Nutrition and Ketchup: Do they put red 40 in ketchup?

October 11, 2025 •

5 min read

According to manufacturers like Kraft Heinz, their iconic tomato ketchup has never contained artificial dyes. This addresses the common query, 'Do they put red 40 in ketchup?' and highlights that the condiment's vibrant red hue comes from the natural pigments of ripe tomatoes.

Quick Summary

Major ketchup brands do not contain Red 40, deriving their color from natural tomato solids. This reflects a broader consumer trend toward 'clean-label' ingredients, prompting many companies to move away from synthetic dyes and additives.

Key Points

Major Ketchup Brands Do Not Use Red 40: Leading manufacturers, including Heinz, state that their ketchup's red color comes exclusively from the natural pigments of ripe tomatoes, not artificial dyes like Red 40.
Red 40 is a Synthetic Dye from Petroleum: Red 40 (Allura Red AC) is a common artificial food dye found in many processed foods and beverages, such as candies, cereals, and sodas, not in standard ketchup.
Concerns Exist About Red 40's Health Effects: Some research links Red 40 to hyperactivity in sensitive children and other health issues, prompting stricter labeling in regions like the EU, though the FDA has historically maintained it is safe.
Natural Alternatives to Artificial Colors Are Used: A growing number of food companies are opting for natural colorants derived from vegetables and fruits like beet juice, paprika, and tomatoes to achieve desired hues.
Reading Labels is Crucial for a Healthy Diet: Always check ingredient labels, as Red 40 may be listed under names like Allura Red AC or E129, especially in processed snacks, desserts, and drinks.
Consider the Broader Nutritional Context: While ketchup may be free of Red 40, it can still contain other processed additives like high fructose corn syrup, making homemade versions a cleaner alternative.

No Red 40 in Most Ketchup Brands

For those concerned about synthetic ingredients, the good news is that popular ketchup brands like Heinz do not use Red 40 or other artificial dyes. The iconic red color is derived entirely from the natural red pigments of ripe tomatoes and is standardized through careful processing. This practice aligns with the growing demand for 'clean-label' products that use simpler, more natural ingredients. The Kraft Heinz Company has also made commitments to remove artificial dyes from other products in its portfolio, further indicating a shift toward consumer preferences for more natural-looking and feeling food products. While some smaller or local producers might have different formulations, checking the ingredient list remains the most reliable way to know what's in your bottle.

What is Red 40 and Where is it Found?

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC or E129 in Europe, is a synthetic food dye made from petroleum. It is one of the most widely used artificial color additives in the food industry today. Its primary purpose is to add vibrant color to products, often to make them more visually appealing or to signify a specific flavor.

Common products containing Red 40 include:

Sodas and sports drinks
Candies and gummies
Fruit-flavored snacks
Breakfast cereals
Baked goods and pastries
Powdered drink mixes
Flavored yogurts and ice creams
Certain medications and vitamins

Health concerns and regulations

Red 40 has been the subject of controversy and scientific research regarding potential health effects. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has historically deemed the dye safe for consumption, some studies and health organizations have raised concerns.

Hyperactivity in Children: A potential link between synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, and increased hyperactivity in sensitive children has been suggested by some research, including the 2007 Southampton Study. This has prompted the European Union to mandate warning labels on products containing these dyes.
Other Health Risks: Animal studies have suggested possible links between Red 40 and other health issues, such as allergic reactions, inflammation, and potential DNA damage. Some of these findings are still under investigation, and results from animal studies do not always translate directly to humans.
Regulatory Status: It is important to distinguish between Red 40 and other dyes. In early 2025, the FDA banned Red 3, but Red 40 remains approved for use in the U.S. under specific regulations.

Making Conscious Nutritional Choices

Understanding what goes into your food is a critical part of maintaining a healthy diet. The conversation around Red 40 in ketchup is a good entry point for thinking about additives more generally. Choosing products with fewer processed ingredients and more whole, natural ones is a core tenet of healthy eating.

When it comes to coloring food, natural alternatives are widely available and increasingly used by manufacturers. These include:

Beetroot Red (Betanin): A vibrant red-purple pigment extracted from beets.
Paprika Extract: Provides a red-orange hue derived from peppers.
Lycopene: The carotenoid responsible for the red color in tomatoes and other fruits.
Anthocyanins: Water-soluble pigments from fruits like grapes and red cabbage, providing red, purple, and blue colors.

