Is Red Dye Number 3 in Gatorade? The Ingredient Breakdown

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

Following a January 2025 announcement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban FD&C Red No. 3, many consumers have become more aware of food dye ingredients. This has led to a common question: Is red dye number 3 in Gatorade?

Quick Summary

Gatorade does not contain FD&C Red No. 3. While some red-colored Gatorade flavors use a synthetic dye, the specific colorant is FD&C Red No. 40, not Red No. 3. PepsiCo has clarified that no Red No. 3 is used in any of their products, including Gatorade.

Key Points

Gatorade uses Red 40, not Red 3: The red color in Gatorade's Fruit Punch is derived from FD&C Red No. 40, not the now-banned FD&C Red No. 3.
FDA banned Red Dye 3, effective 2027: The U.S. FDA officially banned FD&C Red No. 3 in January 2025, but its removal from foods is not required until January 2027.
Red Dye 3 linked to cancer in animals: The ban on Red Dye 3 was based on decades-old animal studies linking it to thyroid tumors.
California's ban influenced national action: A 2023 California law banning several food additives, including Red No. 3, pushed the federal government towards action.
Manufacturer confirmed no Red 3: PepsiCo has explicitly stated that Red No. 3 is not an ingredient in any of their products, including Gatorade.
Shift towards natural colorants: In response to regulatory changes and consumer demand, PepsiCo is exploring natural alternatives to synthetic dyes like paprika and turmeric.

Gatorade's Red Dye Revealed: FD&C Red No. 40, Not No. 3

Despite persistent rumors and general concern over artificial food dyes, Gatorade has confirmed it does not use FD&C Red No. 3 in its products. For red-hued products, like the popular Fruit Punch flavor, the company has historically relied on a different synthetic colorant: FD&C Red No. 40. This distinction is crucial, especially in light of the recent FDA ban on Red No. 3 for use in food and ingested drugs, a ban prompted by decades-old animal studies showing a link to cancer.

The confusion likely stems from the broader public discussion around synthetic food dyes and increasing regulatory scrutiny. In January 2025, the FDA announced it would revoke authorization for Red No. 3 after animal studies linked it to cancer, a step that was long-awaited by food safety advocates. While this move is significant, it's essential for consumers to correctly identify which dyes are used in the products they consume. The Red No. 3 ban requires manufacturers to remove it from products by early 2027, but this action does not apply to Red No. 40.

The Difference Between Red No. 3 and Red No. 40

Both FD&C Red No. 3 and FD&C Red No. 40 are synthetic, petroleum-based color additives used to make food and drinks more visually appealing. However, they are chemically distinct and have different regulatory histories. The FDA's decision to ban Red No. 3 was based on the Delaney Clause, which prohibits food additives shown to cause cancer in humans or animals. Red No. 40, on the other hand, remains on the FDA's approved list, although some studies and advocacy groups raise concerns about its potential links to behavioral issues in children.

A Closer Look at Gatorade's Red-Colored Flavors

Several of Gatorade's red and purple flavors contain FD&C Red No. 40. The inclusion of this dye, along with others, varies by product line and flavor. Below is a list of some examples, which can also be verified by checking the ingredient label on individual bottles.

Gatorade Thirst Quencher (Fruit Punch): Contains FD&C Red No. 40.
Gatorade Zero (Grape): Contains a combination of FD&C Red No. 40 and FD&C Blue No. 1.
Gatorade G2 (Fruit Punch): Also uses Red No. 40 for its signature color.

It is important for consumers to read the ingredient list for the specific product they are purchasing, as formulations can change over time and may vary between different product lines, such as Gatorade Thirst Quencher versus Gatorade Zero or G2.

Comparing Red No. 3 and Red No. 40

To provide clarity, here is a comparison of the two dyes, outlining their current status and associated concerns.


Feature	FD&C Red No. 3	FD&C Red No. 40
Chemical Name	Erythrosine	Allura Red AC
Composition	Petroleum-based synthetic dye with iodine.	Petroleum-based synthetic dye.
FDA Status	Banned for food and ingested drugs in the U.S. as of January 2025.	Approved for use in food and drugs in the U.S..
Primary Health Concern	Linked to thyroid tumors in animal studies; carcinogenic risk cited by the FDA for its ban.	Neurobehavioral effects, particularly hyperactivity in sensitive children.
International Status	Restricted or banned in many countries, including the European Union and Australia.	Approved in many countries, but often with restrictions or warnings not required in the U.S..
Presence in Gatorade	Not used by PepsiCo in any of its products.	Used in many red and purple flavors of Gatorade.

The Shift Towards Natural Alternatives

Recent regulatory actions and growing consumer demand for more transparent and 'clean label' ingredients are pushing major food and beverage manufacturers, including Gatorade's parent company PepsiCo, to explore alternatives. Reports indicate that PepsiCo has been experimenting with natural ingredients like paprika and turmeric to achieve vibrant colors, signaling a future shift away from synthetic dyes in some products. This movement is a response not only to evolving regulations but also to consumer perception, with companies weighing public belief alongside scientific data.

This move towards natural alternatives aligns with a broader industry trend influenced by actions like the FDA's phase-out of all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the food supply, announced in April 2025. While the timeline for removing remaining dyes is still in progress, this demonstrates a significant commitment to transitioning the entire food supply to natural colorants in the coming years.

Conclusion

To answer the initial question directly: No, Red Dye Number 3 is not in Gatorade. The confusion is understandable, given the recent federal ban on FD&C Red No. 3. However, the red colors in Gatorade's various flavors are achieved using FD&C Red No. 40, a different, though also synthetic, food dye. Consumers seeking to avoid synthetic dyes should always check the ingredients list for Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5, and other color additives. With manufacturers like PepsiCo exploring natural alternatives, the ingredient landscape of popular sports drinks is likely to continue to evolve in the near future.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional regarding any health concerns related to diet or food additives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red Dye 3 (Erythrosine) is a synthetic dye that the FDA has banned for use in food due to animal studies linking it to cancer. Red Dye 40 (Allura Red AC) is a different synthetic dye that remains approved by the FDA, though it has been associated with hyperactivity in sensitive children.

Red Dye 40 is primarily found in red and purple flavors of Gatorade. Examples include Fruit Punch and some versions of Grape. It's always best to check the ingredient list on the specific bottle you are buying, as dye usage can vary.

The FDA banned FD&C Red No. 3 because animal studies from the 1980s showed that high doses of the dye caused thyroid tumors in rats. The ban, announced in January 2025, rectifies a decades-long regulatory issue.

The FDA considers Red Dye 40 safe for consumption at the levels used in food. However, concerns persist about its potential link to behavioral problems, particularly hyperactivity, in some children. Some studies and advocacy groups recommend limiting or avoiding all synthetic dyes.

No, the FDA's ban only applied specifically to FD&C Red No. 3, a synthetic dye known as Erythrosine. However, in April 2025, the FDA announced a broader plan to phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which includes Red Dye 40, over the coming years.

Before the ban, Red Dye 3 was commonly found in certain candies, frostings, frozen desserts, and maraschino cherries. After January 2027, manufacturers are required to have reformulated these products to remove the dye.

To avoid synthetic dyes, you should always read the ingredient list on a product's label. Look for terms like 'FD&C Red No. 40,' 'Blue No. 1,' or 'Yellow No. 5.' Choosing products that use natural colorants (e.g., vegetable juice concentrate) or are explicitly labeled 'dye-free' is the safest option.