Nutrition Diet: What Brands Don't Have Red 40?

Reports from various health experts suggest a potential link between synthetic food dyes like Red 40 and neurobehavioral issues, particularly in some children. For individuals navigating dietary needs or aiming for cleaner ingredients, knowing what brands don't have Red 40? is a crucial step toward making informed nutritional choices for the whole family.

Quick Summary

This guide provides lists of brands and product categories that avoid Red 40 and other artificial colorings. Learn how to identify and avoid synthetic dyes by reading ingredient labels and focusing on products using natural alternatives for healthier food options.

Key Points

• Check Labels Thoroughly: Always read the ingredient list, looking for "Red 40" or "E129," as artificial dyes can be hidden in many surprising foods.

• Support Dye-Free Brands: Brands like Annie's, Unreal, and many organic store-brand products have committed to avoiding synthetic dyes in their offerings.

• Embrace Natural Alternatives: Dye-free brands often use natural colorings from beet juice, paprika, and vegetable powders for vibrant colors.

• Prioritize Whole Foods: The most reliable method for a dye-free diet is to focus on whole, unprocessed foods that don't require any added colorings.

• Know Your Grocer's Policies: Retailers like Aldi have banned artificial dyes from their store-brand products, simplifying dye-free shopping.

• Recognize Potential Health Concerns: Some studies suggest links between Red 40 and neurobehavioral issues, especially in children, driving increased consumer caution.

Understanding the Push for Red 40-Free Products

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC or FD&C Red No. 40, is a common food dye in the U.S. used in many processed foods. While the FDA considers it safe, some consumers are seeking dye-free options due to concerns raised by advocacy groups and research, including a California assessment linking synthetic dyes to potential neurobehavioral issues in some children. This has led to increased demand for products using natural colorings from sources like fruits and vegetables.

How to Identify and Avoid Red 40

Identifying Red 40 involves carefully checking food labels. It can be found in a variety of products, not just those that are visibly red.

Reading the Ingredient List

• Look for Specific Names: Check for "Red 40" or "FD&C Red No. 40" on the ingredient list.
• Identify E-Numbers: On some international products, Red 40 may be listed as E129.
• Be Wary of Vague Terms: Labels might use general terms like "artificial color" or "color added." To be sure, look for products specifically labeled "No Artificial Colors".

A Guide to Brands That Avoid Red 40

Many brands offer dye-free choices. While always check the label, the following brands and categories are good starting points for finding products without Red 40.

Snacks and Treats

• Annie's Homegrown: Offers organic snacks free from artificial dyes.
• Simply: PepsiCo's "Simply" line avoids artificial colors.
• Unreal: Uses natural, plant-based colors in their candies.
• Bare Snacks: Specializes in baked fruit and veggie chips without artificial colorings.
• Pirate's Booty: Their puffs are a dye-free option.
• YumEarth: Uses natural fruit and vegetable juices for coloring.
• MadeGood: Offers dye-free granola bars and cookies, often using vegetable powder for color.

Cereals and Breakfast Foods

• Cascadian Farm Organic: Provides dye-free organic cereals.
• Kashi: Known for natural, organic ingredients.
• Chex Cereals: Many varieties are free of artificial dyes.
• Three Wishes Cereal: Uses vegetable juice for color.

Beverages and Dairy

• Aldi (Store Brands): Many of their store-brand products are free of artificial food dyes.
• Stonyfield Organic: Uses natural fruit colors in their yogurts.
• Capri Sun: Some juice pouches are made without artificial colors.
• BodyArmor Lyte: This sports drink line contains no artificial colors.

Comparison of Red 40 vs. Natural Alternatives

Feature	Red 40 (Synthetic Dye)	Natural Alternatives (Beet, Paprika, etc.)
Source	Petroleum-based chemicals	Plant-based sources like fruits, vegetables, and spices
Health Concerns	Potential link to hyperactivity in some children; under increased scrutiny	Generally considered safer; derived from whole foods
Color Vibrancy	Often very bright and intense	Can be more muted or earthy; may require higher concentrations
Effect on Flavor	Tasteless; does not alter the food's flavor	May impart a subtle flavor, though often masked by other ingredients
Labeling	Explicitly listed as "Red 40" or "E129"	Listed by their source, e.g., "Beet Juice Concentrate"
Availability	Extremely common in processed and packaged foods	Growing, but still requires careful label reading to find

How to Shop for a Dye-Free Diet

1. Focus on Whole Foods: Prioritize fresh, unprocessed foods to naturally avoid artificial dyes.
2. Become a Label Detective: Always check ingredient lists for "Red 40," "FD&C Red No. 40," or "E129".
3. Use Dye-Free Specific Brands: Look for brands known for avoiding artificial dyes, such as Annie's or Stonyfield Organic.
4. Try Natural Colorings at Home: Use ingredients like beet juice or turmeric for color when cooking or baking.
5. Utilize Store-Brand Policies: Some retailers, like Aldi, have policies against artificial dyes in their store brands. Walmart plans to remove certain dyes from its house brands.

Conclusion

Choosing a diet free from Red 40 is becoming easier as more brands offer dye-free options. By prioritizing whole foods, diligently reading labels, and identifying brands that use natural colorings, you can effectively reduce your intake of synthetic dyes. This choice aligns with a broader trend toward consuming simpler, cleaner ingredients.

For more information on food dye safety and regulations, consider exploring resources from organizations like the Center for Science in the Public Interest: https://www.cspi.org/page/synthetic-food-dyes-health-risks-history-and-policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Red 40 and why do some people avoid it?

Red 40, or Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food dye used to color thousands of processed food items. While approved by the FDA, some people choose to avoid it due to concerns about potential links to behavioral issues, particularly hyperactivity in children.

How can I tell if a food product contains Red 40?

To check for Red 40, read the ingredient label. It will be listed by name as "Red 40" or "FD&C Red No. 40." In some international products, it may be labeled as the E-number "E129".

Are organic products always free of Red 40?

Generally, certified organic products prohibit the use of artificial food dyes like Red 40. However, it's always best to double-check the ingredient list, as some products may use natural colors that could be an issue for highly sensitive individuals.

Do I need to avoid all red-colored foods to avoid Red 40?

No, you do not. Many foods with a red color, like those from Annie's or Unreal, use natural colorings derived from fruits, vegetables, or spices instead of Red 40. Always check the ingredients to be sure.

What are some common natural alternatives to Red 40 used by brands?

Brands use a variety of natural alternatives to Red 40, including beet juice or powder, paprika, and anthocyanins from fruits like grape skin.

Can avoiding Red 40 help with hyperactivity in children?

Some studies suggest that Red 40 and other synthetic dyes can exacerbate hyperactive behaviors in some children, especially those with ADHD. Parents often report improvements when artificial dyes are removed from their children's diets.

Which specific snack brands don't use Red 40?

Several snack brands are known for being dye-free. Examples include Annie's crackers, Pirate's Booty, Unreal chocolate gems, and Bare fruit chips.