Nutrition Diet: Do Tootsie Fruit Chews have red dye 40?

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has certified nine color additives for food use, including the widely used Red 40. For those on a strict nutrition diet, understanding whether candies like Tootsie Fruit Chews have red dye 40 is a key step in informed eating.

Quick Summary

Tootsie Fruit Chews contain artificial colors, including FD&C Red 40. The article details the ingredients, potential health concerns associated with this petroleum-derived dye, and presents healthier, dye-free candy options for mindful dietary choices.

Key Points

Contains Red Dye 40: Tootsie Fruit Chews list FD&C Red 40 as an ingredient, along with other artificial colors.
Label Reading is Key: The presence of synthetic dyes is clearly stated on the ingredient list, making it easy to identify if you know what to look for.
Petroleum-Based Dye: Red Dye 40 is a synthetic, petroleum-derived colorant used in many processed foods and candies.
Potential Health Concerns: Research suggests a potential link between Red Dye 40 and hyperactivity, particularly in children, though regulatory bodies approve its use.
Dye-Free Alternatives Exist: For a healthier diet, many brands like YumEarth and Torie & Howard offer fruit chews with natural, plant-based colorings.

Decoding the Tootsie Fruit Chew Ingredient List

For anyone monitoring their intake of artificial ingredients as part of a nutrition diet, knowing exactly what's in a product is essential. The question, "Do Tootsie Fruit Chews have red dye 40?" can be definitively answered by examining the product's official ingredient list. According to the manufacturer, the ingredients include "ARTIFICIAL COLORS (INCLUDING FD&C YELLOW 5, RED 40, BLUE 1)". This means that the product does contain Red 40, alongside other synthetic dyes, which are used to achieve the vibrant colors of the different fruit-flavored chews. Ingredients are listed in order of predominance, by weight, which helps consumers gauge how much of each ingredient is in a product. In the case of Tootsie Fruit Chews, sugar, corn syrup, and palm oil are the primary components, with the artificial colors appearing further down the list as they are not used in large quantities.

Understanding the Controversy Around Red Dye 40

Red Dye 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food dye derived from petroleum. While the FDA approves its use and considers it safe for consumption in small amounts, it remains one of the most controversial food additives. Research has linked Red 40 and other artificial colors to potential health concerns, particularly in children. Studies suggest a possible link between the consumption of synthetic food dyes and increased hyperactivity, including ADHD. Some individuals may also experience allergic reactions or sensitivities to the dye, such as hives or swelling. These concerns have led many people to actively avoid products containing Red 40 as part of a healthier, whole-foods-based diet. In contrast, many European countries have stricter regulations on artificial food dyes or require warning labels on products containing them, leading many manufacturers to use natural colorants overseas.

How to Read Food Labels for Artificial Dyes

To effectively avoid Red Dye 40 and other artificial colors, it's crucial to know how to read and decipher food labels. The key is to look for the words "artificial colors," "synthetic food dyes," or the specific names of the dyes. For Red 40, this includes its alternative name, "Allura Red AC," or the code "FD&C RED NO. 40". Other artificial dyes to watch out for include FD&C Yellow 5 and FD&C Blue 1, which are also found in Tootsie Fruit Chews. Being mindful of these ingredients can help you make more deliberate and informed decisions about the food you consume, aligning better with the principles of a clean eating or nutrition diet.

Embracing Healthier Candy Alternatives

For those seeking a sweet treat without the artificial additives, there is a growing market of dye-free candy options. These products often use natural colorings from plant-based sources like fruits and vegetables, and some are also organic and non-GMO. When considering alternatives to candies like Tootsie Fruit Chews, many brands offer flavorful and colorful choices without the use of Red 40 or other synthetic dyes.

Here are some common candies that contain Red Dye 40 and might need to be avoided on a dye-free diet:

Tootsie Pops: Many fruit-flavored Tootsie Pops contain FD&C Red 40.
Dots: The assorted flavors of Dots include Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1.
Some Brands of Gummy Candies: Many generic and branded gummy candies use Red 40 for their vibrant red colors.
Fruit Snacks and Chews: Various fruit snacks on the market use Red 40 and other artificial dyes to achieve their appearance.
Some Sodas and Sports Drinks: Certain brightly colored beverages often contain Red Dye 40.

Comparison of Chewy Candies


Feature	Tootsie Fruit Chews	YumEarth Organic Chewys	Torie & Howard Organic Fruit Chews
Artificial Dyes?	Yes (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1)	No	No
Colors from?	Petroleum-derived synthetic dyes	Organic fruit and vegetable juices	Plant-based extracts
Organic?	No	Yes	Yes
Key Ingredients	Sugar, Corn Syrup, Palm Oil, Condensed Skim Milk	Organic Rice Syrup, Organic Cane Sugar, Citric Acid	Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Organic Cane Sugar, Natural Flavors
Known Allergens	Milk, Soy	None explicitly listed on packaging	None explicitly listed on packaging

Conclusion

In conclusion, if your nutrition diet involves avoiding artificial food dyes, then Tootsie Fruit Chews are not the right choice for you, as their ingredient list explicitly includes FD&C Red 40. While regulatory bodies approve its use, the potential health implications linked to Red 40, particularly for children, lead many consumers to seek cleaner alternatives. Fortunately, a variety of healthier, dye-free candy options are available on the market that rely on natural colorings. By becoming a diligent label reader, you can make informed choices and find satisfying treats that align with your dietary goals. For further information on Red Dye 40, you can consult the official FDA resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

FD&C Red 40, or Allura Red AC, is a synthetic red azo dye made from petroleum that is used to color many processed foods, beverages, and candies.

The FDA approves the use of Red Dye 40 in food, and for most people, it is considered safe in small amounts. However, some studies have raised concerns about its link to hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions in some individuals.

Artificial food dyes are used to make products more visually appealing and to signify specific flavors. They are typically cheaper, more stable, and more vibrant than natural colorings.

Not all Tootsie Roll products contain artificial dyes. While Tootsie Fruit Chews and some fruit-flavored pops contain them, the traditional brown Tootsie Roll does not list artificial colors as an ingredient.

Some popular dye-free candy alternatives include YumEarth Organic Chewys, Torie & Howard Organic Fruit Chews, and Hi-Chews (in many flavors).

To avoid Red Dye 40, always check the ingredient list on packaged foods. Look for "FD&C Red No. 40" or "Allura Red AC." Prioritize foods with shorter ingredient lists and those that use natural colorings.

Yes, the European Union approves the use of Red Dye 40 (known as E129). However, products containing it in the EU often require a warning label about potential effects on activity and attention in children.