Is the Red Dye in Candy Canes Bad for You? Separating Fact from Fear

January 11, 2026 •

5 min read

Billions of candy canes are consumed annually, but many people question if the red dye in candy canes is safe to consume. These concerns often focus on the synthetic color additive Red 40, which has been linked in some studies to behavioral issues and allergies.

Quick Summary

The red dye most often used in candy canes, Red 40, is approved by regulatory bodies but linked to potential health risks for sensitive individuals, including allergic reactions and exacerbated behavioral issues in children.

Key Points

What's the dye?: The iconic red stripe in modern candy canes typically comes from a synthetic color additive called FD&C Red No. 40.
Regulated but controversial: Red 40 is approved by food safety authorities like the FDA, but some scientific studies suggest potential health concerns.
Behavioral effects: Research links Red 40 to increased hyperactivity and attention issues, especially in sensitive children, which is why Europe requires a warning label.
Allergic reactions: While rare, allergic or hypersensitivity reactions such as hives or swelling can be triggered by Red 40 in susceptible individuals.
Natural alternatives exist: For those seeking to avoid synthetic dyes, many manufacturers now offer candy canes colored with natural pigments from fruits, vegetables, or insects.
Check the label: The most reliable way to know if a candy cane contains Red 40 is to read the ingredient list, which must specify the additive by name.

What is the red dye in candy canes?

For many years, the iconic red stripe in candy canes came from natural sources. Historical sources indicate that some red dyes were derived from cochineal insects, which produce a pigment called carmine. However, the modern food industry has moved toward synthetic dyes due to their low cost, consistency, and stability. The primary synthetic red coloring agent used in candy canes and many other products today is FD&C Red No. 40, also known as Allura Red AC.

The rise of Red 40

Red 40 is a synthetic azo dye derived from petroleum. It was developed in 1971 as a replacement for Red 2 (Amaranth) and has since become one of the most widely used food colorings in the United States. Its prevalence is due to its vibrant color, stability, and relatively low cost. It is found in a vast number of products beyond candy canes, including sodas, cereals, baked goods, and even some medications. This widespread use means that consumers, and especially children, may have a much higher total exposure to the dye than they might realize from just a single treat.

Potential health effects of Red 40

While approved for use by major regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA), Red 40 has been a subject of ongoing debate and scientific scrutiny for decades.

Behavioral changes in children

One of the most publicized concerns about synthetic food dyes is their potential link to behavioral problems, particularly hyperactivity, in children. Several studies, including a well-known 2007 Southampton study, have found a correlation between consuming food dyes and increased hyperactivity in children, including those with and without a pre-existing diagnosis of ADHD. While the FDA maintains that the bulk of evidence does not support a causal link for the general population, it acknowledges that some sensitive children may react negatively to these color additives. In contrast, the European Union requires a warning label on products containing certain dyes, including Red 40, stating they "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children". This regulatory difference has led many European food manufacturers to switch to natural alternatives, while American versions of the same products often still contain synthetic dyes.

Allergic reactions

For some individuals, synthetic food dyes like Red 40 can trigger allergic or hypersensitivity reactions. While relatively rare, these reactions can manifest as skin conditions like hives or itching, swelling, or, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. It can be difficult to definitively determine if a reaction is caused by a specific dye, as candy and other processed foods contain numerous additives.

Other health concerns

Emerging research suggests other potential effects of synthetic dyes. For instance, recent animal studies have linked Red 40 consumption to DNA damage and low-level colon inflammation, which could potentially increase the risk for certain chronic health conditions. Scientists hypothesize that synthetic dyes may provoke an inflammatory immune response because they are foreign to the body. These findings warrant further investigation, particularly through human studies, to understand their long-term health implications fully.

