Nutrition and Your Candy: Do gummy sharks have red 40?

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Red 40 is the most widely used food dye in the United States, found in thousands of food products. This prevalence often raises the question: Do gummy sharks have red 40? The answer depends heavily on the brand, but many common varieties do contain this synthetic coloring.

Quick Summary

This article explores the use of the synthetic dye Red 40 in various brands of gummy sharks. It details what Red 40 is, its potential health concerns, and how to identify it on ingredient labels. Alternative options made with natural colorings are also discussed for those seeking to reduce artificial additive intake.

Key Points

Check the Label: Many common brands of gummy sharks explicitly list Red 40 (FD&C Red No. 40) in their ingredients.
Red 40's Origin: This food dye is a synthetic, petroleum-derived additive used for coloring processed foods.
Health Concerns: Some studies link Red 40 to hyperactivity in sensitive children and possible allergic reactions.
Finding Alternatives: Naturally-colored and vegan gummy shark options are available from brands like Squish, YumEarth, and SmartSweets.
Identifying Red 40: Look for "Red 40," "FD&C Red No. 40," or "Allura Red AC" on the ingredient list.
European Regulations: Unlike in the U.S., European countries sometimes require warning labels for products with certain artificial dyes, including E129 (Red 40).
Nutrition Beyond Dye: Gummy candies are high in sugar and offer little nutritional value, regardless of the coloring used.

What is Red 40 and Why Is It a Concern?

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC or FD&C Red No. 40, is a synthetic food dye derived from petroleum. It is one of the most common food color additives approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Food manufacturers use it to create vibrant, appealing colors in a wide range of products, from candy and sports drinks to cereals and baked goods.

While the FDA considers Red 40 safe for consumption within approved levels, it remains a controversial additive. Some scientific studies, including a 2007 Southampton study, have found an association between certain artificial food dyes, including Red 40, and increased hyperactivity in children. Other research suggests potential links to allergic reactions, though true IgE-mediated allergies are rare. Symptoms may include hives, swelling, and itchiness. Animal studies have also raised concerns about potential DNA damage, though the direct impact on humans is still under investigation. It is important to note that the FDA maintains that for most people, consuming the dye poses little to no health risk, but it acknowledges that certain individuals, particularly some children, may be sensitive.

Reading the Label: How to Identify Red 40 in Gummy Sharks

The only way to know for certain if a product contains Red 40 is to carefully check the ingredient label. This is especially true for gummy sharks, where the blue and white varieties can still contain a mix of artificial colors, including Red 40, to create certain shades. Red 40 may be listed under several names, including:

Red 40
FD&C Red No. 40
Allura Red AC
C.I. Food Red 17
INS No. 129
E129 (in Europe)

An ingredient list that includes “Artificial Colors” is a strong indicator, but for a specific check, look for the names above. For instance, a brand like Kervan Assorted Gummy Sharks explicitly lists “Artificial Colors [Yellow #5, Blue #1, Red #40]” on its label.

Conventional vs. Naturally-Colored Gummy Sharks

The market for gummy candy is diverse, offering options that range from traditionally formulated products with artificial colors to newer alternatives using natural ingredients. This difference is key for consumers focused on diet and ingredient sourcing.

Conventional Gummy Sharks with Artificial Dyes

Appearance: Often feature very bright, consistent, and long-lasting colors.
Ingredients: Typically list FD&C artificial colors like Red 40, Blue 1, and Yellow 5, derived from petroleum. Gelatin is a common ingredient.
Cost: Generally more affordable due to the low cost of synthetic dyes.
Examples: Many mass-market brands. A specific example is Kervan, which lists Red 40.

Naturally-Colored Gummy Sharks

Appearance: Colors may be more muted and derived from fruit, vegetable, and plant extracts.
Ingredients: Use natural colorants like organic fruit juice, beet juice, or paprika. Gelatin-free (vegan) versions are also available.
Cost: Can be more expensive due to the higher cost of natural ingredients.
Examples: Brands like Squish offer vegan gummy sharks using natural colorings. YumEarth also offers organic options.

