Exploring Your Options: Is There Dye Free Candy?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), seven artificial food dyes approved by the FDA pose potential health risks, yet many are still widely used. This raises an important question for health-conscious consumers: Is there dye free candy that can be enjoyed without concern for synthetic additives? The good news is that a growing market of dye-free confections exists, using natural pigments from fruits and vegetables.

Quick Summary

This guide explores the rise of dye-free candy, driven by concerns over artificial additives and sensitivities. It highlights reputable brands and offers tips on finding sweets made with natural colorants derived from fruits, vegetables, and plant extracts. The shift reflects a consumer-driven trend toward cleaner, more transparent ingredients in the confectionery market.

Key Points

Yes, dye-free candy exists: A wide variety of candies made without artificial, petroleum-based dyes are available from numerous brands.
Natural colorants are key: Companies use natural pigments derived from fruits (beets, berries), vegetables (spinach), and plant extracts (turmeric, spirulina) to color their products.
Many mainstream options are dye-free: Most traditional chocolate candies like Hershey's and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are naturally dye-free, with exceptions for holiday-themed versions.
Dye-free is not always 'healthy': While free of synthetic colorants, some dye-free candies may still be high in sugar, so reading the full ingredient list is crucial for nutritional assessment.
DIY candy is an option: You can create your own dye-free hard candies or gummies at home using fruit juices and natural food coloring powders.
Consumer demand is driving change: Growing awareness of potential health issues related to artificial dyes is prompting both small and large candy companies to offer natural alternatives.

The Shift Toward Natural Sweets

In a world where vibrant, colorful candies have been the norm for decades, a significant movement towards cleaner, more natural ingredients is underway. Many consumers, especially parents, are seeking out alternatives free from artificial food dyes due to potential health concerns linked to these synthetic additives. The demand for transparent, wholesome ingredients has prompted many smaller, and even some major, candy manufacturers to innovate and offer dye-free options.

Why Consumers are Choosing Dye-Free Candy

Choosing dye-free candy often comes down to more than just a passing trend. Several factors are driving this dietary shift:

Health Concerns: Artificial food dyes, which are often petroleum-based, have been a subject of controversy and scientific study for years. Potential links have been drawn to hyperactivity and neurobehavioral issues in children, as well as allergic reactions and even certain cancer risks, though research is still evolving.
Ingredient Transparency: Modern shoppers want to know what they're putting into their bodies. Dye-free brands often emphasize their use of natural, recognizable ingredients, which builds consumer trust.
Taste Preference: Some argue that artificial dyes can overpower the natural flavors of candy. Dye-free alternatives, which use real fruit and vegetable extracts, often have a more authentic and cleaner taste.
Allergen Avoidance: For individuals with specific sensitivities or allergies to certain food dyes, finding dye-free candy is a necessity, not a choice.

Navigating the World of Dye-Free Candies

Finding dye-free candy has never been easier, with numerous brands specializing in naturally-colored treats. Major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Whole Foods offer extensive selections. Dedicated online shops, such as the Natural Candy Store, also provide a wide range of options. To find these products, look for labels that explicitly state "No Artificial Dyes" or "Naturally Colored."

Brands Leading the Way

Several companies are at the forefront of the dye-free movement, creating delicious and visually appealing candies without synthetic additives. Their secret lies in using plant-based pigments to achieve vibrant colors.

Notable Dye-Free Candy Brands:

YumEarth: This brand is a leader in the organic, allergy-friendly space, offering a wide array of dye-free candies, including lollipops, fruit snacks, and chewy bites.
UNREAL: Known for its chocolate-covered gems and bars, UNREAL uses natural ingredients like beet juice and spirulina for color, providing a dye-free alternative to traditional chocolate candies.
SmartSweets: These Canadian-based gummies offer low-sugar, high-fiber treats that are also free of artificial colors, using fruit and vegetable juices for coloring.
Lovely Candy Company: Offering organic chewy candies and other treats, Lovely Candy is committed to using no artificial ingredients, including dyes.
Black Forest Organic: While not all Black Forest products are dye-free, their organic gummy bear varieties use natural colorants like black carrot juice and turmeric.

Understanding Natural Coloring Sources

Artificial dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5 have been replaced by a rainbow of natural alternatives. These come from a variety of sources that you can recognize and even use at home:

Red/Pink: Beetroot powder, cherry juice, and strawberry or raspberry extracts.
Orange: Paprika extract, annatto powder, or carrot juice.
Yellow: Turmeric powder or saffron.
Green: Spirulina powder, matcha powder, or spinach juice.
Blue: Butterfly pea flower powder or spirulina.
Purple: Purple sweet potato powder or blueberry juice.

