Is there Red 40 in strawberry syrup? Decoding the ingredients list for a healthier diet

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

While the vibrant red color of many commercial strawberry syrups suggests fresh fruit, the truth is often less natural. Many popular brands use the artificial color additive Red 40 to achieve their signature hue. For consumers concerned about food additives, understanding whether your strawberry syrup contains Red 40 is a key step towards a cleaner nutrition diet.

Quick Summary

Many commercial strawberry syrups include the artificial food coloring Red 40, though organic and certain other brands use natural alternatives like beet juice for color. This synthetic dye is linked to behavioral issues in sensitive children and other health concerns, prompting consumers to scrutinize ingredient labels.

Key Points

Check the Ingredients Label: Many popular strawberry syrups, including brands like Hershey's and Nesquik, contain the artificial dye Red 40 (also listed as Allura Red AC).
Natural Alternatives Exist: Organic and some other brands use natural colorants like beet juice, black carrot concentrate, or other fruit extracts instead of Red 40.
Potential Health Concerns: Red 40 has been linked to potential issues including allergic reactions, hyperactivity in some children, and, in animal studies, chronic inflammation and DNA damage.
Homemade is a Safe Bet: Making your own strawberry syrup from scratch is a reliable way to avoid all artificial colors and additives.
Avoid Ultra-Processed Foods: The presence of additives like Red 40 often indicates an ultra-processed product, which generally contains high sugar and low nutritional value.
Making Conscious Choices: Opting for naturally colored or dye-free products, along with eating more whole foods, contributes to a cleaner, more health-conscious diet.

The Short Answer: Is There Red 40 in Strawberry Syrup?

Yes, in many cases, there is Red 40 in strawberry syrup. The artificial color additive, also known as Allura Red AC, is used by numerous popular brands to create the bright, appealing red color consumers expect. A glance at the ingredients list for syrups from companies like Hershey's, Nesquik, and Torani reveals FD&C Red #40 listed alongside other additives. However, not all brands use artificial dyes. Health-conscious and organic brands frequently opt for natural alternatives, such as organic beet juice concentrate, to achieve a reddish color.

Decoding the Ingredients Label

To determine if your strawberry syrup contains Red 40, you must become a label detective. This additive can appear under several names, so knowing what to look for is key. The label may list it as:

Red 40
FD&C Red No. 40
Allura Red AC

It's important to remember that manufacturers are required to list all certified color additives by name. A product claiming to have 'natural flavors' might still contain artificial colors if they are listed separately. The absence of these specific names, along with the presence of natural coloring agents like 'beet juice for color,' indicates a dye-free product.

Why is Red 40 Used in Strawberry Syrup?

The primary purpose of adding Red 40 to food products like strawberry syrup is purely cosmetic. Artificial dyes are cheap, vibrant, and stable, meaning they won't fade over time like natural colors might. This creates a consistent and visually appealing product that meets consumer expectations of what a strawberry-flavored item should look like. The vivid red color makes the product stand out on the shelf and enhances the perceived fruitiness of a flavor that is often largely artificial.

Health Concerns Associated with Red 40

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Red 40 for consumption within certain limits, concerns regarding its safety persist, particularly among health advocates and researchers. The main points of contention include:

Hyperactivity in Children: Several studies, including the 2007 Southampton study, found links between synthetic food dyes (including Red 40) and increased hyperactivity in some children. The FDA acknowledges that while most children do not experience adverse behavioral effects, certain sensitive children might.
Allergic Reactions: Though rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Red 40, which can manifest as hives, skin rashes, swelling, or asthma-like symptoms.
Chronic Inflammation and Gut Health: Recent animal studies have raised significant concerns. Research published in 2023 indicated that continuous exposure to Red 40 harmed gut health and caused inflammation in mice, potentially contributing to the development of colorectal cancer over time. These findings underscore the need for more research, but they raise red flags for those with inflammatory conditions.
DNA Damage: Further animal studies have shown that Red 40 can cause DNA damage in vitro (in lab cultures) and in vivo (in living animals). The dye can be contaminated with known DNA-damaging chemicals from the petroleum refining process.

