How to identify artificial dyes in your food and products

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, synthetic dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 are found in nearly 24,000 U.S. food products, often in items you wouldn't expect. Learning how to identify artificial dyes is a crucial step toward making healthier, more informed choices about what you consume and apply to your body.

Quick Summary

This guide provides practical strategies for identifying artificial dyes by decoding product labels and recognizing common chemical names. It explains the labeling conventions, helps spot hidden dyes, and distinguishes synthetic colorants from their natural counterparts.

Key Points

Check for 'Color + Number' Names: Look for names like 'Red 40', 'Yellow 5', or 'FD&C Blue 1' on ingredient lists, as these clearly indicate artificial dyes.
Scan for E-Numbers: In many regions, synthetic colorants are listed as E-numbers (e.g., E102, E129), which are international codes for food additives.
Beware of Vague Terms: The phrases "Artificial Color," "Color Added," or "Color Additive" can hide a variety of synthetic dyes.
Don't Judge by Color Alone: Lightly colored or beige products, like butter-yellow crackers, can still contain artificial dyes.
Verify Product Type: Remember that artificial dyes are used beyond food in cosmetics, medications, and household products; check all labels.
Recognize Natural Alternatives: Natural colorants are usually listed by their source, such as "beet juice" or "annatto," differentiating them from synthetics.
Be Vigilant for Hidden Dyes: Some foods, like pickles, salad dressings, and certain yogurts, contain artificial dyes despite not being brightly colored.

Decoding the Label: The First Step to Identify Artificial Dyes

The most effective method for spotting artificial dyes is to become a savvy label reader. Regulations in many countries, including the U.S. and E.U., require manufacturers to list all ingredients and color additives. However, the terminology used can be deliberately vague or technical, so knowing what to look for is key. A quick scan of the ingredients list can reveal the presence of artificial colorants, but you must know the specific names and code numbers to be certain.

Look for "Color + Number" Names

The most straightforward indicator of an artificial dye is its common name, which typically follows a specific format. These are the FDA-certified color additives in the United States and are listed as follows:

FD&C Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC)
FD&C Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine)
FD&C Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)
FD&C Blue No. 2 (Indigotine)
FD&C Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF)

If you see a color followed by a number—such as "Red 40" or "Yellow 5"—the item contains an artificial, petroleum-derived dye.

Spot Generic or Vague Labeling

Some manufacturers use more generic or less specific terms to list artificial colorants. Keep an eye out for these phrases:

Artificial Color
Color Added
Color Additive

These terms are often used when a product contains a blend of artificial dyes or other color additives. While sometimes these can refer to natural colorants, the specific name is usually listed if a natural alternative is used.

Know the E-Numbers

In Europe, and increasingly in other regions, artificial dyes are identified by E-numbers. Understanding this numbering system is essential for international products.

E102: Tartrazine (Yellow 5)
E110: Sunset Yellow FCF (Yellow 6)
E129: Allura Red AC (Red 40)
E133: Brilliant Blue FCF (Blue 1)

Check Products Beyond Food

Artificial dyes are not exclusive to food. They are found in a wide range of consumer products, including cosmetics, hair dyes, medications, and personal care items. In these products, lakes—created by reacting straight colors with aluminum derivatives—are common. Look for terms like "Red 28 Lake" or "Yellow 6 Lake" in ingredient lists.

Natural vs. Artificial Dyes: A Comparison

Making informed choices requires differentiating between synthetic dyes and natural coloring agents. While both are added for color, their origin and labeling differ significantly.


