Is Red 40 Made Out of Blood? Debunking the Myth on a Common Food Dye

October 12, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the CDC, an estimated 94% of people over 2 years old in the United States consume the food coloring Red 40, yet a common misconception persists: Is Red 40 made out of blood? The persistent rumor is false, though the confusion stems from another, entirely different, red dye with a natural and animal-based source.

Quick Summary

This article examines the composition of Red 40, revealing its synthetic, petroleum-derived origin and dispelling the myth that it contains blood. It also clarifies the distinction between Red 40 and cochineal extract, another common red food coloring made from insects, exploring the different health considerations associated with each additive.

Key Points

Red 40 Is Synthetic, Not Blood: Red 40 is a petroleum-derived chemical compound, not made from blood or any animal byproducts.
Cochineal Is From Insects: The myth about red dye from blood is confused with cochineal extract (carmine), which is made from crushed female cochineal insects.
Health Concerns Differ: Red 40 is linked to hyperactivity in sensitive children and contains trace carcinogens from its manufacturing process, while cochineal's main risk is severe allergic reactions in some individuals.
Labeling Is Key: The FDA requires explicit labeling for Red 40 and cochineal, allowing consumers to identify them on ingredient lists and avoid them if necessary.
Natural Alternatives Exist: For those concerned about either dye, options like beet juice, berries, or paprika provide natural red coloring and are widely available.
Vegan Diets Exclude Cochineal: Since cochineal is insect-based, it is not suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets, while Red 40 is synthetic and generally considered vegan.

What Is Red 40 and What Is It Made Of?

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC or FD&C Red No. 40, is a synthetic food dye commonly used in a wide variety of processed foods and beverages. Contrary to the widespread myth, Red 40 is not made from blood or any other animal products. Instead, it is a petroleum-derived substance created through chemical synthesis in a laboratory.

As one of the most used synthetic dyes in the United States, Red 40 is added to products to provide a vibrant, uniform red color and to help signify flavors like cherry, strawberry, or raspberry. It is an inexpensive and highly stable colorant compared to natural alternatives, which is why it is so prevalent in the food industry.

Manufacturers add Red 40 to products that are bright red, and some that are not, to enhance color or maintain color consistency. A quick look at a product's ingredient list will show 'Red 40,' 'Allura Red AC,' or 'FD&C Red No. 40' if it is included.

Common products that contain Red 40 include:

Candies and gummy snacks
Soft drinks and sports drinks
Breakfast cereals, especially those marketed to children
Baked goods and cake mixes
Gelatins and puddings
Certain dairy products like yogurt and ice cream
Condiments such as ketchup and salad dressing

The Case of the Cochineal Insect

So, where does the rumor about red dye coming from a living creature originate? It likely stems from another food colorant known as cochineal extract or carmine, which is indeed derived from insects.

Cochineal is a red pigment extracted from the crushed bodies of female Dactylopius coccus scale insects. These insects live on cactus plants native to South America and Mexico. The dye is made from carminic acid, which is present in the insect's body and eggs. When processed with aluminum or calcium salts, it produces a deep red color known as carmine lake.

Unlike Red 40, cochineal is considered a natural food coloring. However, due to its insect origin, it is not suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets. Furthermore, some individuals are highly allergic to cochineal, and for this reason, the FDA requires it to be explicitly labeled as 'cochineal extract' or 'carmine' on ingredient lists.

A Comparative Look: Red 40 vs. Cochineal Extract

Understanding the differences between these two red dyes can help clear up confusion and inform dietary choices.


Feature	Red 40 (Allura Red AC)	Cochineal Extract (Carmine)
Origin	Synthetic, petroleum-derived	Natural, derived from female cochineal insects
Classification	Certified color additive	Certified-exempt color additive
Ingredients	Azo dye derived from petroleum	Carminic acid extracted from insects
Labeling	Listed as Red 40 or Allura Red AC	Must be explicitly labeled as cochineal extract or carmine due to allergies
Vegan Status	Generally considered vegan-friendly, as it's synthetic	Not vegan or vegetarian
Allergenicity	Rare allergic reactions reported in sensitive individuals	Known to cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in some people
Other Concerns	Potential link to hyperactivity in sensitive children, suspected carcinogen contaminants	Less health concern than synthetic dyes, aside from severe allergies

Are Red Dyes Safe? Navigating Health Concerns

Both Red 40 and cochineal have faced scrutiny over their potential health effects, leading many to seek out natural alternatives. It's important to understand the specific concerns for each.