Natural vs. Artificial Coloring in Strawberry Syrup


Feature	Artificial Red 40 Syrup	Natural Color Syrup (e.g., beet juice)
Color	Bright, vibrant, uniform red	Muted, slightly darker, can vary in shade
Source	Petroleum-based synthetic dye	Plant-based extract (e.g., beet, carrot, fruit)
Health Concerns	Linked to hyperactivity, allergies, potential inflammation/DNA damage in studies	Generally considered safer; no known links to hyperactivity or inflammation
Taste Impact	None; purely for visual effect	Can impart subtle flavors, depending on source and concentration
Labeling	Lists 'Red 40', 'Allura Red AC', or 'FD&C Red No. 40'	Lists source, such as 'beet juice (color)', 'organic beet juice'

Finding Strawberry Syrup Without Red 40

Given the potential concerns, many consumers are opting for dye-free alternatives. Here's how to find them:

Look for Organic Labels: Certified organic products are not permitted to use artificial food dyes like Red 40. Instead, they use natural sources for coloring. Check brands like Art of Santé or others specifically marketing themselves as organic.
Check the Label for Natural Colors: Some non-organic brands may still choose to use natural colorings. Look for ingredients like beet juice, black carrot concentrate, or fruit and vegetable extracts listed as colorants.
Make Your Own: The most direct way to control ingredients is to make strawberry syrup at home. A simple recipe involves cooking strawberries, sugar (or a natural sweetener), and water, eliminating all processed additives.
Use Powder Alternatives: Some brands, such as the Nesquik powder, do not contain artificial dyes, unlike their syrup counterparts. This can be an easy way to enjoy the flavor without the additive.

Navigating Your Diet: A Broader Nutritional Perspective

Beyond individual ingredients like Red 40, the presence of such additives often signals a larger issue: the food is highly processed. Highly processed foods often contain high levels of sugar, artificial flavors, and preservatives, while lacking nutritional value. For a healthier diet, focusing on whole foods—fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains—is recommended. By choosing products with fewer and more recognizable ingredients, you naturally reduce your exposure to potentially concerning additives.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices About Your Nutrition Diet

Ultimately, whether your strawberry syrup contains Red 40 is a matter of checking the label. For most people, occasional consumption of this approved food dye is considered safe, but the accumulating evidence linking it to issues like hyperactivity in sensitive individuals, potential inflammation, and gut health concerns suggests caution. By seeking out organic or naturally colored alternatives, and embracing a wider dietary pattern based on whole, unprocessed foods, you can make more informed choices that align with a mindful nutrition diet. Your health is your choice, and it starts with understanding what is in the food you consume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red 40, or Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food dye made from petroleum that is used to give a red color to various food and beverage products, including many commercial strawberry syrups.

While the FDA considers it safe for most people, some individuals may have sensitivities. Concerns exist regarding potential links to allergies, hyperactivity in children, and emerging animal studies suggest possible links to inflammation and DNA damage.

Always check the ingredients label on the product. Look specifically for 'Red 40,' 'FD&C Red No. 40,' or 'Allura Red AC.' If these are absent and natural colorants like beet juice are listed, the syrup is dye-free.

Based on ingredient labels, brands such as Hershey's, Nesquik, and Torani include FD&C Red #40 in their standard strawberry syrup recipes.

Yes, many brands specifically cater to the health-conscious market by using natural colorings. Organic strawberry syrups, such as the one from Art of Santé, use alternatives like beet juice.

Natural and organic syrups often use concentrates derived from fruits or vegetables to achieve a red hue. Common examples include beet juice concentrate, black carrot concentrate, or extracts from fruits like strawberries.

Some research suggests that a small percentage of sensitive children, especially those with ADHD, may show behavioral improvements when artificial dyes are removed from their diet. It is best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Artificial dyes like Red 40 are cost-effective, offer a more consistent and stable color, and maintain a bright appearance over time, factors that appeal to many large-scale food manufacturers.