Does Tostitos Have Red 40? An In-Depth Ingredient Investigation

November 16, 2025 •

4 min read

According to an October 2025 news report, PepsiCo, the parent company of Tostitos, is actively phasing out artificial dyes, including Red 40, in some products. This shift is in favor of more natural colorants, but the immediate question remains: does Tostitos have Red 40 in its current product lineup? The definitive answer isn't a simple yes or no, as it varies significantly depending on the specific chip or dip you choose.

Quick Summary

The presence of Red 40 in Tostitos products is flavor-dependent. While plain chips and most salsas are dye-free, some flavored versions, such as Salsa Verde, contain artificial colors like Red 40 Lake. The company has announced plans to transition to natural dyes, but consumers must still check ingredient labels.

Key Points

Product Dependent: Whether a Tostitos product contains Red 40 depends entirely on the specific chip or dip flavor, not the brand as a whole.
Plain Chips are Dye-Free: Classic varieties like Original Restaurant Style and Scoops! do not contain any artificial colors like Red 40.
Flavored Chips May Contain Dye: Some flavored chips, such as the Salsa Verde variety, have included Red 40 Lake in their ingredient list.
PepsiCo is Phasing Out Dyes: The parent company, PepsiCo, has announced a transition to natural colorants for some products, including Tostitos, but this process takes time.
Labels Are Key: Consumers concerned about Red 40 should always check the ingredient label before purchasing to verify the product's contents.
Dips are Generally Safe: Most Tostitos dips like Chunky Salsa and Salsa Con Queso do not contain Red 40, relying on natural ingredients for their color.

A Closer Look at Tostitos Ingredients

For consumers concerned about artificial dyes, the key to understanding if a Tostitos product contains Red 40 lies in reading the ingredient list carefully. The Tostitos product line is extensive, and their recipes are not uniform across the board. The presence or absence of artificial colors is a common point of difference between the various chips and dips they offer.

The Chips That Contain Red 40

Artificial coloring, including Red 40 Lake, is primarily found in certain seasoned or flavored chip varieties. One prominent example is the Tostitos Salsa Verde Tortilla Chips, where the green color is achieved using a combination of synthetic dyes, including Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, and Blue 1 Lake. Similarly, special edition or intense flavor varieties like the Xtra Flamin' Hot have also listed Red 40 as an ingredient. For these products, the artificial colors are used to create a vibrant, visually appealing chip that matches the advertised flavor intensity.

The Dye-Free Chip Options

On the other hand, many of the classic and most popular Tostitos chips are entirely free of Red 40 and other artificial colorings. The ingredient list for Tostitos Original Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips, for instance, consists only of corn, vegetable oil, and salt. Tostitos Scoops! also boasts a simple, dye-free ingredient list. Even flavored versions like the Hint of Lime chips do not contain artificial dyes, using natural flavors and yeast extract for their taste profile. In Canada, Tostitos Red Restaurant Style chips use beet juice concentrate for their red color.

The PepsiCo Policy Shift

In a significant move that will affect the future of the brand, PepsiCo has announced its intention to move away from artificial dyes in some of its products. As of October 2025, reports indicate that Tostitos and Lay's are among the first brands to undergo this transition. In the case of Salsa Verde, the synthetic colors, including Red 40, are being replaced by natural alternatives like carob powder. This shift reflects a growing consumer demand for cleaner labels and fewer artificial ingredients. While this is a positive step, it is important for consumers to recognize that this transition happens over time. Therefore, until the new, naturally-colored products are fully rolled out and clearly labeled, checking the ingredient list on any flavored Tostitos is still the best practice.

Why the Controversy Around Red 40?

Red 40, known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food dye derived from petroleum. While the FDA considers it safe for consumption, some controversy surrounds its use. Concerns have been raised, particularly regarding its potential link to hyperactivity in some sensitive children. Organizations like California's Environmental Protection Agency have conducted reviews and concluded that synthetic food dyes can affect neurobehavioral issues in some children. In response to these debates and consumer demand, many companies are exploring natural alternatives like beetroot, paprika, and carmine to achieve red coloring. For those with sensitivities or who prefer to avoid synthetic additives, being vigilant about label reading is crucial.

