Is Red Dye 40 in Regular Cheetos? The Surprising Truth About Snack Dyes

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite the vividly colored packaging and signature cheesy flavor, a common misconception is that regular Cheetos contain red dye 40. However, a closer look at the ingredients list reveals that a different synthetic coloring agent is responsible for their iconic orange hue.

Quick Summary

Regular Cheetos do not contain Red Dye 40; their orange color comes from Yellow 6, another artificial dye. Red 40 is typically used in spicier varieties like Flamin' Hot Cheetos. The use of artificial colors raises dietary concerns, but they are regulated by the FDA.

Key Points

No Red Dye 40: Regular Cheetos do not contain Red Dye 40; their orange color comes from Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF).
Flamin' Hot vs. Regular: Red Dye 40 is found in spicier varieties of Cheetos, such as Flamin' Hot, but not in the classic cheese-flavored versions.
Petroleum-Derived Dyes: Both Red 40 and Yellow 6 are synthetic, petroleum-derived food colorants used for their bright, stable color and low cost.
Potential Health Concerns: Artificial dyes are linked by some studies to behavioral issues in sensitive children and have been flagged for potential health risks, although they are FDA-approved.
Check the Label: To avoid specific additives, always read the ingredient list, as manufacturers must declare all artificial colors.
Growing Alternatives: In response to consumer demand, many companies are shifting to natural food colorants derived from plants, fruits, and vegetables.

Clarifying the Cheetos Color Confusion

When asking, 'Is red dye 40 in regular cheetos?', the answer is no. The classic, original crunchy and puffy Cheetos get their bright orange shade from Yellow 6, not Red 40. This is a frequent point of confusion, likely because Red Dye 40 is widely used in many other processed foods and snacks, including some other Cheetos products, such as Flamin' Hot Cheetos. For consumers concerned about artificial ingredients, distinguishing between different dye-laden products is the first step toward informed dietary choices.

Yellow 6 vs. Red Dye 40: What's the Difference?

Both Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF) and Red Dye 40 (Allura Red AC) are synthetic food colorants derived from petroleum. They are among the most commonly used artificial dyes in the food industry. Manufacturers prefer artificial dyes over natural alternatives for several reasons:

Vibrancy and Consistency: Artificial colors produce a consistently bright and appealing shade that is often difficult to replicate with natural ingredients.
Stability: They are more stable and resistant to factors like light, heat, and pH changes, giving products a longer shelf life.
Cost-Effectiveness: Artificial dyes are significantly cheaper to produce and use in large-scale food manufacturing.

While Red Dye 40 is often mistakenly associated with regular Cheetos, it is essential to check the ingredients for specific products. The addition of Red 40 in spicy versions like Flamin' Hot is what gives them their signature reddish-orange appearance.

Health and Dietary Considerations for Food Dyes

Concerns about the health effects of artificial food dyes have prompted public debate and scientific research for decades. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 6 for use in food, they are required to be listed on ingredient labels. The FDA evaluates the safety of color additives, but acknowledges that some evidence suggests certain children may be sensitive to them. Key health discussions include:

Behavioral Issues in Children: Some studies and anecdotal reports have linked artificial food dyes, including Red 40, to hyperactivity and behavioral issues in some children, especially those with ADHD. The European Union requires a warning label on foods containing certain dyes, stating they “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”.
Allergic Reactions: In sensitive individuals, Red 40 and Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) have been known to cause allergic reactions, including hives and swelling.
Potential Carcinogens: While the levels are considered safe by the FDA, some dyes may contain trace amounts of known carcinogens. Long-term studies on animals have raised some concerns, although the findings are not directly translatable to human risk.
Impact on Gut Health: Recent research on mice suggests that Red 40, combined with a high-fat diet, could lead to DNA damage and negatively impact the gut microbiome.

For those seeking a more balanced diet or wishing to avoid potential sensitivities, reducing the intake of foods containing artificial dyes is a prudent step. This includes being mindful of snacks that rely on these coloring agents for visual appeal.

