Is Red Dye 3 in Drinks? Understanding the FDA Ban and Your Nutrition Diet

October 15, 2025 •

4 min read

In January 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially moved to revoke authorization for the use of Red Dye No. 3 in food, beverages, and ingested drugs, a decision based on decades of research linking the color additive to cancer in animals. This landmark ruling means that the presence of is red dye 3 in drinks is now a temporary reality, as manufacturers have been given until early 2027 to reformulate their products.

Quick Summary

The FDA banned Red Dye 3 in January 2025 after animal studies linked it to cancer, requiring beverage and food manufacturers to phase it out by 2027. Some drinks still on shelves may contain this synthetic dye, also known as FD&C Red No. 3 or erythrosine.

Key Points

FDA Ban: In January 2025, the FDA banned Red Dye 3 from food, beverages, and ingested drugs, citing animal studies that linked it to cancer.
Phase-Out Period: Manufacturers have until January 2027 for food and beverages to remove Red Dye 3 from their products.
Labeling: Consumers should check ingredient lists for "FD&C Red No. 3," "Red 3," or "erythrosine" to identify the additive until the ban is complete.
Health Concerns: The ban is tied to the Delaney Clause due to evidence of cancer in rats, and research also suggests potential links to thyroid dysfunction and behavioral issues.
Natural Alternatives: Beet juice, carmine, and extracts from purple sweet potato are common natural color replacements used by manufacturers.
Dietary Strategy: Focusing on a whole-foods diet and limiting ultra-processed products is the most effective way to avoid synthetic food dyes.

The End of Red Dye 3 in Beverages

For decades, FD&C Red No. 3, a synthetic petroleum-based food dye, has given many consumer products their signature cherry-red color. The recent FDA ban, effective for food and drinks in January 2027, marks the culmination of persistent advocacy and decades-old animal studies showing a link to thyroid cancer. While the FDA stated that the mechanism for cancer in rats is unlikely to occur in humans, the agency's action was legally mandated by the Delaney Clause, which prohibits the approval of any food additive shown to cause cancer in animals or humans.

The ban on Red Dye 3 is a significant victory for public health advocates who have long questioned the safety of artificial colors, particularly in products heavily marketed to children. With the deadline approaching, consumers are seeing a shift in the beverage market. Many manufacturers began phasing out the dye before the official ban was even announced, often replacing it with other synthetic dyes or natural alternatives. However, until the 2027 deadline, it remains crucial for consumers, particularly those focusing on a clean nutrition diet, to remain vigilant by reading ingredient labels.

Which Drinks Contained Red Dye 3?

Before the ban, Red Dye 3 was used to color a variety of red, pink, or orange-hued beverages and dairy products. Some examples of products that were known to contain the dye include:

Yoo-hoo Strawberry Drink
Ensure Original Strawberry Nutrition Shake
TruMoo Strawberry Whole Milk
Certain sodas and fruit-flavored drinks
Some ice pops and frozen fruit bars

It is important to remember that manufacturers are now actively reformulating their products. This means that a product that contained Red Dye 3 in the past may now use a different coloring agent. The only way to know for certain is to check the ingredient list for names like "FD&C Red No. 3," "Red 3," or "erythrosine".

The Health Concerns Behind the Ban

The FDA's decision was not made lightly and is rooted in multiple health concerns raised over the years. Beyond the cancer risk, other issues were considered:

Thyroid Function: Studies in animals have indicated that Red Dye 3 may disrupt thyroid hormone regulation by interfering with iodine absorption and the function of an essential enzyme.
Endocrine Disruption: Research suggests the dye may have an estrogen-like effect, which could potentially impact hormone-sensitive cancers.
Neurotoxicity: Some rodent studies have found links between Red Dye 3 and oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and impaired neuronal communication.
Behavioral Issues: While not the primary cause of the ban, studies have linked some synthetic food dyes, including Red 3, to behavioral issues like hyperactivity in sensitive children. This concern has prompted some states, like California, to implement broader restrictions on food dyes.

Finding Healthier Alternatives for Your Diet

As manufacturers transition away from Red Dye 3, consumers have more opportunities to embrace natural and safer alternatives. This shift aligns perfectly with a proactive nutrition diet focused on whole foods.