Feature	Artificial (Synthetic) Dyes	Natural Colorants
Origin	Derived from petroleum	Extracted from natural sources like plants, fruits, and seeds
Labeling (U.S.)	Listed as “FD&C Color + Number” (e.g., Red 40) or generically as “Artificial Color”	Typically listed by the name of the source (e.g., annatto, beet powder, turmeric)
Appearance	Often produce brighter, more vibrant, and uniform colors	Tends to create more muted, less intense, and variable shades
Certification	Require FDA batch certification before use in foods, drugs, and cosmetics	Generally exempt from FDA batch certification, with some exceptions
Stability	Highly stable and long-lasting in products	Can fade or change color over time due to light, heat, or pH changes

Techniques for the Extra-Vigilant Consumer

For those who want to go beyond simple label reading, here are some additional tips:

Be Skeptical of Vibrant Colors: If a product's color seems unnaturally bright or vivid (think neon-colored sodas, bright blue candy, or artificially yellow cheese), it's a major red flag for artificial dyes.
Shop the Perimeter: The freshest, most unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, and meats are typically found along the perimeter of the grocery store. These items are naturally free of artificial colorants.
Use Third-Party Resources: Several organizations and mobile apps, like the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Food Scores, help consumers identify and avoid products containing synthetic dyes. You can also find dye-free versions of many common products through dedicated online communities and sites.
Look at European Versions: For multinational brands, compare the ingredient list of the U.S. product with its European counterpart. Due to stricter regulations in the E.U., the European version often uses natural coloring alternatives.

Hidden Dyes and Unexpected Sources

Artificial dyes don't just appear in obvious culprits like candy and soda. They can be found in a surprisingly wide array of products where you might least expect them. For instance, many pickles get their yellow-green color from Yellow 5 and Blue 1, while some yogurts and fruit cups use Red 40. Even seemingly innocuous products like some white frosting or butter-yellow crackers can contain artificial dyes.

Another common example is maraschino cherries, which are almost universally colored with Red 3, a dye the FDA itself acknowledged as a carcinogen in 1990 but failed to ban from food use until recently. This highlights the importance of not just relying on appearance but checking the ingredients, especially in processed and packaged foods.

Conclusion: Empower Yourself with Knowledge

Learning how to identify artificial dyes is a powerful step toward taking control of your health. By understanding the labeling conventions—such as the "color + number" system, E-numbers, and vague terms like "artificial color"—you can confidently navigate grocery store aisles. Being aware of the difference between synthetic and natural colorants, and where hidden dyes might lurk, empowers you to make smarter, healthier decisions for yourself and your family. The simple act of scanning an ingredients list takes only a few seconds but provides a world of insight into the products you bring into your home.

For a comprehensive list of FDA-approved color additives and their specific uses, you can consult the official FDA resource on color additives.

Resources

Environmental Working Group (EWG): Provides searchable databases and guides for finding products without artificial dyes.
The Well by Northwell: Offers quick tips and alternative products to avoid artificial dyes.
Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI): An advocacy group that provides research and information on synthetic food dyes and health risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

The easiest way is to look for names that include a color followed by a number, such as "Red 40" or "Yellow 5". This is the most common and regulated method for labeling synthetic colorants in the U.S..

No, but it is highly likely. The term "Color Added" can sometimes refer to natural colorants, but if it is a synthetic dye, it must be listed specifically in the U.S.. However, it's a good practice to be suspicious of this generic term and check for specific colorant names.

Yes. While many colorants cross over, some are only approved for specific applications. For example, Red 3 was banned in cosmetics in 1990 but was still permitted in food for many years.

For European products, look for E-numbers on the ingredient list. Artificial dyes typically fall within the E100-E199 range. Examples include Tartrazine (E102) and Allura Red AC (E129).

No, some foods get their bright colors from natural sources, like fruits and vegetables. For example, beet juice can create a deep red hue. However, unnaturally vibrant or electric colors are a strong sign of artificial dyes.

Yes, some products use clever marketing to imply naturalness while still containing artificial additives. It is critical to always read the full ingredients list, regardless of the marketing on the front of the package.

A 'lake' is a type of color additive created by reacting a straight color with aluminum derivatives. It will appear on labels with the word "lake," such as "Red 28 Lake." Lakes are commonly used in cosmetics and some food products.