Is There Red 40 in the Barbecue?

January 3, 2026 •

2 min read

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Red 40 is the most commonly used food coloring in the United States. Yes, this widely used dye can often be found in commercially-produced barbecue sauces and other condiments, serving an aesthetic purpose rather than a functional one.

Quick Summary

Many popular barbecue sauces and condiments include Red 40, a synthetic dye used for color consistency and visual appeal. This additive has raised some health concerns, including links to hyperactivity in sensitive children, prompting many to seek dye-free alternatives.

Key Points

Prevalence: Many commercially-produced barbecue sauces contain the synthetic food dye Red 40 for visual appeal and consistency.
Purpose: The dye is used for aesthetic uniformity and is a cheaper alternative to natural colorants, not for flavor.
Health Concerns: Red 40 has been linked to potential health issues, including increased hyperactivity in some sensitive children and rare allergic reactions.
Check Labels: The best way to avoid Red 40 is to read ingredient labels and look for 'FD&C Red No. 40', 'Red 40 Lake', or 'Allura Red AC'.
Natural Alternatives: Ingredients like paprika, beet powder, and tomato paste are excellent natural colorants for homemade barbecue sauce.
Global Regulations: Unlike the US, the European Union requires warning labels on products containing Red 40 due to concerns about its effect on children's behavior.

Is There Red 40 in Barbecue Sauce?

While the deep red color of barbecue sauce often comes from natural ingredients, commercially produced varieties commonly use the artificial food dye Red 40 to ensure a consistent and appealing look. Not all sauces contain this dye, making ingredient label checks important.

Why is Red 40 Used in Barbecue Sauce?

Red 40 is added for visual appeal and consistency, as consumers often expect a uniform red color. It's also a more cost-effective option for manufacturers compared to natural colorants.

Potential Health Concerns Associated with Red 40

The FDA deems Red 40 safe, but some concerns exist, particularly regarding children. Studies, including the Southampton study, have indicated a link between food dyes like Red 40 and increased hyperactivity in some children. Allergic reactions are also possible in sensitive individuals. Some research suggests potential links to inflammation and DNA damage in animal and cell studies, though human impacts are not yet conclusive.

Global Regulatory Differences

Regulation of Red 40 differs globally. The European Union requires a warning label on products containing Allura Red (E129), stating it "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children". The US FDA does not require such labeling.

How to Determine if a Barbecue Sauce Contains Red 40

Always check the ingredient label. Red 40 can be listed under several names.

Common names for Red 40 to check for:

FD&C Red No. 40
Red 40 Lake
Allura Red AC
CI Food Red 17
CI 16035

A Comparison of Coloring Ingredients


Feature	Synthetic Red 40	Natural Colorants (e.g., Paprika, Beet Powder)
Source	Petroleum-derived	Fruits, vegetables, herbs
Color Consistency	Highly uniform and vibrant	Varies depending on source and processing
Cost	Less expensive	Generally more expensive
Health Concerns	Linked to hyperactivity, allergic reactions in some	Generally considered safe
Nutritional Value	No nutritional value	Can provide some nutrients or antioxidants

Natural Alternatives for Coloring Barbecue Sauce

If avoiding artificial dyes is a priority, many dye-free sauces are available, or you can make your own. Natural options for color include:

Paprika: Adds a red color and flavor.
Tomato Paste or Puree: Provides a natural red base.
Beetroot Powder or Juice: Offers a deep red hue.
Caramelized Onions and Molasses: Darkens the sauce for a rich brown look.
Cherries: Can provide a natural reddish tone.

Conclusion

Many commercial barbecue sauces do contain Red 40 for color and cost efficiency. Despite FDA approval, concerns about potential health effects like hyperactivity in children prompt many to look for natural alternatives. Checking ingredient labels for Red 40 or its other names, and considering natural colorants for homemade sauces, allows for informed choices. For more information, the Center for Science in the Public Interest is a helpful resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Red 40 is not in all barbecue sauces. Many brands, particularly those focused on natural or organic ingredients, avoid artificial dyes. However, it is a common additive in many mass-market, commercially produced sauces, so checking the ingredient list is necessary.

Food manufacturers add Red 40 to barbecue sauce to achieve a consistent, vibrant color for visual appeal and brand recognition. It is a cost-effective way to ensure each batch of product looks the same, rather than relying on natural colorants that can vary.

On ingredient labels, Red 40 may also appear as FD&C Red No. 40, Red 40 Lake, Allura Red AC, CI 16035, or CI Food Red 17.

Yes, several natural alternatives can color barbecue sauce. These include paprika (especially smoked paprika), tomato paste, beet powder, and caramelized onions, which also add rich flavor.

In the United States, the FDA considers Red 40 safe for consumption within regulated levels. However, some studies and health organizations have raised concerns about potential health effects, such as a link to hyperactivity in some children.

No, the European Union does not ban Red 40, but it does mandate that products containing it must carry a warning label. This label informs consumers that the dye "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children".

Yes, making a homemade, dye-free barbecue sauce is simple. Many recipes use a base of tomato products and spices like paprika to achieve a natural, rich color without any artificial additives.