Nutrition Diet: A Guide to What Candy Does Not Have Artificial Dyes?

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), synthetic food dyes like Red 40 are used in more than 36,000 food products in the U.S.. For those seeking healthier choices or managing sensitivities, discovering what candy does not have artificial dyes? is an important dietary consideration.

Quick Summary

This guide identifies popular and specialty candy brands that use natural coloring instead of artificial dyes and explains how to recognize dye-free options by reading ingredient labels.

Key Points

Check Labels for Numbers: Always look for numbered dyes like Red 40 or Yellow 5 on the ingredient list to identify candy with artificial coloring.
Opt for Natural Brands: YumEarth, SmartSweets, and UNREAL are examples of brands that use fruit and vegetable juices for natural colorants.
Distinguish Chocolate Types: Most classic, uncolored chocolate bars (like Hershey's) are dye-free, but watch out for special editions with colored coatings.
Remember Moderation: Dye-free candy is not a health food and is often still high in sugar; it should be enjoyed sparingly within a balanced diet.
Beware of All Processed Foods: Many ultra-processed foods, not just candy, contain artificial dyes and other additives linked to health issues.
Know the Natural Alternatives: Common natural colorings come from beet juice (red), spirulina (blue/green), and turmeric (yellow).

Why Avoid Artificial Dyes in Candy?

Concerns about artificial dyes, which are derived from petroleum, are growing due to potential health issues. Research has explored links between artificial food dyes and hyperactivity in some children. Some dyes, like Red 3, have been identified as animal carcinogens, though regulations regarding their use in food are evolving. Foods with artificial dyes are often ultra-processed, contributing to low nutritional value and higher sugar/fat content, increasing chronic disease risk with regular consumption. While choosing dye-free candy can reduce intake of highly processed foods, it doesn't automatically make candy healthy.

Reading Labels: How to Spot Dye-Free Candy

To identify candy without artificial dyes, carefully examine the ingredient list. Look for color additives listed by their specific name or abbreviation. Avoid items that list a color name followed by a number, such as "Red 40" or "Yellow 5". Also be wary of terms like "artificial color" or "color added". Instead, look for natural colorants like fruit and vegetable juices (e.g., beet juice, black carrot juice), turmeric, annatto extract, spirulina, and paprika. Artificial dyes can be in subtly colored items, not just brightly colored ones. While some brands advertise being dye-free, the ingredient list is the most reliable source.

What Candy Does Not Have Artificial Dyes?

Finding candy free from artificial dyes is increasingly easy. Many brands now use natural color alternatives. Here are some examples:

Specialty and Organic Brands

YumEarth: Offers organic and allergy-friendly lollipops, chewy candies (Giggles), and fruit snacks colored with natural fruit and vegetable juices.
SmartSweets: Known for lower-sugar candy sweetened with natural alternatives like stevia, including dye-free options like Sweet Fish.
UNREAL: Creates chocolate-covered items using vegetable-based colors from sources like beet juice and spirulina.
Black Forest Organic: Provides gummy bears made with real fruit juice and natural colors such as black carrot juice and turmeric.
Joyride: A brand offering various dye-free candy options.

Mainstream and Chocolate Options

Classic Chocolate Bars: Most standard versions of brands like Hershey's, Snickers, Kit Kat, and Milky Way are typically dye-free. Avoid holiday or special editions with colored coatings.
Mamba and Hi-Chews: Original versions of these chewy candies often do not contain artificial dyes, but checking the label for specific products is recommended.
Trader Joe's and Aldi: Many store-brand snacks and candies from these retailers avoid artificial colors.

Natural Colorants: Sourcing and Challenges

Natural colorings are derived from plants, fruits, and vegetables. Examples include beet juice for red, spirulina for blue/green, and turmeric for yellow-orange. While often healthier, natural colorants can present challenges for manufacturers, such as potential flavor impact, color fading, and higher costs compared to synthetic dyes.

Comparison of Conventional vs. Dye-Free Candy

Choosing between conventional and dye-free candy involves considering ingredients and health priorities. Below is a comparison of typical features.


Feature	Conventional Candy (e.g., Skittles)	Dye-Free Alternative (e.g., YumEarth Giggles)
Key Ingredients	Artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5), corn syrup, high sugar content.	Natural colors (fruit/vegetable juices), organic cane sugar, often non-GMO and allergy-friendly.
Appearance	Bright, intensely vibrant, and consistent colors.	Muted or earthier tones, colors may vary slightly from batch to batch.
Flavor	Typically strong, consistent artificial fruit flavors.	Flavors derived from real fruit concentrates, may have more subtle or complex notes.
Cost	Generally lower priced and widely available.	Often more expensive due to sourcing and processing natural ingredients.
Health Impact	Associated with hyperactivity concerns and often contain ultra-processed ingredients.	Avoids artificial dyes, but still a source of sugar and should be consumed in moderation.

Navigating a 'Nutrition Diet' with Dye-Free Candy

Including dye-free candy in a balanced diet means recognizing it as a treat, not a health food. While avoiding artificial additives is beneficial, dye-free candy can still be high in sugar and calories. Experts advise consuming treats in moderation, ideally after a nutritious meal to help manage blood sugar. A healthy diet should primarily focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods, with candy as an occasional indulgence.

Conclusion: Making Informed Candy Choices

The interest in what candy does not have artificial dyes? reflects a growing consumer desire for transparency and simpler ingredients. With more brands offering dye-free options, making informed choices is increasingly possible. By checking ingredient labels for natural colorants, consumers can navigate the candy aisle confidently. Remember that moderation is crucial; candy, whether conventional or dye-free, should be enjoyed as part of a varied and balanced diet.

For additional information on artificial food dyes and their effects, consult resources like the Center for Science in the Public Interest website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common artificial food dyes used in the U.S. are Red 40, Yellow 5 (tartrazine), and Yellow 6, which are present in a vast number of food products.

While research is ongoing, some studies have suggested a link between certain food dyes and increased hyperactivity in some children, especially those with ADHD. The evidence is not conclusive, but many parents choose to avoid them.

No, not all chocolate is dye-free. While plain chocolate bars are generally free of artificial colors, candy-coated chocolates like M&M's and some colored peanut butter cups contain artificial dyes. It is always best to check the ingredient label.

Avoiding artificial dyes is a step toward consuming fewer processed ingredients, but it does not make candy a 'health food.' Candy, whether dye-free or not, is typically high in sugar and calories and should be consumed in moderation.

The easiest way to tell is by reading the ingredients list. Look for natural colorants like fruit or vegetable juice instead of synthetic ones like Red 40 or Yellow 5. For example, Black Forest Organic gummy bears use natural colors.

Yes, many mainstream candies are dye-free. Classic chocolate bars like Hershey's, Snickers, and Kit Kats (the standard versions) typically do not contain artificial dyes. Some chewy candies like Mamba and Hi-Chews also have dye-free varieties.

Yes, natural colorings can sometimes be less stable than artificial dyes. They may be more susceptible to fading over time or under certain storage conditions, which is a common challenge for manufacturers.

Yes, you can make your own dye-free candy using natural food colorings from ingredients like beetroot (red), turmeric (yellow), or spirulina (blue/green). There are many DIY recipes available online.