Nutrition Diet: Understanding What is the Dye in Doritos See Through?

October 11, 2025 •

5 min read

In a recent experiment, scientists at Stanford University used tartrazine, the common yellow food dye found in Doritos, to temporarily render mice transparent, allowing them to view internal organs. This surprising revelation brought to light the question: What is the dye in Doritos see through? and its broader implications for our diet.

Quick Summary

The food dye tartrazine, or Yellow 5, was used in a scientific study to create a temporary 'see-through' effect in mice, highlighting the chemical additives present in snacks like Doritos. The incident emphasizes the need to scrutinize ingredients and prioritize whole foods over highly processed items with synthetic colors.

Key Points

The Doritos Dye: The artificial dye in question is tartrazine (FD&C Yellow No. 5), famously used in a Stanford study to make mice tissue temporarily transparent.
Optical, Not Magical: The 'see-through' effect is an optical illusion created by the high concentration of dye altering the light's path, not a magical transformation.
Marker of Ultra-Processed Foods: The presence of synthetic dyes is a key indicator that a food item, like Doritos, is ultra-processed and likely low in nutritional value.
Potential Health Risks: Concerns about synthetic dyes include links to hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, and potential carcinogenic risks that have led the FDA to phase out some dyes.
Dietary Strategy: The most effective nutritional strategy is to focus on a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods, which naturally reduces exposure to artificial colors and other additives.
Global Differences: Food dye regulations vary globally, with the EU requiring warning labels for some dyes, leading companies to use different formulations in European markets.
Transition to Natural: The food industry is moving toward natural color alternatives derived from plants and fruits, driven by consumer demand and stricter regulations.

The Viral Story: Unpacking the 'See-Through' Doritos Dye

News of a Stanford University study that used a food dye found in Doritos to make mice transparent quickly went viral. The discovery involved tartrazine, known as FD&C Yellow No. 5, a petroleum-derived synthetic color additive widely used in processed foods, including many varieties of Doritos. This experiment offers a unique look into the components that create the vibrant appearance of many common snacks and raises important questions about the overall nutritional quality of such foods. The science behind the effect, which is optical and not biological in the sense of making something literally invisible, highlights how specific chemicals interact with light to alter visibility in tissues.

The Optical Magic of Tartrazine

The "see-through" phenomenon observed in the mice is an optical trick, not a real-life magic effect. Researchers were able to penetrate and see through the mice's tissues because the high concentration of tartrazine solution they used altered the refractive index of the tissue. Essentially, the dye was formulated to absorb blue and ultraviolet light, allowing other light to pass through without scattering. This allowed scientists to use imaging techniques to visualize blood vessels and other internal structures in a non-invasive manner. It is important to note that the high concentration and application method used in the experiment are not comparable to the small amounts of dye found in snack foods. Furthermore, due to the difference in skin thickness, this effect would not work on humans.

The Real Nutritional Implications of Synthetic Dyes

While the optical properties of the dye are fascinating, the true takeaway for nutrition is that foods containing synthetic colors like tartrazine are typically ultra-processed. These are foods that have undergone significant industrial processing and often contain high levels of added sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats, while offering little to no nutritional value. The dye itself has no nutritional benefit and serves only an aesthetic purpose. Therefore, focusing on the presence of artificial dyes is a gateway to addressing the larger issue of over-consumption of nutrient-poor, ultra-processed foods.

Health Concerns Associated with Synthetic Food Dyes

Research on the health impacts of synthetic food dyes is ongoing, but some studies have raised concerns. While the FDA asserts that approved color additives are safe under current regulations, here are some key areas of concern:

Hyperactivity in children: Some studies suggest a link between the consumption of synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity and neurobehavioral issues in certain children. This led the European Union to mandate warning labels on products containing these dyes, prompting many manufacturers to remove them from European formulations.
Allergic reactions: Certain individuals, particularly those sensitive to aspirin, may experience allergic reactions to yellow dyes like tartrazine (Yellow 5). Symptoms can include hives and itching.
Carcinogenic risks: The FDA recently banned the use of Red Dye No. 3 in food due to cancer concerns based on animal studies. While the FDA previously stated other synthetic dyes don’t pose the same risk, it is now transitioning away from all petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the food supply.

