Does wild cherry Pepsi have red dye in it? A look into soda ingredients and nutrition

October 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a standard can of Pepsi Wild Cherry contains significant amounts of added sugar and is classified as an ultra-processed food. This raises questions not only about its sugar content but also about its other additives, leading many to ask, 'Does wild cherry Pepsi have red dye in it?'.

Quick Summary

Wild Cherry Pepsi's standard formulation does not contain red dye. Its dark color comes from caramel color, not a numbered food coloring like Red 40, though its other ingredients still warrant a careful review for nutritional impact.

Key Points

No Red Dye 40: Wild Cherry Pepsi does not contain Red Dye 40 or other synthetic red colorings; its color comes from caramel color.
Contains Caramel Color: The beverage's reddish-brown hue is derived from caramel color, a commonly used food coloring.
High in Sugar: The standard version of Wild Cherry Pepsi is high in calories and sugar, primarily from high fructose corn syrup.
Ultra-Processed Food: Like many soft drinks, it is classified as an ultra-processed product with minimal nutritional value.
Other Additives: The ingredient list includes phosphoric acid and natural flavors, which are common but not necessarily nutritious additives.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: For a better nutrition diet, healthier alternatives include infused water, herbal teas, or naturally flavored sparkling water.

Decoding the ingredients of Wild Cherry Pepsi

When we consider a healthy nutrition diet, scrutinizing the ingredients of the foods and drinks we consume is crucial. For many, a cherry-flavored beverage like Wild Cherry Pepsi might raise a red flag, prompting the specific question: does it contain red dye? The short answer is no, but a more detailed look at its composition is warranted for a complete nutritional picture.

The surprising source of Wild Cherry Pepsi's color

Unlike some other cherry-flavored soft drinks on the market, Wild Cherry Pepsi does not get its color from Red Dye 40 or other numbered red dyes. Its distinctive reddish-brown hue is instead derived from another common food additive: caramel color. This ingredient is also responsible for the color of many other colas, sodas, and processed foods. While it's not a synthetic red dye, caramel color is still a non-essential additive that contributes to the product's heavily processed nature.

Caramel color: A closer look

Caramel color is one of the most widely used food colorings in the world. It is made by heating carbohydrates, a process that can involve various manufacturing methods. Some forms of caramel color, specifically those made with ammonia, have raised concerns due to the potential presence of trace contaminants. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates its use, its presence signifies that a product is highly processed rather than based on whole, natural ingredients.

Beyond the dye: a review of other ingredients

Examining the ingredient list reveals why focusing solely on the presence of red dye can be misleading when assessing a soda's nutritional impact. Here are some of the other ingredients typically found in Wild Cherry Pepsi:

High Fructose Corn Syrup: A highly concentrated, man-made sweetener linked to health concerns like weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease when consumed in excess.
Phosphoric Acid: Used to provide the characteristic tartness and act as a preservative. Excessive intake of phosphoric acid has been linked to lower bone density in some studies.
Natural Flavor: This broad term can encompass a wide range of chemicals and ingredients, some of which are not derived from the food they are meant to mimic. The vague nature of this listing prevents consumers from knowing exactly what is in their drink.
Caffeine: The stimulating ingredient that many people seek in a soda, but which can also lead to sleep disruption and dependency.

A comparison of cherry soft drinks

For those trying to make more informed dietary choices, comparing the ingredients of different cherry-flavored beverages can be enlightening. This table provides a side-by-side look at a few popular options.


Feature	Wild Cherry Pepsi	Diet Pepsi Wild Cherry	Cherry Coke (Standard)
Coloring Agent	Caramel Color	Caramel Color	Caramel Color
Red Dye (Red 40)	No	No	No
Sweeteners	High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sugar	Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium	High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sugar
Calories	High (160 per 12oz can)	0	High (150 per 12oz can)
Added Sugar	Yes (42g per 12oz can)	No	Yes (41g per 12oz can)
Processing Level	Ultra-processed	Ultra-processed	Ultra-processed

Note: Ingredient formulations can change, and it is always best to check the most current label. Diet versions replace sugar with artificial sweeteners, introducing a different set of nutritional considerations.

Healthier alternatives to soft drinks

For those aiming for a cleaner nutrition diet, there are many alternatives to consider instead of soft drinks laden with artificial ingredients. Focusing on these options can help reduce your intake of added sugars and non-essential additives:

Infused Water: Add fresh or frozen cherries, berries, lemon, or cucumber slices to plain water for a refreshing, natural flavor.
Herbal Teas: Brew herbal teas, such as hibiscus or fruit-flavored blends, and chill them for a vibrant, caffeine-free, and dye-free drink.
Sparkling Water with Juice: Combine a splash of 100% tart cherry juice with plain sparkling water for a fizzy, flavorful beverage without the excessive sugar or artificial additives.
Water Kefir: A fermented, probiotic-rich beverage that can be flavored naturally with various fruit juices.
Homemade Sodas: Create your own sodas using a soda maker and flavoring with natural ingredients. This gives you complete control over what you're consuming.

Conclusion: A question of overall nutrition

The query, "Does wild cherry Pepsi have red dye in it?" points to a broader, more significant question about the nutritional value of processed beverages. While it's reassuring for some to learn that no synthetic red dye is used, the presence of other additives like caramel color, high fructose corn syrup, and phosphoric acid means that this drink is far from a health-conscious choice. A healthy nutrition diet prioritizes whole, unprocessed foods and beverages. Making the switch to dye-free and sugar-free options is an important step, but for optimal health, it's best to reduce the consumption of all ultra-processed products.

For more information on food additives and processed ingredients, you can explore resources like the Environmental Working Group's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Caramel color is approved and regulated by the FDA, but some production methods involving ammonia have raised health concerns, prompting some to limit intake.

The primary sweeteners in standard Wild Cherry Pepsi are high fructose corn syrup and sugar.

No, Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi also uses caramel color for its hue and does not contain red dye.

The caramel color is used to give the beverage a darker, cola-like appearance, which is part of the brand's traditional aesthetic, rather than using a vibrant red color.

The main difference is the sweeteners; the standard version uses high fructose corn syrup and sugar, while the diet version uses artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium.

Yes, some specialty or natural food brands offer dye-free cherry-flavored sodas. You can check the ingredient labels of products from companies focused on natural ingredients.

Wild Cherry Pepsi is not significantly healthier than most other standard soft drinks due to its high sugar content and status as an ultra-processed food.

Yes, Wild Cherry Pepsi, like most standard Pepsi products, contains caffeine.

The most reliable way is to check the ingredient list printed on the product's packaging. Many companies also provide this information on their websites.

Natural alternatives for coloring drinks include fruit and vegetable extracts, such as beet juice or black carrot concentrate.