Is there red dye in bubble gum?

January 6, 2026 •

3 min read

Some popular bubble gum brands, like Dubble Bubble, historically contained both Red Dye 3 and Red Dye 40. The presence of red dye in bubble gum is complex, depending on the brand, flavor, and time of manufacture. Understanding the common color additives in chewing gum is increasingly important for consumers.

Quick Summary

Bubble gum often uses artificial red dyes, such as Red Dye 40 and Red Dye 3, for its pink color. Concerns about health have led some brands to use natural alternatives or offer dye-free products. Ingredient labels must be checked, as the presence of these dyes varies by brand and flavor. Recent FDA bans on Red Dye 3 will require reformulation.

Key Points

Red Dye Presence: Many bubble gum brands, including Dubble Bubble and Hubba Bubba, contain artificial red dyes like Red Dye 40.
Red Dye 3 Ban: The FDA is phasing out Red Dye 3 from food and ingested drugs due to cancer risks found in animal studies, with a full ban expected to be in effect in 2027 for food products.
Health Concerns: Red Dye 40 has been linked to potential hyperactivity and behavioral issues in some sensitive children, though it remains an FDA-approved additive.
Natural Alternatives: Dye-free gum options are available and use natural colorants from sources like beetroot, radishes, and purple sweet potatoes.
Label Reading: Checking the ingredient list is the most reliable method for consumers to confirm whether a specific bubble gum product contains artificial red dyes.

Red Dyes: The Colorful Chemistry Behind Bubble Gum's Shade

The vibrant pink color of bubble gum is achieved through food color additives. The primary artificial red dyes found are FD&C Red No. 40 and FD&C Red No. 3. The regulatory landscape for Red 3 has changed significantly, impacting its use in confectionery.

The Controversies and Regulations of Red Dyes

Both Red Dye 40 and Red Dye 3 have faced scrutiny over potential health concerns, prompting regulatory actions and increased consumer awareness.

Red Dye No. 3:

Health Concerns: Animal studies in the 1980s linked high doses of Red 3 to thyroid tumors in male rats.
Regulatory Action: The FDA banned its use in cosmetics and topical drugs in 1990. After advocacy, the FDA revoked its authorization for use in foods and ingested drugs in January 2025, with compliance deadlines in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
International Status: Largely banned in Europe since 1994, with some exceptions.

Red Dye No. 40:

Health Concerns: Some studies suggest a link between Red 40 and hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral issues in sensitive children. Critics also point to its petroleum-based origin and potential links to allergic reactions.
Regulatory Status: The FDA considers Red 40 safe at current consumption levels, though some European products carry a warning label about potential effects on children's attention.

Finding Red Dye-Free Bubble Gum

With growing demand for "clean label" products, many companies offer bubble gum options free of artificial colors. Manufacturers use natural colorants from fruits and vegetables. These alternatives provide a way to enjoy the classic treat without consuming synthetic additives.

Beetroot Extract: Provides red and pink hues and is a common replacement for Red 3.
Anthocyanins: Extracted from ingredients like red radishes, red cabbage, and purple sweet potatoes, these deliver a range of red and purple tones.
Beta-carotene: Derived from plants like carrots, this can create orange and pale red shades.

Brands with and without Red Dye

It's essential to check the ingredient list when shopping for bubble gum, as recipes and dye usage can vary. Here is a comparison of common brands:


Brand	Status of Red Dye	Specific Dyes Noted	Notes
Dubble Bubble Original	Contains Red Dye	FD&C Red 40, FD&C Red 3	Has historically used both Red 40 and Red 3; due for reformulation to comply with the 2025 FDA ban.
Hubba Bubba Original	Contains Red Dye	Red 40, Red 40 Lake	Lists Red 40 as a color additive on ingredient labels.
EXTRA Classic Bubble	Contains Red Dye	Red 40, Red 40 Lake	Flavorings may contain Red 40, so ingredient labels should be reviewed carefully.
PUR Gum (Bubblegum)	Dye-Free	None listed	Uses natural flavors and colors, often relying on fruit and vegetable extracts.
Tree Hugger Gum	Dye-Free	No artificial colors	Explicitly marketed as containing no artificial colors and using natural flavors.

Why Ingredient Labels Matter

Ingredient lists are the most reliable source for consumers seeking to avoid red dye. A manufacturer might use a different dye for a specific flavor or have reformulated their product in response to changing regulations. For example, some brands have already removed Red 3 and substituted it with carmine, a dye derived from insects.

Navigating the Future of Food Coloring

The FDA's ban on Red 3 is a step toward cleaner food labels, but it doesn't solve all concerns regarding synthetic food dyes. For instance, Red 40 remains an approved additive in the U.S., despite ongoing debates about its safety. This encourages both consumers and manufacturers to rethink the role of artificial colors in food. The trend towards natural alternatives is likely to continue.

Conclusion

Many traditional bubble gums contain red dyes, specifically Red Dye 40 and, until recently, Red Dye 3. The presence of these artificial color additives gives bubble gum its classic pink hue. Growing health concerns and regulatory changes are shifting the landscape. Consumers looking to avoid artificial red dyes can find brands on the market, such as PUR Gum and Tree Hugger, that use natural alternatives. Always check the ingredient label before purchasing.

Visit the Environmental Working Group for more information on harmful food chemicals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red Dye 3 (Erythrosine) is an artificial dye that was banned by the FDA for use in foods and ingested drugs in January 2025 due to evidence linking it to cancer in rats. Red Dye 40 (Allura Red AC) is a different petroleum-based dye that remains on the FDA's approved list, though it has been linked to behavioral concerns in some children.

Several brands offer dye-free options. Notable examples include PUR Gum and Tree Hugger Gum, which use natural flavors and colors derived from plant sources. Always check the ingredient label to be sure.

The FDA's ban on Red Dye 3 was based on the Delaney Clause, a provision of federal law that prohibits the approval of any color additive found to induce cancer in humans or animals. Animal studies from the 1980s showed a link between Red 3 and thyroid cancer in rats, though the process took decades to complete.

While the FDA states Red Dye 40 is safe for most people, some research suggests a link between its consumption and worsened hyperactivity and neurobehavioral problems in sensitive children. Some countries in the EU require a warning label on products containing Red 40 for this reason.

Natural alternatives used by food manufacturers include beet juice, extracts from red radish and purple sweet potato, and anthocyanins, which provide various red and pink hues. Carmine, derived from insects, is another natural option used by some.

No. While many traditional pink bubble gums use artificial red dyes, modern alternatives use natural colorants to achieve the pink hue. Additionally, some white or uncolored gums may contain Red 40 as part of a flavor mix, so the color of the gum is not a guarantee.

The most accurate way to find a product's ingredients is to read the packaging label. Information can also be found on the manufacturer's official website or through online retailers like Amazon, which often list product details.