The Shift Towards Natural Alternatives

In response to consumer demand for cleaner labels, many food manufacturers are exploring or transitioning to natural food colorants. Instead of synthetic dyes, companies are using extracts derived from fruits, vegetables, and other natural sources. Some examples include:

Beetroot extract for pink and red shades.
Turmeric for yellow and orange tones.
Paprika extract for orange and red hues.
Annatto extract for yellow and orange.
Spirulina for blue and green.

This shift allows companies to market products as having 'no artificial colors', appealing to health-conscious consumers. However, natural colors often face different challenges, such as higher cost, less stability, and the potential to subtly alter a product's flavor.

Navigating Your Snack Choices

Understanding the ingredients in your favorite snacks is crucial for a healthy diet. Here is a list of other common foods that may contain Red Dye 40, highlighting why a simple glance at the ingredient list is necessary to make informed decisions:

Certain breakfast cereals (e.g., Fruity Pebbles, Lucky Charms)
Some beverages and drink mixes (e.g., Kool-Aid, certain Gatorade flavors)
Candies and sweets (e.g., Skittles, some M&M's)
Red gelatin and puddings
Specific baked goods and frostings

Comparison of Artificial vs. Natural Food Colors


Feature	Artificial Colors (e.g., Yellow 6, Red 40)	Natural Colors (e.g., Turmeric, Beetroot)
Source	Petroleum-based chemicals	Plants, fruits, vegetables, minerals
Color	Very vibrant, consistent, stable	Muted, earthy tones; less consistent
Cost	Less expensive	More expensive due to sourcing and extraction
Stability	Highly stable against light, heat, pH	Less stable; can fade or change color
Health Perception	Concerns over health effects and potential sensitivities	Generally perceived as healthier and safer
Flavor Impact	Flavor-neutral	Can subtly affect flavor, especially at high concentrations
Regulation (US)	FDA certified and regulated	Exempt from certification, but must be derived from natural sources

Conclusion: The Informed Diet and Cheetos

So, while regular Cheetos do not contain the specific dye in question, the query 'Is red dye 40 in regular cheetos?' brings up important dietary considerations. For those seeking to minimize artificial food additives, it's essential to understand that Cheetos' color comes from Yellow 6. This is particularly relevant given ongoing research and consumer sentiment regarding the potential health effects of synthetic food dyes. Choosing a healthy diet involves more than just avoiding a single additive; it requires a conscious effort to read ingredient labels and be aware of how food manufacturers use artificial ingredients. The availability of natural alternatives and the industry's response to consumer demand provide more options for people who prioritize clean eating and are concerned about the effects of these colorants on their families' health. You can find more information about food additive regulations on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yellow 6 and Red Dye 40 are both synthetic, petroleum-derived food colorants, but they produce different shades. Yellow 6 provides an orange-yellow color, while Red 40 creates a vibrant red shade. The specific type of Cheetos determines which is used.

The FDA considers Yellow 6 safe for consumption within approved limits. However, some individuals, particularly children, may experience sensitivities or adverse behavioral effects related to artificial dyes. For a balanced diet, it is recommended to limit intake of snacks containing artificial additives.

Flamin' Hot Cheetos contain Red 40 to achieve their intensely red-orange color, which visually communicates the spicy flavor profile. The use of Red 40 in this product is a marketing choice by the manufacturer.

Certain Frito-Lay products, and snacks from other manufacturers, are now made with natural colorants to cater to consumer preferences for cleaner labels. You should check the packaging for labels such as 'no artificial flavors' or 'made with natural colors'.

While not entirely banned in the EU, Red 40 and other artificial dyes must carry a warning label stating they "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children." This differs from the FDA's position, where such labels are not required.

Natural food colorants are derived from sources like plants, fruits, and vegetables. Examples include turmeric for yellow, paprika or beet juice for red and orange, and spirulina for blue and green.

To reduce intake, focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods. When buying packaged goods, read ingredient labels and choose products that use natural colorants or no color additives. Avoiding excessively bright or unusually colored snacks is a good rule of thumb.