Comparison: Artificial Dyes vs. Natural Alternatives


Feature	Artificial Dyes (e.g., Yellow 5)	Natural Alternatives (e.g., Turmeric)
Source	Petroleum-based chemicals	Plants, fruits, vegetables, minerals
Color Intensity	Often more vibrant and consistent	Tends to be more subtle and can vary
Processing	Created through chemical synthesis	Derived from natural sources; minimal processing required
Nutritional Value	None; aesthetic purpose only	Some, though minimal, nutritional content (e.g., antioxidants)
Health Concerns	Linked to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, potential cancer risks	Generally considered safer, but some can trigger allergies (e.g., annatto, carmine)

The Shift Toward Natural Food Coloring

Recognizing growing consumer demand and emerging health concerns, many companies and regulatory bodies are transitioning away from synthetic dyes. The FDA, for example, is phasing out petroleum-based dyes, and many manufacturers are turning to natural alternatives already used in other parts of the world. These natural colorings are derived from sources like:

Beetroot for reds
Turmeric for yellows
Matcha or Spinach for greens
Blueberries or Spirulina for blues and purples

Using natural colorings provides a cleaner label and aligns with a healthier eating philosophy. However, as some natural colors can also cause allergic reactions, checking labels and understanding your body's specific sensitivities remains important.

A Broader Perspective on Nutrition

The discussion around what is the dye in Doritos see through? ultimately points to the importance of a broader dietary perspective. While it is good to be aware of specific additives, fixating on a single ingredient in an ultra-processed snack can obscure the bigger picture. True nutritional health is built on a foundation of whole, minimally processed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. A diet rich in these foods inherently limits exposure to synthetic dyes and other additives found in junk food. Instead of wondering what unnatural substance is coloring a processed snack, a healthier approach is to focus on what natural, nutrient-dense foods should fill our plates. The controversy serves as a valuable reminder that we should eat for health, not for vibrant, chemically-induced colors.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

The story of the Doritos dye provides a captivating entry point into the world of food additives. Tartrazine, or Yellow 5, was used in a scientific experiment to demonstrate a physiological effect in mice, but the implications for human nutrition are much more relevant. Synthetic dyes are markers of ultra-processed foods, which are typically high in unhealthy ingredients and low in essential nutrients. While regulations are evolving and the industry is shifting toward natural colorings, the best strategy for optimal health remains a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods. This approach minimizes exposure to potentially harmful additives and provides the body with the nutrition it needs to thrive. The experiment's viral nature effectively drew attention to an ingredient, prompting consumers to think more critically about what they eat and to prioritize healthier choices beyond just the colors on their plate.

For more information on identifying and understanding food additives, you can visit the FDA's official consumer information page.

Frequently Asked Questions

A high concentration of the dye, tartrazine (Yellow 5), was used in a lab setting to alter the refractive index of the mice's tissue. This optical effect made it easier for scientists to visualize internal organs and blood vessels using imaging techniques.

The FDA considers approved color additives safe when used at regulated levels in food, but some evidence suggests certain individuals, particularly children and those with allergies, may be sensitive to them. In 2025, the FDA announced plans to phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the U.S. food supply.

You can identify tartrazine by looking for "FD&C Yellow No. 5" or its abbreviated name, "Yellow 5," in the ingredients list on a food's packaging. In some places, it is also labeled with an E-number, E102.

Foods with synthetic dyes are often ultra-processed and lack nutrients, while natural colors are derived from sources like plants. However, the use of a natural dye does not automatically make a food healthy, as it can still be highly processed.

Some studies have found a link between consumption of synthetic food dyes, including Yellow 5, and hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral issues in some children. This has led to warning labels in Europe and a move away from these dyes by manufacturers.

Not all food colorings are necessarily harmful, but many synthetic, petroleum-based dyes have raised health concerns. Natural food colorings derived from plants and other sources are generally viewed as safer, but like any ingredient, they can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

While it's a personal choice, a focus on consuming mostly whole, unprocessed foods will naturally reduce your intake of artificial colors. This is often a more effective dietary approach than fixating on avoiding single additives within an overall unhealthy diet.