Red 40 Concerns

Hyperactivity and ADHD: Numerous studies, including those reviewed by California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, suggest a link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity, particularly in children with ADHD. Some countries in the EU require products with Red 40 to carry a warning label stating they "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children".
Allergic Reactions: While rare, some individuals have reported allergic reactions to Red 40, with symptoms like hives, itching, and swelling.
Potential Carcinogens: Laboratory research has suggested potential carcinogenic effects in animal studies, often linked to contaminants like benzidine found in trace amounts within the dye. However, the FDA maintains that the amount present is too low to pose a concern for human health.
DNA and Gut Health: Recent animal studies have suggested Red 40 could cause DNA damage and changes to the gut microbiome, which may contribute to inflammation. More research is needed to determine the relevance to humans.

Cochineal Extract Concerns

Severe Allergic Reactions: The primary health concern with cochineal is its potential to cause severe allergic reactions in some sensitive individuals. This can include hives, swelling, and in rare cases, anaphylaxis.
Not Vegan: Its insect origin makes it unsuitable for vegans, vegetarians, and those who avoid insect-derived products for ethical or religious reasons.

How to Identify and Avoid Red Dyes

For those concerned about synthetic food dyes or insect-derived colorings, label reading is the best defense. Processed foods and packaged items will always list color additives. Look for 'Red 40,' 'Allura Red AC,' 'Cochineal Extract,' or 'Carmine' on the ingredients list.

Here are some tips for navigating food labels:

Prioritize whole foods: The simplest way to avoid food dyes is to focus on whole, unprocessed foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, which do not require artificial colorants.
Look for natural alternatives: Many food brands, especially those in the natural and organic sectors, use fruit and vegetable juices for coloring instead of synthetic dyes.
Make your own red coloring: For home baking or cooking, natural alternatives can be used to create a vibrant red hue without synthetic or animal-based dyes. Examples include beet juice or powder, pomegranate juice, or raspberry puree.

Conclusion: Separating Facts from Food Myths

The persistent myth that is Red 40 made out of blood? is categorically false. This confusion stems from a mix-up with another, older, and naturally-derived red food coloring, cochineal, which is sourced from insects. Both red dyes, while providing color to countless foods, have different origins and distinct sets of health considerations. Red 40 is a petroleum-derived synthetic dye linked to potential behavioral and allergic issues in some individuals, while cochineal is an insect-derived coloring known to cause severe allergies in a smaller population. Understanding these differences empowers consumers to make informed choices about the ingredients they consume, ensuring their dietary practices align with their health and ethical preferences. By focusing on whole, minimally processed foods, it is possible to avoid both of these food color additives entirely.

Visit the FDA's website for comprehensive information on color additives in food.

Frequently Asked Questions

The misconception likely arises from confusion with a different red food dye called cochineal extract (or carmine), which is made from the bodies of crushed insects, not blood. Both are red colorings, but Red 40 is synthetic and petroleum-based, while cochineal is natural and insect-based.

Red 40 is a synthetic azo dye derived from petroleum, whereas cochineal extract is a natural dye derived from crushed female cochineal insects. The former is a chemical product, while the latter is an animal-derived product.

No, cochineal extract is not vegan or vegetarian because it is derived from insects. It is also known by the name carmine.

Consumers looking to avoid these dyes can use natural alternatives such as beet juice or beet powder, pomegranate juice, cherry juice, and paprika for red coloring in food.

Regulatory bodies like the FDA consider Red 40 safe for consumption in regulated amounts. However, there is ongoing controversy and research concerning potential links to hyperactivity in sensitive children and allergic reactions.

You can check the ingredient list on the food packaging. Red 40 will be listed as 'Red 40' or 'Allura Red AC,' while the insect-derived dye will be listed as 'cochineal extract,' 'carmine,' or 'E120' in Europe.

No, many red foods get their color from natural sources like berries, tomatoes, or beets. You must read the ingredients label to confirm if a product's red color is artificial or naturally derived.