Nutrition Diet: What sodas do not contain red dye 40?

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, synthetic dyes like Red Dye 40 may be linked to hyperactivity in sensitive children. For those with sensitivities or who simply prefer avoiding artificial additives, knowing what sodas do not contain red dye 40 is a crucial step for making healthier beverage choices.

Quick Summary

This guide covers various soda and sparkling drink brands that are free of artificial coloring, including Red Dye 40. Readers will learn which major brands and health-focused alternatives offer dye-free options, along with the health implications of artificial versus natural colorants.

Key Points

Check Labels: Always read the ingredient list to confirm a soda is free of Red Dye 40, as even brands known for dye-free products may have specific colored varieties that contain it.
Opt for Mainstream Clears: Brands like Sprite, 7-Up, and Squirt are naturally clear and do not contain artificial dyes, offering a simple and accessible dye-free option.
Explore Healthier Alternatives: For an even cleaner option, consider brands like Zevia, OLIPOP, Poppi, and Spindrift, which use natural sweeteners and colorants.
Be Wary of Flavored Versions: Classic dark colas and root beers are typically dye-free, but red-colored flavor variations (e.g., cherry) are likely to contain Red Dye 40.
Understand Potential Health Links: Red Dye 40 has been linked to hyperactivity in some children and potential gut inflammation in animal studies, motivating many to choose dye-free options.

The Growing Concern Over Artificial Food Dyes

Artificial food dyes, such as Red Dye 40 (Allura Red), are synthetic additives made from petroleum derivatives that are used to enhance the color of foods and beverages. While regulatory bodies like the FDA consider them safe within acceptable daily intake levels, increasing consumer awareness and scientific research have prompted many to reduce or eliminate them from their diet. The concerns extend beyond cosmetic purposes; some studies have suggested potential links between synthetic food dyes and behavioral issues in children, particularly those with ADHD. Other areas of research have explored potential impacts on gut health and inflammation, though more conclusive human studies are still needed.

For those looking to avoid this specific additive, finding beverages free of Red Dye 40 can be a priority. Fortunately, many mainstream soda manufacturers, as well as a growing number of health-focused beverage companies, provide viable dye-free options.

Brands That Don't Contain Red Dye 40

To find sodas without Red Dye 40, it's essential to read the ingredient list carefully, especially for brightly colored products or different flavor variants. Below is a list of popular and alternative brands that typically avoid Red Dye 40. It is crucial to verify the specific product's label, as formulations can vary.

Mainstream Dye-Free Soda Options

Sprite: The classic lemon-lime soda is naturally clear and does not contain any artificial dyes.
7-Up: Similar to Sprite, 7-Up is a clear, lemon-lime flavored soft drink that is also free of artificial coloring.
Squirt: Another naturally clear citrus soda option that can be enjoyed without concern for artificial red dye.
Coca-Cola Classic and Pepsi Classic: Both major colas get their dark brown color from caramel coloring, not Red Dye 40. However, cherry and other red-colored flavors of these sodas will likely contain Red Dye 40, so it's always best to check the ingredients.
Dr. Pepper Classic: The original formula also uses caramel coloring for its appearance, avoiding Red Dye 40.
A&W Root Beer and Cream Soda: These traditional soda varieties typically use caramel coloring and are free of red dye.

Health-Conscious and Natural Soda Brands

For those seeking alternatives to traditional, sugar-laden sodas, several modern brands offer products that are not only dye-free but also feature healthier ingredients.

Zevia: This zero-calorie, naturally sweetened soda line uses stevia and natural flavors. It offers many classic flavors, including a Dr. Zevia and root beer, all without artificial colors.
OLIPOP: A sparkling tonic brand that incorporates prebiotic fiber and botanical extracts, OLIPOP uses natural colorants like fruit and vegetable juices and is free of synthetic dyes. Popular flavors include Orange Squeeze and Dr. Goodwin.
Poppi: This prebiotic soda contains apple cider vinegar and real fruit juice for flavor. It uses natural ingredients for its color and is a popular dye-free choice.
Spindrift: While often categorized as sparkling water, Spindrift sodas are made with sparkling water and real fruit juice, with no added sugars or artificial dyes.
Culture Pop: A probiotic soda that is naturally colored with organic fruit juices and spices. Flavors like Orange Mango Chili & Lime offer a unique taste profile without artificial additives.
Wildwonder: Known for its vibrant flavor combinations and gut-friendly ingredients, Wildwonder sodas are made with prebiotics and probiotics, using real fruit juice and monk fruit for sweetness and color.
Stubborn Soda: A craft soda line by PepsiCo that explicitly promotes its use of natural flavors and colors.

