves.
| Brand | Uses Red 40? | Color Sourced From | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mott's Strawberry Applesauce | Yes | Red 40 | Contains High Fructose Corn Syrup. |
| Great Value Strawberry Applesauce | Yes | Red 40 | Available at Walmart. |
| GoGo squeeZ Organic Apple Strawberry | No | Organic Blackcurrant, Organic Apple | USDA Organic certified. |
| Zee Zees Strawberry Applesauce | No | Fruit and Vegetable Juice | All-natural ingredients, no added sugar or artificial colors. |
| Musselman's Strawberry Apple Sauce | Yes | Fruit and Vegetable Juice, Color Added | The exact "color added" might include Red 40, depending on formulation. Check specific label. |
| Mott's No Sugar Added Strawberry Applesauce | No | Vegetable and Fruit Juices (for color) | A healthier version from the same brand. |
It's important to note that a single brand may offer multiple product lines. For instance, Mott's offers a version with Red 40 and a "No Sugar Added" version that uses natural colors. This highlights the need to check the specific product label every time.
The Rise of Natural Colorants
Driven by consumer demand for cleaner labels, many food companies are now using natural sources to color their products. These alternatives provide a safer, less controversial option for achieving a red hue. Some common natural colorants include:
- Beetroot: Provides a deep, earthy red.
- Black/Purple Carrot: Offers a vibrant purple-red hue.
- Anthocyanins: Pigments found in fruits like elderberry, purple sweet potato, and hibiscus.
- Tomato Extract: Used for color in some strawberry applesauce pouches.
Potential Health Concerns Associated with Red 40
While the FDA considers Red 40 safe for consumption within established limits, some consumer advocacy groups and studies have raised concerns. These concerns are the primary reason many people choose to avoid the dye.
- Behavioral Issues in Children: Some studies suggest a link between Red 40 and increased hyperactivity in children, particularly those with ADHD. In the European Union, products with Red 40 carry a warning label stating they "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children".
- Allergic Reactions: In sensitive individuals, Red 40 has been known to cause allergic reactions, including hives, swelling, and itching.
- Long-Term Effects: Though evidence is not conclusive, some research raises questions about potential long-term health effects, including inflammation and links to cancer.
Making an Informed Choice
To make the best decision for yourself and your family, consider these steps when shopping for strawberry applesauce:
- Prioritize the ingredient list: Ignore marketing claims like "natural flavors" and go straight to the ingredients. Check for "Red 40" or its other names.
- Look for natural alternatives: Seek products that explicitly list natural colorants like "vegetable juice for color" or "fruit juice concentrate".
- Choose organic: USDA organic products are prohibited from using artificial colors, including Red 40.
- Embrace simplicity: Consider making your own strawberry applesauce at home, where you have complete control over the ingredients and can achieve a pink color naturally with strawberries.
In conclusion, whether strawberry applesauce has Red 40 is not a universal fact but rather a brand-specific detail. By learning to read ingredient labels and recognizing the names of artificial dyes, consumers can easily identify and choose products that align with their dietary preferences and health concerns.
Conclusion
While the answer to "Does strawberry applesauce have Red 40?" is not a simple yes or no, the evidence shows that many popular brands do include this artificial dye for coloring. Consumers must be vigilant about reading the ingredient list, looking specifically for terms like "Red 40" or "FD&C Red No. 40." Thankfully, numerous alternatives exist, from organic brands to those that use natural fruit and vegetable juices for color. With a little extra attention at the grocery store, you can easily find a delicious, dye-free strawberry applesauce. Making an informed choice empowers you to control the additives in your food and choose products that best suit your health goals. For more in-depth information on food additives and their effects, you can visit resources like the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
