A Major Recipe Change for a Popular Snack
For years, the vibrant colors in many of the popular Welch's Fruit Snacks, including the best-selling Mixed Fruit variety, were achieved with artificial food dyes like Red 40 and Blue 1. However, as of a 2025 company announcement, this is no longer the case for newer batches. The company is actively phasing out all artificial colors across its entire fruit snack lineup, with a target completion date of early 2026. The shift comes after a decade-long development process to find suitable natural color alternatives.
Which Varieties Still Contain Artificial Dyes?
Before the full rollout, some products on store shelves may still contain Red 40. This can be confusing for consumers trying to avoid artificial ingredients. The best way to be certain is to check the ingredient list on the packaging, which is legally required to list all ingredients. If the list includes "Red 40" or "Blue 1", the product contains artificial dyes. Conversely, if the package explicitly states "no artificial dyes" or lists colors derived from natural sources like "fruit and vegetable juices," you can be sure the product is dye-free.
The Move Towards Natural Colors
The decision by Welch's to eliminate artificial dyes is part of a larger trend in the food industry. Concerns have been raised by consumers and some health advocates about the potential link between synthetic food dyes and behavioral issues in some children. In response, many companies are reformulating their products to use colors derived from natural sources. Welch's is now using fruit and vegetable juices, such as those from grape, carrot, blueberry, and red pepper, to give its fruit snacks their colorful appearance. The new, naturally colored snacks may appear slightly less vibrant than their artificial counterparts, but consumer testing showed the taste remains consistent and is often preferred.
How to Tell the Difference on Store Shelves
- Read the Label: The most reliable method is to check the ingredient list. The presence of "Red 40" confirms it is an older version containing the artificial dye. Look for a label that specifies "No Artificial Dyes".
- Packaging: Look for newer packaging that prominently displays a "No Artificial Dyes" claim. Welch's has been updating its packaging to reflect this change.
- Timing: Products hitting shelves since July 2025 in popular varieties like Mixed Fruit, Fruit Punch, and Berries 'n Cherries are likely to be the new dye-free versions.
Comparison of Welch's Fruit Snack Ingredients (Old vs. New)
| Ingredient Category | Older Formulation (with Dyes) | Newer Formulation (Dye-Free) |
|---|---|---|
| Coloring Agents | Annatto, Turmeric, Red 40, Blue 1 | Colors from fruit and vegetable juices (e.g., grape, carrot, blueberry, red pepper), Annatto, Turmeric |
| Flavor | Natural and artificial flavors | Natural and artificial flavors (company has worked on color transition, not a flavor overhaul) |
| Sugar Source | Corn Syrup, Sugar | Corn Syrup, Sugar |
| Sweeteners (Diet Versions) | Maltitol, Allulose, Maltodextrin (in sugar-free variants) | Maltitol, Allulose, Maltodextrin (in sugar-free variants) |
| Vitamins | Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol Acetate), Vitamin A Palmitate | Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol Acetate), Vitamin A Palmitate |
Frequently Asked Questions About Welch's Fruit Snacks and Red Dye 40
Is the entire Welch's Fruit Snacks product line now free of Red 40?
No, not yet, but it is in the process of becoming so. The company plans to have all its fruit snack products, including the popular Mixed Fruit variety, free of artificial dyes by early 2026. Some varieties were already dye-free prior to this full brand rollout.
How can I be sure the box I buy is dye-free?
The surest way is to check the ingredient list. New, dye-free packaging often features a clear "no artificial dyes" call-out on the front of the box. However, checking the ingredients is the most reliable method.
Are the new dye-free Welch's Fruit Snacks safe for people with dye sensitivities?
Yes. The new formulas use natural color sources like fruit and vegetable juices, which are not known to cause the same sensitivities as artificial dyes like Red 40. However, always consult a healthcare provider for specific dietary concerns.
Does this change affect the taste of the fruit snacks?
According to Welch's, extensive testing was done to ensure the taste and texture of the reformulated snacks remain the same as the original versions. Natural dyes can sometimes taste slightly different, but consumer testing showed high satisfaction with the new formula.
Why is Welch's removing artificial dyes like Red 40?
Welch's is removing artificial dyes in response to growing consumer demand for natural ingredients and concerns about the health effects of artificial dyes, including links to behavioral issues in some children.
Is this change happening in all countries?
The current announcement and rollout affect products sold in the United States. Welch's has long used different formulations in some countries, like Canada, where certain products were already made with natural colors.
What are some examples of the new natural colors being used?
Welch's is using colors from fruit and vegetable juices, such as purple carrot, red grape, blueberry, and red pepper, to replace the artificial dyes.
Conclusion: Navigating the Transition
The question of whether there is red dye 40 in Welch's Fruit Snacks has a complex answer due to a major transition in the product's formulation. While older inventory may still contain the artificial coloring, the company's commitment to using only natural colors by early 2026 means that newer products will be completely dye-free. Consumers should actively check packaging labels for the "no artificial dyes" claim or inspect the ingredient list to confirm. This change reflects a broader movement in the food industry to align with evolving consumer preferences for more natural ingredients and fewer synthetic additives. This transition, while possibly confusing during the rollout period, ultimately provides consumers with a clear, more natural option for their fruit snack needs.
Helpful Resources
For more information on the safety of food additives, consider reviewing the FDA's guidelines on the topic.
Conclusion
In summary, the presence of red dye 40 in Welch's Fruit Snacks is becoming a thing of the past. The company has proactively decided to remove all artificial dyes from its products, beginning with popular varieties in 2025 and completing the transition by early 2026. Shoppers must be vigilant and check the ingredient list on the package while older inventory cycles out of stores. The new formulas will use natural colors derived from fruits and vegetables, addressing health concerns and consumer demand for cleaner ingredients without compromising taste.
Key Takeaways
- Yes, but it's changing: Many older versions of Welch's Fruit Snacks contained Red Dye 40, but the company is phasing it out.
- Check the label: The most reliable way to confirm is to read the ingredient list on the box or pouch.
- Transition to natural dyes: The company is switching to natural coloring agents from fruits and vegetables, like grape and carrot juices.
- Rollout in 2025-2026: The change began rolling out in 2025 and all fruit snack varieties will be dye-free by early 2026.
- Look for new packaging: Newer packaging will likely feature a "no artificial dyes" label to make the change clear to consumers.