Making Informed Choices for Your Diet

For individuals following a specific nutritional diet, especially for children or those sensitive to food additives, choosing naturally-colored candy is a sensible approach. Reading the ingredient list is the most reliable method for making an informed decision. Look for transparent ingredient lists that specify natural sources for coloring rather than vague terms. Many products, like those labeled organic or vegan, often commit to avoiding artificial additives, making them a good starting point.

While gummy sharks are a treat and not a dietary staple, the wider issue of artificial food dyes is part of a larger conversation about processed foods. A diet rich in whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, naturally minimizes exposure to such additives. Occasional consumption of processed snacks is generally fine for most people, but for those with specific health concerns, consistent checking of labels and opting for natural alternatives is the best strategy.

Conclusion

So, do gummy sharks have red 40? For many popular brands, the answer is yes, with the specific dye, FD&C Red No. 40, explicitly listed on the ingredients label. While the FDA approves its use, ongoing health debates, particularly concerning hyperactivity in sensitive children, lead some consumers to seek alternatives. Thankfully, brands that use natural, plant-based colorings are increasingly available, offering a choice for those prioritizing cleaner ingredients. Ultimately, understanding and checking product labels empowers consumers to make dietary choices aligned with their nutritional goals and health considerations. For deeper information on food additives, consider consulting resources like the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Comparison of Gummy Shark Ingredient Profiles


Feature	Conventional Gummy Sharks (e.g., Kervan)	Naturally-Colored Gummy Sharks (e.g., Albanese Blue Sharks or Vegan options)
Red 40	Yes, often listed as FD&C Red No. 40 or Allura Red AC.	No, typically rely on natural sources for color.
Other Artificial Dyes	Yes, commonly includes other FD&C dyes like Yellow 5 and Blue 1.	No, artificial colors are avoided.
Coloring Source	Derived from synthetic chemicals made from petroleum.	Derived from fruits, vegetables, or other natural extracts.
Vegan	No, most contain gelatin, an animal byproduct.	Yes, vegan options made with pectin are readily available.
Appearance	Bright, vibrant, and uniform colors.	Colors may be more subdued and vary slightly.
Target Consumer	General market, often featuring lower price points.	Health-conscious individuals, families avoiding artificial dyes, and vegans.

Healthier alternatives list

YumEarth Organic Giggles: These chewy candy bites are allergy-friendly, gluten-free, and vegan, using no artificial colors.
SmartSweets: Offers gummy candies with low sugar, low calories, and no artificial colors or sweeteners.
Squish Vegan Sharks: These gummies are made with natural flavors and colors and are entirely vegan.
Surf Sweets Gummy Worms: Use organic cane sugar and are free of artificial sweeteners, corn syrup, and artificial colors.
Make your own!: For the most control, consider making homemade gummies with fruit juice and gelatin or agar-agar, allowing you to avoid all additives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brands like Kervan and many generic or bulk-packaged gummy sharks sold online and in stores list FD&C Red No. 40 as an ingredient. It's crucial to check the specific product label.

Yes, many health food stores and online retailers offer gummy sharks made with natural colorings derived from fruit and vegetable extracts. Brands like Squish and YumEarth provide options without artificial dyes.

The FDA considers Red 40 safe for most people, but some individuals, especially sensitive children, may experience adverse effects like hyperactivity. Research on long-term effects is ongoing.

Red 40 can also be identified on ingredient labels as FD&C Red No. 40, Allura Red AC, CI 16035, or E129.

Not all vegan gummy sharks are guaranteed to be free of Red 40, so it is important to check the ingredients list. However, many vegan-friendly brands, such as Squish, use natural, plant-based colorings instead.

While rare, Red 40 can cause allergy-like hypersensitivity reactions in some individuals, with symptoms such as hives, swelling, and itchiness.

No. Not all red candies use Red 40. Some, particularly organic or naturally-colored brands, use alternative ingredients like beetroot juice to achieve a red color. Always check the specific ingredient label.

European countries often operate on the 'precautionary principle,' requiring more rigorous safety testing for additives and sometimes mandating warning labels, based on studies suggesting potential health risks not fully acknowledged by US regulators.