Natural vs. Artificial Red Dyes: A Comparison


Feature	Artificial Red Dye (Red 40)	Natural Red Dyes (Beetroot, Anthocyanin, Carmine)
Origin	Derived from petroleum	Extracted from plants (beets, berries) or insects (cochineal)
Cost	Inexpensive to produce	More expensive due to sourcing and processing
Color Intensity	Very vibrant and consistent	Can vary in hue and intensity, may be less brilliant
Stability	Highly stable against heat, light, and pH changes	Can be sensitive to heat, light, and acidity, affecting final color
Potential Health Concerns	Linked to hyperactivity, allergies, and inflammation in some studies	Generally considered safe, but potential for allergies exists (e.g., carmine, annatto)
Labeling	Must be specifically listed as "Red 40" or an alias	Often listed as "natural colors" or the source name (e.g., "beet juice")

Are there dye-free candy cane options?

As consumer demand for cleaner labels and more natural ingredients has grown, so has the availability of naturally colored candies. Manufacturers offer candy canes and other holiday treats that use plant-based dyes derived from fruits and vegetables, such as beet juice, paprika extract, and anthocyanins. These products provide a way for concerned consumers to enjoy festive treats without synthetic additives. For many, the slightly muted colors of natural dyes are a small trade-off for avoiding potential health risks, even if the consensus is that risks are low for most people.

A note on the now-banned Red 3

It is important to differentiate between Red 40 and Red 3 (Erythrosine), which was commonly used in maraschino cherries and some confections. Following evidence linking it to cancer in lab animals, the FDA banned its use in food starting in January 2025. This action highlights how food additive regulations can evolve with new scientific data. For a deeper understanding of food additive safety, the Center for Science in the Public Interest provides valuable resources: Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether the red dye in candy canes is "bad for you" depends on individual sensitivity and overall diet. The red dye most often used is Red 40, which is approved as safe by regulatory bodies for the general population in moderation. However, evidence suggests that a small subset of the population, particularly children with ADHD, may experience adverse behavioral effects. Allergic reactions are also possible, though rare. For individuals with concerns about synthetic additives, naturally colored candy cane options are readily available. Reading ingredient labels is the best way to make an informed choice for you and your family, especially considering a healthy diet should prioritize whole, unprocessed foods over those containing any non-nutritive additives.

What to look for on labels

To identify the red dye in candy canes or other products, look for one of the following terms on the ingredient list:

Red 40
Red 40 Lake
FD&C Red No. 40
Allura Red AC
C.I. 16035
E129

Natural alternatives used for coloring food

Beetroot: Provides a vibrant red color and is popular in drinks and desserts.
Anthocyanin: A pigment derived from sources like black carrot, red radish, or purple sweet potato.
Carmine: A red pigment made from the cochineal insect. Not suitable for vegans.
Paprika Oleoresin: An extract from paprika peppers that gives a warm, reddish hue.
Lycopene: The compound found in tomatoes and other red fruits.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the FDA has not banned Red 40, some regions, including the European Union, require a warning label on products containing it regarding potential effects on children's behavior. Some US states have recently passed legislation banning other dyes, but Red 40 remains widely used.

Some studies have found a correlation between consuming synthetic food dyes like Red 40 and increased hyperactivity in children, particularly those sensitive to additives or diagnosed with ADHD. However, the effect is not universal and can vary by individual.

Red 40 is a synthetic azo dye currently approved by the FDA, although with some controversy. Red 3, a different synthetic dye, was banned from food by the FDA in January 2025 due to evidence linking it to cancer in lab animals.

To find candy canes without artificial red dye, look for brands that advertise using natural colorings. Always read the ingredient list to ensure it does not contain "Red 40" or its other names.

While Red 40 contains trace amounts of known carcinogens from its manufacturing process, and some animal studies suggest potential for inflammation, major health organizations have not established a clear causal link to cancer in humans. It is a different dye, Red 3, that was proven to cause cancer in animals and subsequently banned.

Yes, some people can have allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to synthetic dyes like Red 40. Symptoms are often mild and involve the skin (hives, itching), but more severe reactions are possible in rare instances.

Natural alternatives to Red 40 include pigments derived from plant sources like beetroot, anthocyanins (from black carrots or purple sweet potatoes), paprika extract, and lycopene (from tomatoes).