How to Verify Ingredients

To ensure you are choosing a Red 40-free Tostitos product, follow these steps:

Check the Ingredient Label: This is the most reliable method. Look for "Red 40" or "Red 40 Lake" in the ingredients list.
Stick to Plain Chips: Original Restaurant Style, Bite Size Rounds, and Scoops are the safest bets for avoiding artificial dyes.
Choose Natural Alternatives: If you desire color, look for Tostitos varieties (or other brands) that specify natural colorants like beet juice concentrate.
Visit the Brand's Website: For the most up-to-date information, check the official Tostitos or PepsiCo website for the ingredients of specific products, especially with recent changes.

Comparison Table: Tostitos Products and Red 40


Tostitos Product	Contains Red 40?	Typical Ingredients	Color Source	Note
Original Restaurant Style	No	Corn, vegetable oil, salt	Natural	Simple, classic recipe.
Salsa Verde Chips	Yes	Corn, oil, maltodextrin, spices, artificial color (including Red 40 Lake)	Artificial Dyes	One of the products being reformulated.
Hint of Lime Chips	No	Corn, oil, maltodextrin, salt, natural flavors	Natural	Flavor from natural sources.
Scoops! Tortilla Chips	No	Corn, vegetable oil, salt	Natural	A favorite for dipping.
Red Restaurant Style (Canada)	No	Corn, oil, salt, beet juice concentrate	Natural	Red color from a natural source.
Chunky Salsa	No	Tomato puree, diced tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, vinegar	Natural	No artificial colors.
Salsa Con Queso	No	Cheese, milk, peppers, spices	Natural/Artificial Flavoring	Does not list Red 40.

Conclusion

To summarize, while many of Tostitos' foundational products like Original and Scoops chips are free of Red 40, some of their flavored varieties, such as the Salsa Verde chips, have historically contained it. Recent corporate announcements from PepsiCo suggest a broad shift towards removing artificial dyes like Red 40 from its products, with Tostitos being an early participant in this transition. However, until this process is complete and reflected on all packaging, consumers must remain diligent by checking the ingredient label. The increasing availability of natural colorants and greater consumer awareness means it is now easier than ever to make informed choices about your snack foods. For those concerned about artificial ingredients, opting for the plain, unflavored chips or a product that explicitly uses natural coloring is the safest bet.

Further information on food additives and labeling can be found via the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's official website: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/color-additives-questions-and-answers-consumers.

What to Look for on the Label

When buying Tostitos or any snack, the ingredient list is your most valuable tool. Look for terms like "artificial color," "Red 40," or "FD&C Red No. 40". The absence of these terms confirms a product is dye-free. Additionally, the increasing trend toward natural alternatives means you might see ingredients like "beet juice concentrate" or "paprika" listed as colorants instead. Paying attention to these details empowers you to make a more informed choice that aligns with your dietary preferences and health concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Red 40 is not in all Tostitos chips. Plain varieties like Original Restaurant Style and Scoops! are free of artificial dyes. However, certain flavored chips, such as Salsa Verde, have historically contained it.

The Tostitos Salsa Verde Tortilla Chips have contained Red 40 Lake as part of their artificial coloring blend. It is always best to check the most current product label, especially with recent corporate changes.

Based on ingredient information, Tostitos dips and salsas, including the Chunky Salsa and Salsa Con Queso, do not list Red 40 as an ingredient. Their color comes from natural sources like tomatoes and spices.

PepsiCo is transitioning away from artificial dyes in response to growing consumer demand for cleaner labels and ingredients. This change is part of a broader corporate effort to use more natural colorants in their products.

If you wish to avoid Red 40, stick to the plain Tostitos chips like Original Restaurant Style or Scoops!. You can also look for snacks from other brands that use natural alternatives like beet juice or paprika for coloring.

To avoid Red 40, check the ingredients list for the terms 'Red 40', 'Red 40 Lake', 'FD&C Red No. 40', or 'artificial color.' The absence of these terms indicates the product does not contain this particular dye.

No, the Tostitos Red Restaurant Style chips available in some regions, such as Canada, do not use Red 40. They use beet juice concentrate to achieve their reddish hue.

The U.S. FDA has approved Red 40 as safe for consumption. However, some studies and health organizations have raised concerns about potential links to hyperactivity in certain sensitive children, and consumer preference is shifting away from artificial dyes.