Is there red 40 in Fruity Loops? The Surprising Truth

January 10, 2026 •

2 min read

Over 36,000 American food products contain Red 40, one of the most widely used synthetic food colorings. This fact brings to light the common question: Is there red 40 in Fruity Loops, and what does this mean for consumers who are concerned about artificial additives?

Quick Summary

This article explores whether the popular breakfast cereal, Froot Loops, contains Red 40, a synthetic food dye. It examines the ingredients, how the use of dyes differs by country, and the potential health concerns associated with this petroleum-based colorant.

Key Points

US Froot Loops contain Red 40: The ingredient list for Froot Loops sold in the United States explicitly includes Red 40 along with other artificial food dyes.
International versions differ: In contrast, Froot Loops sold in Canada and other international markets use natural colorants derived from fruits and vegetables, resulting in paler colors.
Health concerns exist: Red 40 is linked to potential health issues, including hyperactivity and allergic reactions, particularly in sensitive individuals like children with ADHD.
Labels are key for avoidance: Consumers seeking to avoid Red 40 should always read ingredient labels, as the dye is listed under names like FD&C Red No. 40 or Allura Red AC.
Cheaper and more vibrant: Food manufacturers use artificial dyes like Red 40 because they are cheaper to produce and create more vibrant, uniform colors than natural alternatives.
More research needed on long-term effects: While regulatory bodies like the FDA consider Red 40 safe, some animal studies suggest potential links to DNA damage and inflammation, prompting calls for more research.

Yes, US Froot Loops Contain Red 40

If you're in the United States, the answer is yes: there is red 40 in Fruity Loops. The Kellogg Company lists Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1 in the US version's ingredients, giving the cereal its signature bright colors.

The Reason for Artificial Colors

Synthetic food dyes are primarily used for their low cost and ability to create visually appealing, uniformly colored products, which helps in identifying flavors, even though Froot Loops are all one flavor. However, there are growing concerns about the potential health effects of these additives.

The Difference Between US and International Versions

The Froot Loops recipe varies by country due to different regulations and consumer preferences.

Canadian Froot Loops: This version uses natural colorings from fruits and vegetables like carrots and blueberries, resulting in paler colors than the US version.
European Regulations: Products in Europe containing Red 40 and similar dyes must include a warning label about potential effects on activity and attention in children.
US Market Resistance: Kellogg's maintains that US consumer preferences do not currently support removing artificial dyes from Froot Loops, despite offering dye-free versions elsewhere.

Comparing Froot Loops Ingredients: USA vs. Canada

A comparison highlights the differences in coloring ingredients:


Ingredient	US Froot Loops	Canadian Froot Loops
Red Coloring	Red 40	Concentrated carrot juice, Anthocyanin
Yellow Coloring	Yellow 5, Yellow 6	Annatto, Turmeric
Blue Coloring	Blue 1	Concentrated blueberry juice
Green Coloring	Blend of artificial dyes	Uses natural alternatives
Vibrancy	High, neon colors	Muted, paler shades
Consumer Warning Label	Not required	Not required, but EU-style warnings for dyes exist elsewhere in Europe

Potential Health Concerns Associated with Red 40

Red 40 has been linked to potential health issues, particularly in sensitive individuals.

ADHD and Hyperactivity

Studies, such as the 2007 Southampton study, have suggested a link between artificial food dyes and increased hyperactivity in children, particularly those with ADHD. The FDA acknowledges that some susceptible children may be affected, leading many to recommend avoiding these dyes.

Allergic Reactions

Rare allergic reactions to Red 40 can occur, with symptoms ranging from hives to asthma-like issues.

Digestive and Inflammation Issues

Animal studies have indicated that Red 40 might negatively impact digestive health by damaging DNA and causing inflammation in the colon. However, human research is needed to confirm these findings.

How to Avoid Red 40

To avoid Red 40, carefully read ingredient labels. It may be listed as Allura Red AC or FD&C Red No. 40. Choosing whole, unprocessed foods and products with natural colorings can also help reduce intake.

Conclusion

In summary, US Froot Loops contain the synthetic dye Red 40. This is common in many processed foods for appearance and cost reasons, despite growing concerns and different practices in other countries. Checking labels and choosing naturally colored options are ways for consumers concerned about dyes like Red 40 to manage their intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the FDA has approved Red 40 as safe for consumption, some studies have linked it to hyperactivity in sensitive children, allergic reactions, and other health concerns. For most people, it poses little health risk, but research is ongoing.

Differences in food regulations and consumer preferences lead companies like Kellogg's to use different recipes for different countries. For instance, due to stricter rules or market demand for natural ingredients, versions sold in Canada use fruit and vegetable juices for coloring.

Yes, contrary to what the different colors might suggest, all the rings in Froot Loops cereal have the same fruit flavor. The dyes are purely for visual appeal.

Yes, some versions of Froot Loops, particularly those sold in international markets like Canada, are made without artificial dyes, including Red 40. These versions use natural sources for coloring.

Red 40 is also known by other names, including Allura Red AC, FD&C Red No. 40, and C.I. 16035. Checking ingredient labels for these terms is the best way to identify its presence in a product.

Red 40 and Red 3 are both synthetic dyes, but they have different regulatory statuses. The FDA banned Red 3 in January 2025 based on cancer concerns, while Red 40 remains approved for use.

Yes, while the focus is often on children, adults can also be sensitive to Red 40. Allergic reactions and migraines have been reported in both children and adults who consume foods containing synthetic dyes.