Does Strawberry PediaSure Have Red Dye? An Ingredient Deep Dive

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the manufacturer, current versions of strawberry PediaSure liquid have had artificial Red Dye 3 removed, a significant change that has addressed a major consumer concern. This reformulation was prompted by a broader industry shift toward cleaner labels and increased scrutiny of synthetic food additives. For parents wondering, Does strawberry PediaSure have red dye? the answer is now reassuringly no, as the company responds to market demands for fewer artificial ingredients.

Quick Summary

Strawberry PediaSure no longer contains artificial red dye, a change by the manufacturer in response to health concerns and regulatory pressure. This results in a naturally off-white shake that maintains its strawberry flavor.

Key Points

Dye-Free Formulation: Recent versions of strawberry PediaSure liquid have removed artificial Red Dye 3, resulting in an off-white rather than pink color.
Health Concerns Addressed: The removal of Red Dye 3 by the manufacturer responds to concerns about synthetic colors, including links to behavioral issues and potential carcinogenicity.
Regulatory Push for Clean Ingredients: This change follows an FDA ban on Red Dye 3 for certain uses and broader consumer trends favoring products free of artificial additives.
Check Product Versions: While the ready-to-drink strawberry shake is dye-free, some powdered versions may use different, natural colorants like beet powder; always check the label.
Informed Choices are Key: Parents should remain diligent by reading ingredient lists and prioritizing whole foods as the primary source of nutrition, using supplements as intended.

From Vibrant Pink to Naturally Off-White: The PediaSure Formulation Change

For years, parents relied on PediaSure as a nutritional supplement for their children, but the vibrant pink color of the strawberry flavor often raised questions. The prominent query, "Does strawberry PediaSure have red dye?" stemmed from increasing consumer awareness regarding artificial food colorings and their potential health effects. Previously, certain PediaSure products, including some formulations of the strawberry shake, contained Red Dye 3. However, the manufacturer has since reformulated its products to remove this synthetic additive, leading to a noticeable change in color.

This move by Abbott Nutrition, PediaSure's maker, aligns with a larger industry trend and growing parental demand for fewer artificial ingredients, particularly in products marketed toward children. While the label might still show a pink strawberry for branding, the liquid contents of the shake are now an off-white hue, confirming the removal of the artificial coloring.

The Controversy and Health Concerns Behind Red Dyes

The reformulation of PediaSure is a direct response to a growing body of evidence and regulatory action concerning artificial food dyes. The use of synthetic colors like Red Dye 3 and Red 40 has been linked to several potential health issues, making their removal a priority for many health-conscious consumers.

Behavioral Issues and Neurotoxicity

Numerous studies and reviews have investigated the link between synthetic food dyes and neurobehavioral problems, especially in children. Research suggests that artificial food dyes can exacerbate symptoms in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), causing issues such as hyperactivity and irritability. Some theories suggest that dyes can interfere with neurotransmitter function and cross the blood-brain barrier, impacting neurological health.

Potential Carcinogenic Effects

Beyond behavioral concerns, certain artificial dyes have been scrutinized for potential cancer risks. The FDA's own findings in 1990 showed that Red Dye 3 causes cancer in animals, yet it remained approved for use in food for decades. This led to a state-level ban in California and ultimately prompted the FDA to take action on certain uses, accelerating the food industry's removal of the chemical.

Making Informed Dietary Choices

For parents, this shift represents a positive step toward cleaner and potentially safer products. However, it also highlights the need to be a vigilant consumer. Here are some steps you can take:

Read the label: Always check the ingredients list on any new or unfamiliar product, even for familiar brands. Manufacturers may change formulations, and different versions (e.g., powdered mix vs. ready-to-drink) might have different ingredients.
Understand ingredient names: Artificial dyes are typically listed as "FD&C Red No. 3," "Red 40," or other number-coded names. Be aware of these to identify them on labels.
Look for natural alternatives: Seek products that use natural colorings derived from fruits, vegetables, or spices. Examples include beetroot juice, turmeric, and annatto.
Prioritize whole foods: While supplemental drinks like PediaSure can help fill nutritional gaps, they should not replace a diverse diet rich in whole foods. A diet focused on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains is best for overall child health.

How PediaSure Formulations Compare

To better understand how different PediaSure products stack up, here is a comparison of key nutritional facts for some popular options. This can help parents choose the right supplement for their child's specific needs, whether that includes higher fiber, different calorie counts, or a dye-free option.


Feature	PediaSure Grow & Gain (Ready-to-drink)	PediaSure Grow & Gain with Fiber (Ready-to-drink)	PediaSure Shake Mix (Powder)
Coloring	Now dye-free; natural off-white	Now dye-free; natural off-white	Contains natural beet powder coloring
Calories	240 calories per 8 fl oz	240 calories per 8 fl oz	220 calories per serving
Protein	7g per 8 fl oz	7g per 8 fl oz	6g per serving
Fiber	<1g per 8 fl oz	3g per 8 fl oz	<1g per serving
Vitamins & Minerals	27 vitamins and minerals	27 vitamins and minerals	23 vitamins and minerals
DHA (Omega-3)	32 mg per 8 fl oz	32 mg per 8 fl oz	8 mg per serving

Conclusion: A Clearer Picture of Child Nutrition

The manufacturer's decision to remove artificial red dye from strawberry PediaSure reflects a significant shift in consumer demands and regulatory oversight concerning food additives. By reformulating the product, the company has addressed parental concerns about synthetic colors and their potential health risks. This development underscores the importance of staying informed about ingredients, as products can change over time. Parents can now be confident that modern strawberry PediaSure is free from Red Dye 3, offering a cleaner ingredient profile while still providing the intended nutritional support. When evaluating any supplement, it remains critical to review the ingredients list, understand the purpose of each component, and ensure it complements a balanced, whole-foods diet. For further information on FDA-approved additives and ongoing food safety regulations, you can check the FDA's official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the current ready-to-drink strawberry PediaSure is now made without artificial red dye, including Red Dye 3. The color of the shake is a natural off-white, although the label might still show pink for branding purposes.

The manufacturer removed Red Dye 3 in response to increasing consumer concerns about artificial ingredients in children's products and new regulations prompted by studies linking the dye to potential health risks, including carcinogenicity in animals.

The easiest way is to observe the product's color; if the liquid is off-white, it is dye-free. For confirmation, you can check the ingredients list on the packaging for terms like "FD&C Red No. 3" or other artificial colorings.

Yes, ingredients can vary between the ready-to-drink shakes and powder mixes. For example, the shake mix version may use natural beet powder for color, so it is important to read the specific product label.

Artificial red dyes, particularly Red 40, have been linked to neurobehavioral problems like hyperactivity and inattention in some children. Red Dye 3 specifically has been associated with cancer in animal studies, prompting its removal from food products.

Many food manufacturers now use natural alternatives to create red hues. Common examples include extracts from beetroot, radishes, and paprika.

According to the company, the formulation change was made without altering the classic strawberry taste. This ensures that the product remains palatable to children while featuring a cleaner ingredient profile.

No, supplements like PediaSure are meant to support a child's diet, not replace it. The primary focus should be on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, and other natural sources of nutrition.