Is There Red Dye 40 in Ring Pops? What the Label Says

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), certain Ring Pop flavors contain the controversial artificial coloring Red 40. Knowing the ingredients is crucial for those who want to avoid synthetic dyes, as whether there is Red Dye 40 in Ring Pops depends on the specific flavor and product type, such as hard candy versus gummy versions.

Quick Summary

Several Ring Pop flavors and products, including cherry, berry blast, and certain gummy rings, do contain Red Dye 40. However, other flavors like blue raspberry and watermelon are colored with different dyes. Always check the ingredient list on specific packaging to verify the presence of Red Dye 40.

Key Points

• Check the Label: Whether there is Red Dye 40 in Ring Pops depends on the specific flavor, so always read the ingredient list before buying.

• Cherry and Berry Blast Have It: Cherry Ring Pops and certain Berry Blast varieties explicitly list Red Dye 40 or Red 40 Lake on their labels.

• Some Flavors Do Not: Flavors like Blue Raspberry and some watermelon versions use different dyes, such as Blue 1 and Yellow 5, instead of Red 40.

• Gummy Versions Contain It: Ring Pop Gummy Rings contain gelatin, an animal byproduct, and also list Red Dye 40 as an ingredient.

• Red 40 is Petroleum-Derived: Red Dye 40 is a synthetic colorant made from petroleum and is known by several names, including Allura Red AC and E129.

• Consider the Whole Product: Variety packs may contain flavors with and without Red 40, so scrutinize each individual item if you need to avoid the dye.

A Deep Dive into Ring Pop Ingredients

For years, Ring Pops have been a staple of childhood candy, recognizable by their iconic jewel-shaped hard candy on a wearable plastic ring. But as consumer awareness about food additives has grown, many people have started scrutinizing ingredient lists, especially for artificial colors like Red Dye 40. The simple question, “Is there Red Dye 40 in Ring Pops?” has a nuanced answer that requires a closer look at the different flavors and product variations.

The Ingredient Variations Across Flavors

The presence of Red Dye 40 (also known as Allura Red AC or E129) is not consistent across all Ring Pop products. It is the flavor that determines which artificial coloring is used. Checking the nutritional information or ingredient lists on different packages reveals a clear breakdown:

• Cherry: The ingredient list for Cherry Ring Pops explicitly lists "Red 40" along with natural and artificial flavors.
• Strawberry: This popular flavor may contain Red 40 in some versions, but other variations list alternative colors like Red 3 and Blue 1, according to some product descriptions.
• Berry Blast: For the vibrant Berry Blast flavor, the ingredient list includes both Red 40 Lake and Red 3.
• Twisted Flavors: Some Twisted Ring Pop combinations, like Twisted Citrus Craze and Berry Blast, feature Red 40 Lake, indicating a different form of the dye is used.
• Flavors Without Red 40: Many Ring Pop flavors do not use Red 40 at all. For example, Blue Raspberry uses Blue 1, while some watermelon varieties utilize colors like Yellow 5 and Blue 1.

Hard Candy vs. Gummy Rings

Another critical distinction is the difference between the classic hard candy Ring Pops and the newer gummy versions. This is where ingredients can change dramatically, including the use of Red 40.

• Hard Candy: As discussed, the hard candy lollipops have a flavor-dependent ingredient list. Those avoiding Red 40 need to be careful when purchasing, especially with cherry and some strawberry varieties.
• Gummy Rings: In contrast, Ring Pop Gummy Rings are known to contain gelatin, an animal-derived product, which immediately makes them unsuitable for vegans or vegetarians. Their ingredient list also clearly specifies Red 40 as a coloring agent, alongside Yellow 5 and Blue 1.

Why the Controversy Over Red Dye 40?

Red Dye 40 is a synthetic food dye derived from petroleum. While approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA), it remains one of the most controversial food additives. Concerns and research around Red Dye 40 have focused on several areas:

• Health Concerns: Some studies have suggested a potential link between Red Dye 40 and hyperactivity, including ADHD, in children. However, the consensus from major health organizations is that it poses minimal health risk for most people.
• Allergic Reactions: For a small portion of the population, artificial dyes like Red Dye 40 can trigger allergic reactions, such as hives or swelling.
• Ethical Considerations: For ethical vegans and those concerned about animal welfare, the repeated animal testing of artificial dyes is a significant issue, even if the dye itself is not animal-derived.

