Is Red 40 in cherry? Separating Natural Fruit from Artificial Dye

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

While the deep red hue of natural cherries comes from beneficial plant compounds, the vibrant crimson of processed cherry products is often a different story. In fact, the bright red color of maraschino cherries, fruit cocktails, and other candy-like items is not from the fruit itself but is instead added with synthetic Red 40.

Quick Summary

Processed cherry products like maraschino cherries use a synthetic dye to create their signature color. This article explores why Red 40 is used, the potential health implications, and how to identify and avoid artificial colors in your diet.

Key Points

Fresh vs. Processed: Fresh cherries are naturally red, but manufactured items like maraschino cherries use synthetic Red 40 after bleaching.
Read Labels: Always check ingredient lists for 'Red 40', 'FD&C Red No. 40', or 'Allura Red AC' to identify the dye.
Health Concerns: Red 40 has been linked to potential issues, including hyperactivity in sensitive children, allergic reactions, and DNA damage in animal studies.
Regulatory Differences: Red 40 is approved by the FDA, but the EU requires warning labels, and some US states are enacting restrictions.
Choose Natural Alternatives: To avoid synthetic dyes, opt for products colored with beet juice, paprika, or fruit concentrates.

The Natural Brilliance of Fresh Cherries

Fresh, raw cherries get their rich color from natural pigments called anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that offer significant health benefits. These tiny stone fruits are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. The health advantages of consuming natural cherries are numerous, with studies suggesting they can contribute to heart health, help regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce inflammation. Unlike their processed counterparts, fresh cherries contain no artificial additives, making them a nutritious addition to any diet.

The Health Benefits of Whole Cherries

Antioxidant Power: The anthocyanins in cherries help fight oxidative stress, which can cause cell damage and contribute to diseases.
Heart Health: Rich in heart-friendly nutrients, cherries may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: The plant compounds in cherries have shown anti-inflammatory effects that may benefit conditions like arthritis.
Natural Melatonin: Tart cherries are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, potentially improving sleep quality and duration.

The Artificial Allure of Maraschino Cherries

The maraschino cherry offers a stark contrast to its natural state. The process of creating these uniformly bright red spheres involves bleaching the fruit, which strips it of its natural color. This is typically followed by soaking it in a solution of sugar, almond extract, and artificial food coloring, most commonly FD&C Red No. 40. The dye is derived from petroleum and is chemically known as Allura Red AC.

The use of Red 40 extends far beyond maraschino cherries, showing up in a vast array of cherry-flavored or red-colored products to enhance their visual appeal. Consumers will find it in items such as fruit snacks, certain yogurts, baked goods, sodas, and sports drinks. For manufacturers, synthetic dyes are cheap and effective at creating a consistent, eye-catching color.

How to Spot Red 40 on a Label

Avoiding Red 40 requires careful label reading, as it can be listed under several names:

Red 40
FD&C Red No. 40
Allura Red AC
Red 40 Lake
E129 (in European products)

The Debate Over Red 40's Safety

While the FDA has historically considered Red 40 safe for consumption within approved limits, concerns have grown in recent years due to evolving research and regulatory differences across the globe.

Potential Health Risks Associated with Red 40

Hyperactivity in Children: Several studies have suggested a link between synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, and exacerbated hyperactivity or other neurobehavioral issues in some sensitive children.
Allergic Reactions: Though rare, some individuals may experience allergy-like hypersensitivity reactions, including hives or swelling, after consuming Red 40.
DNA Damage and Inflammation: A 2023 study in mice linked long-term consumption of Red 40, especially with a high-fat diet, to DNA damage, gut microbiome imbalance, and low-grade colonic inflammation.
Carcinogen Contamination: Red 40 has been found to contain small amounts of carcinogenic contaminants, such as benzidine, though the FDA has maintained that the levels are safe.

Comparison: Natural vs. Artificial Red Color in Cherries


Feature	Fresh Cherries	Maraschino Cherries
Color Source	Natural anthocyanin pigments	FD&C Red No. 40 (petroleum-derived)
Processing	Minimal processing (washing, picking)	Extensive bleaching, brining, and dyeing
Nutritional Value	High in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber	Very low in nutrients; primarily sugar and additives
Additives	None	Synthetic dye, sugar syrup, and preservatives
Health Concerns	Generally safe; allergy is rare	Potential link to hyperactivity, allergies, and gut inflammation

The Movement Toward Natural Alternatives

In response to consumer demand and regulatory pressure, some food manufacturers are shifting away from artificial dyes. California's recent legislation to ban certain food dyes, including Red 40, from public school meals is pushing this trend further. A variety of natural alternatives are available to achieve red coloring in food products:

Beet Juice or Powder: Provides a vibrant red color, is high in nutrients, and is often used in naturally colored products.
Radish Anthocyanin Extracts: Research has shown extracts from radishes can provide a stable, deep red color comparable to Red 40 in maraschino cherries.
Fruit and Vegetable Extracts: Concentrated juices from fruits like cranberries, pomegranates, and raspberries are excellent, nutrient-rich coloring agents.
Carmine (Cochineal Extract): A natural red dye derived from insects, which is a common alternative to synthetic dyes but not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Ultimately, a mindful approach to diet means understanding the difference between natural color and cosmetic coloring. Choosing minimally processed or organic foods and reading labels are simple but powerful steps to reduce exposure to unnecessary synthetic additives like Red 40.

Conclusion

To answer the question, is Red 40 in cherry?, the answer depends entirely on the product. While fresh, whole cherries get their color from natural, health-promoting compounds, the bright red of manufactured maraschino cherries is the result of adding synthetic Red 40 after the fruit's natural color is removed. Growing health concerns surrounding Red 40, coupled with increasing consumer awareness, are driving a shift toward natural alternatives. Reading ingredient lists and choosing whole, fresh fruits is the most reliable way to avoid artificial colors and focus on healthier dietary choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, fresh cherries are colored by natural plant pigments called anthocyanins and do not contain synthetic Red 40.

The maraschino cherry process involves bleaching the fruit, which removes its natural color. Red 40 is then added to give it a uniform, bright red, and visually appealing color.

While most people do not experience adverse effects, some concerns include increased hyperactivity in children with ADHD, allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, and potential inflammatory effects on the gut.

Yes, many products use natural alternatives like beet juice or other fruit and vegetable extracts for coloring. Look for terms like 'natural colors' or 'colored with beet juice' on the label.

While Red 40 is not universally banned, some countries, particularly in the European Union, require a warning label on products containing it regarding effects on children's behavior. Some US states are also implementing restrictions.

Recent animal studies suggest that Red 40 may cause DNA damage and low-grade colon inflammation, which could be a factor in chronic disease. However, the dye is not classified as a carcinogen, and more human research is needed.

To minimize Red 40 intake, focus on whole foods, read ingredient labels on all packaged products, and choose certified organic foods, which prohibit synthetic food dyes.