Navigating the Nutrition Diet: What Candy Has No Red 40?

October 3, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2023 study, animal research suggests that Red 40 may cause damage to the colon, leading many health-conscious individuals to question, 'What candy has no red 40?'. With a growing number of brands offering alternatives, finding sweet treats made without this artificial coloring is now easier than ever.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of popular candy brands and types that do not use Red 40, highlighting those that use natural, plant-based colorings. It also offers practical advice on how to read labels to avoid artificial dyes and make more informed dietary choices.

Key Points

Label Reading is Key: Always check the ingredient list for 'Red 40,' 'Red #40,' or 'Allura Red' to identify candies with the synthetic dye.
Natural Dyes are an Option: Many brands, like YumEarth and Unreal, now use natural, plant-based sources such as beet juice and turmeric for coloring.
Chocolate is Often Dye-Free: Many standard chocolate bars and kisses are naturally colored by cocoa, though brightly colored chocolates should be checked.
Brand Variations: Be aware that different products from the same brand may have different ingredients; for example, Sweet Tart Ropes are dye-free, but standard Sweet Tarts are not.
Specific Brand Alternatives: Look for specific brands like ChocZero, Hi-Chew, and Smart Sweets, which are known for their dye-free offerings.
Broader Approach to Nutrition: While avoiding Red 40, remember that candy is still a sugary treat and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Understanding the Concern with Red 40

For years, artificial food colorings like Red 40 have been a subject of concern for consumers, parents, and health experts. Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic dye made from petroleum. While the FDA considers it safe for consumption, some studies have raised flags about its potential health effects, especially on sensitive individuals and children.

Concerns surrounding Red 40 and other artificial colors include:

Hyperactivity in Children: Behavioral issues, particularly in children diagnosed with ADHD, have been an ongoing area of research. Some anecdotal and scientific evidence suggests a link, though findings have been inconsistent.
Allergic Reactions: For some, Red 40 can trigger allergic responses, leading to symptoms like hives or swelling.
Inflammatory Conditions: Early research in animal models has suggested that Red 40 may contribute to low-level inflammation in the colon, potentially increasing the risk for conditions like colitis.
DNA Damage: Some studies have investigated Red 40's potential for genotoxicity, finding possible links to DNA damage in mice, though human studies are needed.

Reading Labels for Artificial Dyes

To ensure your candy is free of Red 40, you must become a label-reading detective. Artificial dyes are listed in the ingredients and can appear as “Red 40,” “Red #40,” “Red 40 Lake,” or “Allura Red”. On the other hand, naturally colored products will list their coloring ingredients, which might include beet juice, paprika extract, or fruit and vegetable concentrates. Some companies, like ChocZero, proudly state that they use plants like flowers and pumpkins to color their treats.

Popular Candies Without Red 40

Thankfully, the demand for cleaner food products has led to a boom in naturally colored and dye-free candy options. Here is a list of some readily available choices:

YumEarth: A brand specializing in organic and allergy-friendly products, including lollipops, fruit snacks, and chewy candies.
Unreal: Known for their chocolate-covered candies that serve as alternatives to mainstream chocolate options. They use natural ingredients like carrots, turmeric, and spirulina for color.
ChocZero: A brand that focuses on sugar-free chocolates and does not use any artificial dyes.
Hi-Chew: Many flavors of this popular chewy candy are made without artificial dyes.
Mamba Fruit Chews: These candies also use natural plant-based dyes for coloring.
Black Forest Organic Gummies: Check the packaging, as their organic line uses natural flavors and colors.
Sweet Tart Ropes: Only the ropes version of Sweet Tarts is known to be free of artificial coloring.
Trader Joe's Candy: The grocery store has its own line of candies that are made without artificial colors.
Smart Sweets: A brand offering low-sugar gummy candies that are also free of synthetic dyes.

The Rise of Natural Colors

Manufacturers are increasingly turning to natural sources to achieve vibrant colors. These can include:

Red: Beet juice, pomegranate, cranberry
Orange: Paprika, carrots, annatto
Yellow: Turmeric, riboflavin
Green: Spirulina, matcha green tea powder
Blue: Butterfly pea flower extract, spirulina

Comparison Table: Dye-Free Candy Options


Feature	YumEarth Organic Giggles	Unreal Chocolate Gems	Standard Chocolate (e.g., Hershey's Kisses)
Dye-Free	Yes	Yes	Yes (Generally)
Primary Ingredients	Organic Rice Syrup, Sugar, Fruit Juice Concentrate	Fair Trade Dark Chocolate, Cane Sugar, Vegetable Extracts	Milk Chocolate, Sugar, Cocoa Butter
Natural Colors Used	Fruit & Vegetable Concentrates	Vegetable Extracts (e.g., Beet, Radish, Spirulina)	N/A (Brown color is natural from cocoa)
Sweetness	Standard Sweetness	Less Sweet (Dark Chocolate)	Standard Sweetness
Texture	Chewy	Hard Candy Shell, Chocolate Core	Smooth, Melt-in-your-mouth
Allergy-Friendly	Top 9 Allergen Free	May contain dairy, nuts	Contains dairy, may contain nuts

Making Healthier Choices Beyond Just Dyes

While choosing candies without Red 40 is a positive step, it's essential to remember that most candy is still high in sugar. A healthy approach involves looking beyond just the dye and considering the overall nutritional value and moderation. Integrating healthier snacks into your diet, like fresh fruits, dried fruit, or yogurt, can help satisfy a sweet tooth without relying on processed treats.

For those who enjoy baking, creating your own homemade candy allows for complete control over ingredients, including using natural food colorings.

Conclusion: A Colorful World Without Compromise

For those who prioritize a clean diet, answering the question, 'what candy has no red 40?' is the first step toward more mindful snacking. The market for dye-free candies is flourishing, offering delicious and visually appealing alternatives that don’t rely on artificial ingredients. By taking a moment to read labels and explore newer, health-conscious brands, you can enjoy sweet treats without compromising your dietary principles.

Food Network provides a helpful list of packaged snacks that don't contain Red 40, offering more options for conscientious shoppers.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all chocolate is free of Red 40. While plain, dark, or milk chocolate is typically free of artificial dyes, products with colored coatings or fillings, such as M&Ms or some versions of Reese's Pieces, often contain Red 40.

Yes, USDA Organic regulations prohibit the use of artificial food dyes like Red 40 in products bearing the organic seal. These products instead rely on natural coloring sources.

Manufacturers use a variety of natural sources for red coloring, including beet juice, paprika extract, and concentrates from fruits like pomegranate or cranberry.

Red 40 has been a subject of concern due to potential links to hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, and potential inflammatory effects.

Yes, many resources and brands provide information on dye-free snacks. Brands like Annie's Homegrown, Clif Kid Z Bars, and Bare Fruit Chips are known to offer dye-free options.

The search results mention Hi-Chews in general as a dye-free option, but it's always best to check the specific package for the flavor you are buying to ensure no artificial colors are listed.

You can find dye-free candy at various locations, including natural food stores, specialty markets like Trader Joe's, the organic or natural food section of most supermarkets, and online retailers such as Amazon.