Is there strawberry Jell-O without red dye 40? Your guide to dye-free gelatin

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2016, Kraft released its Simply Good line, offering strawberry gelatin colored with real fruit and vegetable juices instead of artificial dyes. For consumers seeking to avoid synthetic food coloring, this move confirmed the demand for finding strawberry Jell-O without red dye 40 and other artificial ingredients.

Quick Summary

Several commercial products now offer dye-free strawberry gelatin, including Jell-O's discontinued Simply Good line and products from brands like Simple Mixes. Homemade recipes using real strawberries and natural colors like beet powder are also a viable option. Consumers concerned about synthetic additives have multiple choices for enjoying a naturally colored dessert.

Key Points

Jell-O Simply Good Existed: In 2016, Kraft released a line of dye-free gelatins, including strawberry, that used natural colorants like vegetable juice.
Dye-Free Brands are Available: Brands like Simple Mixes offer strawberry gelatin mixes that are made with colors from fruits and vegetables instead of synthetic dyes.
Homemade Gelatin is an Option: You can easily make your own dye-free strawberry gelatin at home using real fruit, unflavored gelatin, and natural sweeteners.
Red Dye 40 is a Synthetic Colorant: Red Dye 40 (Allura Red AC) is derived from petroleum and has been linked in some studies to behavioral issues in sensitive children.
Check Labels for Natural Sources: Look for products that list vegetable juice, fruit extracts, or other natural sources for color, rather than 'FD&C Red No. 40'.
Manufacturer Trends are Shifting: Due to consumer demand and evolving regulations in some areas, many food companies are moving towards using natural colors in their products.

The Story Behind Jell-O Simply Good

For years, Jell-O's classic strawberry gelatin was synonymous with its vibrant, ruby-red color, derived from the artificial coloring known as Red Dye 40, or Allura Red AC. However, in response to growing consumer preference for more natural products and concerns about synthetic food dyes, Kraft Heinz introduced its 'Simply Good' line in 2016. This product line offered gelatin mixes made with natural ingredients. The strawberry flavor, for example, derived its color from a blend of vegetable juice and oleoresin turmeric, not Red 40. This provided a welcome alternative for those looking to avoid synthetic color additives but was eventually discontinued. The product was well-received by many for its clean-label approach, though some noted a slightly different color and taste profile compared to the classic version.

Finding Dye-Free Options Beyond Jell-O

While the Simply Good line may no longer be on shelves, the market has seen an expansion of other brands offering dye-free gelatin. These companies specifically cater to the demand for products made without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Consumers can now find these alternatives in health food stores, online marketplaces, and sometimes in the natural food aisle of conventional supermarkets. These products typically rely on natural sources like fruits, vegetables, and spices to achieve their colors, offering peace of mind to those with sensitivities to artificial dyes or a preference for natural ingredients.

Some popular dye-free gelatin options include:

Simple Mixes: This brand has always been dye-free and offers a variety of naturally colored and flavored gelatin mixes, including strawberry. They use colorants derived from fruits and vegetables.
Store Brands (e.g., Aldi): Certain store brands have made efforts to remove synthetic dyes from their products. As noted in consumer forums, the Aldi brand has been mentioned as having dye-free strawberry gelatin. Always check the ingredient label, as formulations can change.
Welch's: Some consumer discussions suggest Welch's products offer dye-free gelatin alternatives, though it's important to verify the ingredients of specific products.
Kozy Shack: Known for its puddings, Kozy Shack also offers some gelatin products that are dye-free, available in pre-made cups.

Homemade vs. Commercial Dye-Free Gelatin

For ultimate control over ingredients, making homemade strawberry gelatin is a great option. It avoids all synthetic additives and allows for fresh, customizable flavor.

Homemade Strawberry Gelatin Recipe (No Artificial Dyes)

Puree the strawberries: Blend 2 cups of fresh or frozen strawberries until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds.
Bloom the gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of unflavored powdered gelatin over ½ cup of cold water or strawberry puree and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
Heat the liquid: In a saucepan, combine the remaining strawberry puree with 1 cup of water and ¼ cup of honey or maple syrup. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Dissolve the gelatin: Remove from heat and whisk the bloomed gelatin into the hot liquid until completely dissolved.
Pour and chill: Pour the mixture into a mold or individual serving dishes and chill for at least 4 hours, or until set.

Comparison of Gelatin Options


Feature	Jell-O Original Strawberry	Jell-O Simply Good (Discontinued)	Simple Mixes Natural Gelatin	Homemade Gelatin
Primary Red Color Source	Red Dye 40 (Allura Red AC)	Vegetable Juice and Turmeric	Fruit and Vegetable Juice	Fresh Strawberries, Beet Juice
Availability	Widely available at most stores	Limited, no longer produced	Specialized online and retail	Depends on ingredient availability
Artificial Ingredients	Yes, contains artificial dyes and flavors	No artificial dyes or flavors	No artificial dyes or flavors	No artificial additives
Flavor	Classic, recognizable Jell-O taste	Slightly different, fruitier taste	Naturally flavored, less intense	Fresh, authentic strawberry flavor
Preparation	Easy, requires hot water	Easy, required hot water	Easy, requires hot water	Requires more preparation time

Understanding the Red Dye 40 Controversy

Red Dye 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food coloring derived from petroleum. Its use in food has been controversial for decades. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food dyes and neurobehavioral issues, particularly hyperactivity in some children. While regulatory bodies like the FDA have deemed it safe for consumption, requiring batch certification for purity, the controversy and ongoing research have prompted many consumers and manufacturers to seek natural alternatives. This has been a key driver behind the market shift towards dye-free products and homemade recipes.

Conclusion

For those wondering, "Is there strawberry Jell-O without red dye 40?", the answer is a definitive yes, with several alternatives available. While the Jell-O Simply Good line is no longer widely available, the market has filled the gap with brands like Simple Mixes that use natural colorants from fruits and vegetables. For the most natural option, making your own gelatin at home using real fruit is a simple and rewarding process. The shift towards dye-free options reflects a broader consumer trend toward clean-label products and greater awareness of food additives. Whether you choose a commercial alternative or a homemade recipe, enjoying a delicious, naturally colored strawberry gelatin is easily achievable.

Source for outbound link: US FDA Information on Color Additives

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the classic, original Jell-O strawberry gelatin contains Red Dye 40, also known as Allura Red AC, as its primary coloring agent.

No, the Jell-O Simply Good line, which featured naturally colored and flavored gelatins, was discontinued after its release in 2016.

Alternative brands that offer dye-free options include Simple Mixes, some store brands like Aldi, and certain pre-made gelatin cups from brands like Kozy Shack.

For homemade gelatin, natural red colorants can be sourced from beet juice, beet powder, pomegranate juice, or hibiscus flowers.

While the FDA considers Red Dye 40 safe, some studies have linked it to hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral issues in sensitive children.

Yes, you can easily make homemade strawberry gelatin using unflavored gelatin, fresh or pureed strawberries, water, and a natural sweetener like honey.

Kraft introduced the Simply Good line in response to growing consumer demand for products with fewer artificial ingredients and a preference for natural alternatives in their food.