Dye-Free vs. Healthy: A Critical Comparison

It's important to remember that "dye-free" doesn't automatically mean "healthy." A candy can be free of synthetic colorants but still contain high amounts of added sugar, corn syrup, or other less-than-desirable ingredients. The ultimate nutritional value depends on the overall ingredient list. The table below helps clarify the distinction.


Feature	Conventional Candy	Dye-Free Candy (Natural Colorants)
Coloring	Artificial, petroleum-based dyes (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5)	Natural, plant-based sources (e.g., beet juice, turmeric)
Visual Appeal	Often brighter, more vivid colors	Typically more muted, pastel, or earthy tones
Ingredients	May contain high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and preservatives	Often uses organic sugar, real fruit juice, and natural flavors
Health Implications	Potential links to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and other concerns	Generally considered safer regarding dye-related sensitivities
Sugar Content	Varies widely, often high in added sugar	Varies widely; some brands are low-sugar, others are not

Making Your Own Dye-Free Treats at Home

For those who love to bake or simply want complete control over ingredients, making homemade dye-free candy is a fantastic option. You can create hard candies, gummies, or chocolate treats using natural colorants found in your pantry.

Homemade Gummies: Use fruit juice or purée combined with grass-fed gelatin to create chewy, fruity gummies. Boil the juice to reduce it, then stir in the gelatin and a sweetener if needed. Pour into molds and refrigerate until firm.
Natural Hard Candy: Make a simple hard candy base with sugar, water, and corn syrup (or a corn syrup alternative). Once it reaches the hard-crack stage, stir in a natural flavor extract and a bit of natural food coloring powder (like beetroot or spirulina powder) for a hint of color.
Colored Chocolate: White chocolate can be easily colored with natural powders. Use beet powder for pink, turmeric for yellow, and spirulina for green. Use a small amount to avoid affecting the flavor.

Conclusion: The Expanding World of Natural Sweets

Ultimately, the answer to is there dye free candy? is a resounding yes. With a growing number of brands committed to natural ingredients and a wealth of DIY options, consumers no longer have to sacrifice vibrant colors or delicious taste for clean eating. While it's important to be mindful that "dye-free" doesn't automatically equate to being a health food, these alternatives offer a cleaner, more transparent way to enjoy a sweet treat. Whether you choose a brand from the expanding market or create your own, the future of candy is looking a lot more natural, and a little less neon. For more information on food additives and natural alternatives, the Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials provides further insight into dye-free options and food coloring safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

While many mainstream brands are not dye-free, some major companies are introducing options. Mars Wrigley, for instance, has announced dye-free versions of Skittles, M&M's, and Starburst will be available nationwide starting in 2026. Some of their other chocolate products, like plain Hershey's or Reese's, are already dye-free.

To confirm if a candy is dye-free, always read the ingredient list. Look for terms like 'no artificial dyes' or 'colored with natural ingredients' on the packaging. The list should explicitly state natural sources like fruit and vegetable juices, rather than synthetic dyes (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5).

Some studies have suggested a link between artificial food dyes and hyperactivity in sensitive children. For this reason, many parents opt for dye-free alternatives. While research is ongoing, choosing naturally-colored treats can be a proactive step for those with concerns about the impact of synthetic dyes on behavior.

Dye-free candy can be purchased at specialty health food stores like Whole Foods and Sprouts, as well as many major retailers, including Walmart and Amazon. Specialized online retailers, such as the Natural Candy Store, also offer a wide selection.

Common natural coloring agents include fruit and vegetable juices (e.g., beetroot, carrot), spices (e.g., turmeric, paprika), and plant extracts (e.g., spirulina, butterfly pea flower). These provide a variety of colors from pink and red to green and blue.

Yes, making your own candy is an excellent way to ensure it's dye-free. Simple recipes for hard candy can be made using sugar, water, and natural flavorings, with coloring added via natural powders. Gummies can be made with gelatin and fruit juice.

Not necessarily. While many brands specializing in dye-free candy also focus on allergy-friendly recipes, not all dye-free options are free from common allergens like nuts, soy, or dairy. Always check the packaging for allergen information if you have specific dietary restrictions.