Nutrition Diet: Do all M&Ms have red dye in them?

October 12, 2025 •

5 min read

Did you know that in 1976, Mars temporarily removed red M&M's from the market due to a widespread public misconception about a cancer-linked dye that the candy never actually contained? This historical incident often prompts the modern-day question: Do all M&Ms have red dye in them? The truth is more complex, with different varieties and regional recipes influencing the use of red colorants, including synthetic dyes and those derived from natural sources.

Quick Summary

This article explains how and why red dye is used in some but not all M&M candies, detailing the different types of dyes like Red 40 and carmine, and highlighting variations based on regional market regulations. It covers the history of red M&M's, the inclusion of red dyes in other color variations, and the labeling practices that inform consumers about their ingredients.

Key Points

Not all M&M's have red dye: While red M&M's contain red dye, many non-red M&M's also contain red dye as part of the color mixing process to create other shades like green and orange.
Two main red dyes are used: In the U.S., the synthetic Red 40 is common, while in Europe, the natural, insect-derived carmine (E120) is often used.
Regional variations exist: The type of dye used is dependent on the manufacturing location and local food regulations, so ingredients can differ between American and European bags.
Check the ingredient list for certainty: The only way to be sure what dyes are in your M&M's is to read the ingredient list, as simply avoiding the red candies is not sufficient to avoid red dye.
Consider dye-free alternatives: For those with sensitivities or dietary restrictions related to food colorings, some manufacturers, including Mars Wrigley, are beginning to offer dye-free candy options.
Historical precedent: The removal of red M&M's in 1976 due to public fear over a different dye (Red No. 2) highlights the long-standing consumer concern regarding food colorants.

The Colorful History of Red Dyes in M&M's

For many years, the red M&M was a staple of the candy bag. However, a significant event in 1976 fundamentally changed public perception and corporate practice regarding food coloring. Following a Soviet study that suggested the red dye amaranth (FD&C Red No. 2) was a potential carcinogen, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned its use. Though M&M's were colored with a different, more stable dye (Red 40), Mars, Inc. voluntarily removed the red candies to avoid consumer confusion and address public fear. The red M&M was eventually reintroduced in 1987, but the incident cemented a lasting public curiosity about the use of red dyes in food.

Why are red dyes in non-red candies?

It might seem counterintuitive, but red dye is an essential component for creating other colors. For instance, the green M&M is typically created by mixing a yellow dye with a blue dye, and the orange one from red and yellow dyes. A bag of M&M's is a mix of all the standard colors, and to streamline production and ensure each batch has the correct vibrant tones, the entire candy shell production process for a given batch may involve mixing various dyes, including red. The ingredient list on a bag of M&M's confirms this, listing a variety of dyes, including Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, which are used to achieve the full spectrum of colors.

The Dyes in Question: Red 40 vs. Carmine

Not all red dyes are created equal, and the type used in M&M's differs depending on the region of sale. In the United States, Red 40 is the primary red colorant, but in Europe, carmine is often used. Understanding the difference is crucial for those with specific dietary concerns, such as vegetarianism or allergies.

What is Red 40?

Also known as Allura Red, Red 40 is a synthetic food dye derived from petroleum. It is one of the most widely used certified food additives in the U.S., found in a vast array of candies, drinks, and snacks. While the FDA has approved its use, some studies have linked Red 40 and other synthetic dyes to neurobehavioral issues, such as hyperactivity, in a small subset of sensitive children. These findings have prompted some regulatory bodies, like the California School Food Safety Act in 2024, to take a more cautious approach.

What is Carmine (E120)?

Carmine is a natural, crimson-red dye derived from the crushed bodies of female cochineal insects that live on prickly pear cacti. It has been used for centuries and is often labeled as E120 in Europe. While a natural colorant, it is not vegan or vegetarian and can trigger rare but severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in susceptible individuals. Therefore, for a vegan or someone with an allergy to carmine, checking the ingredient list is essential, especially when buying M&M's internationally.