The Health Implications of Artificial vs. Natural Colors

The primary difference between artificial and natural colorants lies in their origin and how the body processes them. Artificial dyes are synthesized chemicals, while natural ones are derived from plant, fruit, or vegetable sources. This fundamental distinction leads to several key health and quality differences.

Natural food colors are generally considered a cleaner option, aligning with consumer preferences for whole, minimally processed ingredients. However, they can be less stable than their artificial counterparts, potentially fading when exposed to heat or light, and may offer a more muted color. Artificial dyes, on the other hand, are highly stable and provide consistent, vibrant colors, which is why they are so widely used in processed foods.

For some individuals with specific sensitivities or health conditions, avoiding artificial dyes is a critical part of their dietary management. While the effects of Red Dye 40 are not a concern for everyone, and the occasional consumption of a product containing it is not considered harmful by regulators, the cumulative effect of a diet rich in artificial additives is an ongoing area of research and concern. Opting for dye-free products, especially for those sensitive, is a proactive way to manage potential risks.

A Comparative Look at Soda Ingredients


Feature	Traditional Soda (e.g., Cherry Soda)	Dye-Free Alternatives (e.g., Zevia, OLIPOP)
Red Dye 40 Content	High likelihood, especially in red-colored varieties	None
Coloring Source	Synthetic, petroleum-based chemical dyes	Natural sources like fruit juices, beet juice, and other botanicals
Typical Sweetener	High-fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners like aspartame	Stevia, monk fruit, or real fruit juice
Added Sugar	Often very high, contributing empty calories	Low or zero added sugar
Nutritional Content	Generally offers little to no nutritional value	May contain prebiotics, probiotics, and fiber for digestive health

Conclusion: Making Informed Beverage Choices

Selecting a soda without Red Dye 40 can be a straightforward process with a little attention to detail. Reading ingredient lists and choosing products from brands known for their commitment to natural colors are the most reliable methods. While mainstream brands like Sprite and traditional colas offer clear dye-free options, the burgeoning market of health-conscious sodas provides even more alternatives, often with added benefits like prebiotics or lower sugar content. By understanding the ingredients in your beverages and exploring the available alternatives, you can enjoy a refreshing, fizzy drink without the concern of artificial dyes. For further information on food additives and their effects, authoritative resources like Healthline's overview of Red Dye 40 can provide deeper context.

Note: Always consult product labels, as ingredient formulations can change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red Dye 40, or Allura Red, is a synthetic food dye derived from petroleum. Some individuals avoid it due to research suggesting potential links to hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, and digestive inflammation, though regulatory bodies deem it generally safe for consumption within limits.

Not all diet sodas contain Red Dye 40, but many flavored diet versions do. It is important to read the ingredient label, as a cherry or strawberry diet soda will likely include the dye, while a classic diet cola will not.

Yes, caramel coloring is a distinct food additive from Red Dye 40. Classic colas and root beers, which get their brown color from caramel coloring, are typically free of Red Dye 40. However, some health-conscious brands avoid caramel coloring entirely due to other concerns.

Brands like Zevia, OLIPOP, Poppi, Spindrift, and Culture Pop are known for their commitments to using natural colorants or avoiding dyes altogether. These are often found in health food stores or the natural beverage aisle.

Yes, classic Sprite and 7-Up are clear and do not contain artificial colors. They are both recognized as dye-free options in the mainstream soda market.

To avoid Red Dye 40, check the ingredients list for 'Red 40', 'FD&C Red No. 40', or 'Allura Red'. Choosing products explicitly labeled 'dye-free' or 'no artificial colors' is the safest option.

While natural colorants from fruits and vegetables are generally considered a 'cleaner' ingredient than synthetic dyes, the overall healthiness of a soda depends on its full nutritional profile, including sugar and calorie content.