Nutrition Diet: Do Halls cherry have red dye 40?

October 22, 2025 •

3 min read

According to product ingredient lists, the popular cherry-flavored Halls cough drops do contain the synthetic color additive FD&C Red 40. For consumers concerned about food additives, understanding the ingredients in processed products, including whether Halls cherry have red dye 40, is a key step toward mindful eating.

Quick Summary

Halls cherry cough drops contain FD&C Red 40, a synthetic color additive. While the U.S. FDA considers the dye safe for consumption, some studies suggest links to hyperactivity in sensitive children. Dye-free and naturally colored alternatives are available for those wishing to avoid artificial ingredients.

Key Points

Ingredient Confirmation: Yes, standard Halls cherry cough drops contain the synthetic color additive FD&C Red 40.
Petroleum-Based Origin: Red Dye 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic dye derived from petroleum and coal tars.
FDA Approved with Controversy: The FDA considers Red Dye 40 safe, but some studies link it to hyperactivity in certain children and other potential health issues, leading to regulations in other countries.
Reading Labels is Key: Consumers should always check the ingredient list for FD&C Red 40 or Allura Red AC to identify its presence in food products.
Alternatives are Available: Numerous brands offer dye-free or naturally colored cough drops, including Ricola Original and store-brand options.

Decoding the Ingredient List: Do Halls Cherry Have Red Dye 40?

For many, Halls cherry cough drops are a staple during cold and flu season, offering a familiar, soothing taste. Yet, an increasing number of consumers are scrutinizing ingredient lists, especially when it comes to artificial colors. The answer to the question, "Do Halls cherry have red dye 40?" is a clear yes. The standard cherry flavor contains this synthetic additive, alongside other inactive ingredients that form the product's flavor and structure.

What Exactly is Red Dye 40?

Red Dye 40, also known as Allura Red AC or FD&C Red No. 40, is one of the most widely used synthetic color additives in the United States. It is manufactured from petroleum and coal tars to produce a vibrant reddish hue. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has certified it as safe for use in foods and beverages, requiring manufacturers to list it on ingredient labels. The FDA’s stance is that for most people, consumption poses no health risk. However, this widely used ingredient remains a source of controversy and concern for a significant number of consumers.

The Health Debate Surrounding Red Dye 40

The safety of Red Dye 40 has been a topic of debate for years, with various studies and regulatory actions painting a complex picture. Concerns primarily revolve around two areas: allergic reactions and behavioral effects.

Allergic Reactions: Though rare, some sensitive individuals can experience allergic reactions to synthetic food dyes, including Red 40. Symptoms might include hives, itching, or swelling.
Behavioral Effects in Children: A more widely discussed concern is the potential link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity, particularly in sensitive children with ADHD. The European Union requires a warning label on products containing certain dyes, including Allura Red AC, stating they "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children". The FDA, while acknowledging some potential sensitivity in certain children, maintains that the bulk of evidence doesn't support a strong link for the general population.
Other Health Concerns: More recent animal studies have raised concerns about potential gut inflammation and DNA damage, though the direct extrapolation to human health effects requires more research.

Comparing Halls Cherry to Dye-Free Alternatives

For those who prefer to avoid artificial colors, it is helpful to compare standard Halls cherry cough drops to dye-free options. While Halls is a well-known brand, several competitors and even alternative Halls varieties use different ingredients.


Feature	Halls Cherry (Standard)	Ricola Original (Example Alternative)
Coloring Agent	FD&C Red 40, FD&C Blue 2	Dye-free, no artificial colors
Flavoring	Artificial Flavors	Natural flavors from herb extracts
Active Ingredient	Menthol	Menthol
Sugar	Sucrose, Glucose Syrup	Sugar (some varieties) or Sugar-free sweeteners
Sourcing	Synthetic colorant derived from petroleum	Naturally-sourced herb extracts

Identifying Red Dye 40 and Finding Alternatives

To determine if a product contains Red Dye 40, simply check the ingredient list. It may be listed as FD&C Red 40, Red 40, or Allura Red AC. In Canada, it may be listed as Allura Red. While the standard cherry flavor of Halls contains this dye, other Halls flavors or brands may offer dye-free options.

For those seeking alternatives, there are a growing number of cough drop and lozenge brands that rely on natural colors or are completely dye-free. Ricola Original Herb is one example, which is completely dye-free and contains no artificial colors. Other generic or store-brand versions, like Top Care Health Dye Free, also explicitly advertise their lack of artificial dyes. When in doubt, always read the ingredient panel carefully.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

The question of whether Do Halls cherry have red dye 40? is a simple one, and the answer is yes. However, the decision of whether to consume products with this additive is more nuanced. While regulatory bodies like the FDA consider Red 40 safe for general consumption, ongoing research and individual sensitivities mean that it's not a harmless ingredient for everyone. For those with dietary concerns, sensitivities, or a preference for more natural products, a wide array of dye-free and naturally colored cough drops exist. By checking ingredient lists and knowing the alternatives, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your personal nutrition and dietary needs.

For additional information about the safety of food additives and artificial colors, you may consult resources from regulatory agencies or health organizations, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Halls uses FD&C Red 40 primarily for cosmetic reasons—to give the cough drops a consistent, visually appealing reddish-cherry color that suggests its flavor profile.

Yes, some varieties of Halls, particularly sugar-free or specific regional formulations, may not contain Red Dye 40. Always check the ingredient list, as formulations can differ by product and location.

Both are synthetic dyes, but Red Dye 3 was banned by the FDA for use in foods and ingested drugs in 2025 based on cancer concerns linked to animal studies. Red Dye 40 remains on the FDA's approved list.

While the FDA states that most children are not affected, some evidence suggests that certain children, particularly those with ADHD, may be sensitive to synthetic food dyes like Red 40, which can potentially worsen symptoms.

Some brands, like Ricola (specifically the Original Herb flavor) and certain store-brand options, offer dye-free alternatives. Checking the ingredient label is the best way to confirm.

Yes, food manufacturers use natural sources like beet juice, anthocyanins (found in berries), and paprika extract to provide red and orange hues. The formulation of Halls Soothers Cherry in some regions uses anthocyanins and paprika extract instead of synthetic dyes.

While the amount of Red Dye 40 in a single cough drop is very small, concerns about cumulative exposure from a variety of processed foods exist. For most people, a single drop is not a concern, but those with sensitivities or high consumption of colored products may wish to monitor intake.