By prioritizing whole foods and reading labels, you can take control of your nutrition and make informed decisions for yourself and your family.

Ketchup Comparison: Standard vs. Natural


Feature	Standard Ketchup (e.g., Heinz)	Natural/Organic Ketchup	Homemade Ketchup
Red Color Source	Tomato Concentrate	Organic Tomato Concentrate	Fresh Tomatoes
Sweetener	High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup, or Sugar	Organic Cane Sugar, Honey, or other natural sweeteners	Your choice (e.g., honey, maple syrup, no added sugar)
Flavoring	Spices, Onion Powder, Natural Flavoring	Spices, Onion Powder, Vinegar, Sea Salt	Your own combination of herbs and spices
Additives	Preservatives like salt, sometimes flavor enhancers	Minimal to no additives beyond natural ingredients	None
Red 40	Not included	Not included	Not included

Conclusion

Despite widespread misconceptions, the answer to "Do they put red 40 in ketchup?" is no for most major brands, which rely on the natural red of tomatoes. The concern over artificial dyes, however, remains a relevant part of the larger discussion on processed foods and a health-conscious nutrition diet. Consumers can navigate this landscape by reading labels, choosing products with natural colorants, and focusing on whole foods. Being an informed consumer is the most powerful tool for making healthy dietary choices and avoiding unnecessary additives. For a deeper understanding of food labeling and additives, the FDA provides comprehensive resources.

The Shift Toward Cleaner Ingredients

The move away from artificial dyes by major manufacturers is a direct response to consumer demands for greater transparency and simpler ingredients. While a bottle of mainstream ketchup is a safe bet for being free of Red 40, this trend encourages a closer examination of all products in your pantry. By supporting companies that opt for natural alternatives, you are reinforcing a positive shift in the food industry toward healthier, less-processed options. Ultimately, the best nutrition diet is built on a foundation of whole, real foods, with condiments and other packaged items chosen with careful consideration of their ingredients.

Understanding Additive Regulations

Regulatory bodies like the FDA continuously evaluate the safety of food additives. The distinction between the recent ban on Red 3 and the continued approval of Red 40 highlights the ongoing nature of this process. While Red 40 is still permitted in the U.S., the EU's requirement for warning labels reflects a different regulatory philosophy based on the precautionary principle. This international variation underscores the importance of staying informed and not relying on regulations alone as a guarantee of safety for sensitive individuals.

The Power of Homemade Condiments

For those who want complete control over their ingredients, making your own ketchup at home is a simple and rewarding option. This allows you to avoid high fructose corn syrup and other additives, and sweeten the sauce to your liking using natural options like honey or maple syrup. Combining fresh, ripe tomatoes with vinegar, spices, and a touch of a natural sweetener results in a flavorful and truly 'clean-label' condiment.

A Final Word on Food Choices

The quest for a healthier nutrition diet often begins with questioning the ingredients in common products. The answer to "Do they put red 40 in ketchup?" reveals that while this particular condiment is generally free of that specific dye, the broader issues of processed ingredients, artificial colors, and added sugars are still worth addressing. By making informed, conscious decisions about what we consume, we contribute to our long-term health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Heinz has publicly stated that its classic tomato ketchup has never contained artificial dyes, including Red 40. The rich red color comes from the natural tomato concentrate.

Red 40 is a synthetic, petroleum-based food dye used to add a vibrant red color to processed foods and beverages to enhance their visual appeal and identify certain flavors.

The red color in ketchup comes from lycopene, a powerful carotenoid and pigment naturally found in ripe tomatoes. High-quality processing ensures the color is rich and consistent.

Not all food dyes are considered harmful, but concerns exist about synthetic, petroleum-derived ones like Red 40, particularly regarding hyperactivity in children and other health issues. Natural food colorants from plant and mineral sources are considered safer.

While Red 40 is approved in the U.S., it faces stricter regulations in other countries. The EU requires products containing Red 40 and other artificial dyes to carry a warning label indicating potential adverse effects on activity and attention in children.

To avoid Red 40, always read the ingredient list on packaged foods and beverages. The dye may be listed as 'Red 40,' 'Allura Red AC,' or 'E129.' Many manufacturers now offer 'dye-free' or 'no artificial colors' options.

Yes, standard ketchup often contains other additives. Common examples include high fructose corn syrup, regular corn syrup, distilled vinegar, salt, and various spices and natural flavorings. Some producers use natural sweeteners and fewer processed ingredients.