Natural Colorants: Many companies are turning to plant-based ingredients for color. Common examples include beet juice, purple sweet potato extract, carmine (derived from cochineal insects), and paprika.
Limiting Processed Foods: Dietitians recommend focusing on overall dietary patterns rather than fixating on single ingredients. By reducing consumption of ultra-processed foods, which are the primary source of synthetic dyes, you naturally reduce your exposure to potentially harmful additives.

Synthetic Dyes vs. Natural Alternatives


Feature	Synthetic Dyes (e.g., Red Dye 3)	Natural Alternatives (e.g., Beet Juice)
Source	Petroleum-based chemicals	Plant, fruit, vegetable, or insect sources
Color	Bright, consistent, and highly stable	Can vary slightly in hue and may be less vibrant
Health Risks	Linked to cancer in animal studies and other concerns	Generally recognized as safe (GRAS); health benefits of source material	Availability	Historically widespread in processed products	Increasingly common in products marketed as 'natural' or 'clean label'
Flavor Impact	Flavorless, designed solely for color	Typically flavorless, though some (e.g., beet juice) can have a mild taste at high concentrations
Cost	Typically inexpensive for manufacturers	Can be more costly to source and process

Conclusion: Prioritizing a Cleaner Nutrition Diet

The FDA's ban on Red Dye 3 represents a significant step towards greater consumer protection, but it is also a powerful reminder for individuals to be proactive about their own health. By making informed choices, checking ingredient labels carefully, and opting for whole, unprocessed foods and naturally colored beverages, consumers can effectively reduce their intake of synthetic additives. While manufacturers have until 2027 to comply with the ban, the health-conscious consumer has the power to start making cleaner, more nutritious choices today. For a deeper look into the advocacy efforts that led to this change, you can visit the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Shifting away from synthetic dyes is not just about avoiding a single ingredient; it's about embracing a broader philosophy of clean eating for better overall wellness.

How to Avoid Red Dye 3 While It Is Still on Shelves

Until the ban is fully implemented in 2027 for food and beverages, the best defense is being a knowledgeable consumer. Here's what to look for:

Read Ingredient Labels: Always check the ingredients list for "FD&C Red No. 3," "Red 3," or "erythrosine".
Choose Natural Alternatives: Many brands have already switched to natural colorants. Look for ingredients like beet juice, carmine, or fruit and vegetable extracts.
Opt for Unprocessed Foods: Since synthetic dyes are almost exclusively found in ultra-processed products, focusing on a whole-foods diet naturally minimizes your exposure.
Stay Informed: Advocacy groups like the CSPI regularly track products containing controversial additives.
Look for "No Artificial Dyes": Many products now highlight the absence of synthetic colors as a marketing point. Look for this on the packaging.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your drink choices align with your healthy eating goals, long before the federal deadline takes full effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red Dye 3, also known as FD&C Red No. 3 or erythrosine, is a synthetic, petroleum-based food dye used to give foods and drinks a bright, cherry-red color.

The FDA announced the ban in January 2025, but manufacturers have a grace period to reformulate their products. The ban goes into full effect for food and beverages in January 2027, so you may still find products containing it on shelves until then.

The ban was triggered by decades-old animal studies that linked high levels of the dye to thyroid cancer in male rats. Under the Delaney Clause of U.S. law, the FDA is required to ban any food additive found to cause cancer in animals or humans.

Before the ban, Red Dye 3 was often found in strawberry-flavored milk, some fruit-flavored sodas and drinks, certain protein shakes, and ice pops.

The easiest way is to read the ingredient label. Look for "FD&C Red No. 3," "Red 3," or "erythrosine" in the list of ingredients.

Manufacturers are turning to a variety of alternatives, both natural and synthetic. Common replacements include beet juice, purple sweet potato extract, and carmine. Some may also switch to other FDA-approved synthetic dyes like Red 40.

No, Red Dye 40 has not been banned by the FDA, although some health concerns have been raised, particularly in relation to behavioral issues in children. California has implemented broader restrictions on Red Dye 40 in some contexts, but it remains federally approved.