Deciphering the Ingredients List

To determine if a particular bag of M&M's contains a specific red dye, a careful reading of the ingredient list is necessary. The FDA mandates that certified color additives be listed by name. For U.S. products, this means looking for 'Red 40', while in Europe, the label may show 'E120' or 'carmine'. This practice allows informed dietary choices, whether avoiding artificial dyes or animal-derived products.

Why are labels important?

For allergy sufferers: Knowing the specific dye used is critical for people with sensitivities to either synthetic colors like Red 40 or natural ones like carmine. Allergic reactions can include hives, swelling, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
For dietary restrictions: Vegetarians and vegans need to know if carmine is present, as it is derived from insects. The 'natural' label for carmine can be misleading for those unaware of its origin.
For health-conscious consumers: Those concerned about the link between synthetic dyes and behavioral issues in children rely on labels to make informed decisions about their family's consumption.

The Colorful Dilemma: Are 'Red-Free' M&M's Truly Red-Free?

Some consumers with sensitivities may try to separate their M&M's by color, assuming a red candy is the only one with red dye. However, this is not a foolproof method. As mentioned, many non-red candies contain a blend of dyes that includes Red 40 to achieve the desired hue. If you have a severe sensitivity to Red 40, simply avoiding the red candy is not enough. The only way to be certain is to opt for dye-free alternatives or specialized versions of the candy.

Comparison of Red 40 vs. Carmine


Feature	Red 40 (Allura Red)	Carmine (E120)
Source	Petroleum distillates	Crushed cochineal insects
Classification	Synthetic food dye	Natural food dye
Use in M&M's	Primarily used in the U.S. and other markets where permitted	Primarily used in Europe and other markets where mandated
Allergenic Potential	Can cause allergy-like reactions in sensitive individuals, including hives and swelling	Can trigger allergic reactions, including severe cases like anaphylaxis
Dietary Suitability	Generally considered suitable for vegetarians/vegans from a non-animal source standpoint, though not for those avoiding artificial dyes	Not suitable for vegans or vegetarians due to insect origin
Key Concerns	Linked to hyperactivity in some sensitive children and potential gut inflammation in animal studies	Derived from an animal source, and can cause allergic reactions

Conclusion: Navigating the Red Dye Maze

The answer to the question "Do all M&Ms have red dye in them?" is a nuanced one. Not every single M&M candy is colored with red dye, but many non-red colors do contain it as part of a blended formula, and the specific type of red dye varies by region. For those concerned about food additives due to allergies, dietary restrictions, or health reasons, checking the ingredient label is the only reliable method for determining a product's specific contents. With increasing consumer demand for transparency and alternative ingredients, some companies are beginning to offer dye-free versions of their popular confections. For a detailed look into the regulation and research surrounding food dyes, the Center for Science in the Public Interest provides valuable resources: Synthetic food dyes: A rainbow of risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, different colored M&Ms contain different combinations of dyes to achieve their distinct hues, but the base ingredients like milk chocolate and sugar are the same across a single variety, like plain or peanut.

The use of insect-derived red dye, called carmine, depends on the region. In Europe, carmine (E120) is used in red M&Ms, but in the United States, the synthetic Red 40 is used instead.

Red M&Ms were never officially banned but were voluntarily removed by Mars in 1976. This was a response to public concern over a different dye, Red No. 2, which was suspected of being carcinogenic, even though M&Ms did not use that dye.

While the FDA considers Red 40 safe, some studies have linked it to hyperactivity in certain children and potential gut inflammation in animal models. These potential effects are still under scientific review.

Because M&M's are coated in a milk chocolate shell and the European version uses insect-derived carmine, they are not traditionally vegan. However, some companies are now offering dye-free, plant-based alternatives.

Yes, it is possible to have an allergy or sensitivity to certain food dyes, both natural (like carmine) and synthetic (like Red 40). Symptoms can range from hives to more severe reactions.

Yes, in recent announcements, Mars Wrigley has committed to offering options of M&M's without synthetic FD&C colors in the near future. Some companies already produce dye-free alternatives to similar chocolate candies.