How to Verify the Presence of Red Dye 40

The most reliable way to determine if Red Dye 40 is present is by carefully examining the product's packaging. Look for the following names on the ingredient list:

• Red 40: The most common name used on packaging in the U.S.
• Allura Red AC: Another name for Red Dye 40.
• E129: The European Union's code for this additive.
• Red 40 Lake: This is a variant of the dye, often used in candies to prevent color bleeding.

Comparison Table: Ring Pop Flavors and Red Dye 40

Flavor	Contains Red Dye 40?	Alternative Dyes	Vegan-Friendly?	Notes
Cherry	Yes	N/A	Yes*	Contains artificial flavors and Red 40.
Strawberry	Sometimes	Red 3, Blue 1	Yes*	Ingredients can vary, check label.
Blue Raspberry	No	Blue 1	Yes*	Colored with Blue 1.
Watermelon	No	Yellow 5, Blue 1	Yes*	Uses a mix of other dyes.
Berry Blast	Yes	Red 3, Blue 1, Titanium Dioxide	Yes*	Contains both Red 40 Lake and other dyes.
Gummy Rings	Yes	Yellow 5, Blue 1	No	Contains gelatin, an animal product.

*Vegan-friendly refers to the hard candy version only, assuming no animal-based manufacturing aids are used. Gummy versions contain gelatin.

The Takeaway for Consumers

With so many different product lines and flavors, it's easy to see why confusion exists. If you are specifically trying to avoid Red Dye 40, your best approach is to check the ingredient list on every individual package. Do not assume that the absence of the dye in one flavor means it will be absent in all. For example, a variety pack could contain a cherry Ring Pop with Red 40 and a blue raspberry one without it. The inclusion of Red Dye 40 is particularly common in red and red-hued candies, but can also appear in combination with other colors. If you or a family member have known sensitivities to the dye, reading labels is the only foolproof way to ensure a product is safe for consumption. For those seeking a completely artificial-dye-free experience, there are now specialty candy makers and brands that offer Ring Pops made with natural colors and flavors. The classic hard candy versions without Red 40 can also be an excellent choice for a vibrant, fun, and dye-conscious treat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the presence of Red Dye 40 in Ring Pops is not universal. Specific flavors, most notably Cherry, and certain product lines like the Gummy Rings, include Red Dye 40 or its related form, Red 40 Lake. In contrast, many other popular flavors, such as Blue Raspberry, are made with alternative artificial colorings. The best practice for consumers is to always check the ingredient label before purchasing to confirm the candy's composition. For those with sensitivities or who prefer to avoid artificial additives, reading labels and opting for naturally colored alternatives are the most reliable strategies. The ongoing conversation about food additives highlights the importance of informed choices, even when it comes to nostalgic treats like Ring Pops.

Bazooka Candy Brands is the official brand owner and website for Ring Pops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which specific Ring Pop flavors contain Red Dye 40?

Specific flavors known to contain Red Dye 40 or its variant, Red 40 Lake, include Cherry, Berry Blast, and some Strawberry flavors. It is always best to check the specific ingredient list on the packaging.

Is Red Dye 40 found in all Ring Pop candy products?

No, Red Dye 40 is not in all Ring Pop products. It depends on the flavor and type. For instance, while some hard candy flavors contain it, others like Blue Raspberry use different dyes.

Are Ring Pop Gummy Rings safe for someone avoiding Red Dye 40?

No, Ring Pop Gummy Rings are not a safe alternative if you're avoiding Red Dye 40, as their ingredient list specifically includes the dye.

Are there any Ring Pop flavors that are free of Red Dye 40?

Yes, flavors such as Blue Raspberry and some Watermelon varieties do not contain Red Dye 40. Blue Raspberry is colored with Blue 1, while Watermelon uses a combination of Yellow 5 and Blue 1.

What are other names for Red Dye 40?

Other names for Red Dye 40 that you might see on ingredient labels include Allura Red AC, E129, and Red 40 Lake.

How can I tell for sure if a Ring Pop has Red Dye 40?

The most accurate way is to read the ingredient label on the packaging. Ingredients that contain the dye will be listed as 'Red 40,' 'Red 40 Lake,' or 'E129'.

Is Red Dye 40 in Ring Pops also present in other Bazooka Candy Brands products?

Yes, Red Dye 40 is present in some other Bazooka products, such as Push Pops and Baby Bottle Pops, in specific red or red-hued flavors.