Nutrition Diet: Which food has the most Red 40 in it?

October 3, 2025 •

3 min read

A 2014 study revealed that certain foods contained strikingly high levels of artificial dyes, with cupcakes and powdered drinks ranking among the highest. When questioning which food has the most Red 40 in it?, the answer is often complex due to proprietary recipes and varying regulations.

Quick Summary

Studies have identified powdered drinks and certain candies as having some of the highest total food dye concentrations, with high Red 40 levels also common in many colorful processed snacks.

Key Points

Beverages can be a significant source: Powdered drink mixes and some sports or energy drinks are often among the highest concentrated sources of Red 40.
Candies rank high for dye content: Popular candies like Skittles and M&M's are documented to contain substantial levels of Red 40 and other artificial dyes.
Red 40 is also found in surprising places: Beyond red items, the dye is used to create orange, purple, and brown colors in snacks, condiments, and other processed foods.
Read ingredient lists to identify the dye: Red 40 may be listed under several names, including Allura Red AC or FD&C Red No. 40.
Consider natural alternatives: For those concerned about synthetic dyes, natural colorants from beets, paprika, and other plant sources are available.
Health impacts remain debated: While the FDA considers Red 40 safe, research into potential links with hyperactivity and other health concerns is ongoing.

Understanding Red 40 and Its Place in Processed Foods

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic color additive derived from petroleum that is widely used across the food industry. Its primary purpose is to make processed foods and drinks more visually appealing and to create vibrant, consistent colors. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Red 40 for consumption, its safety is a subject of ongoing debate and research, with different regulations applying in other parts of the world. This has led many consumers to question which foods contain the highest amounts and if they should limit their intake. Pinpointing a single food with the absolute highest concentration is challenging because dye levels are considered proprietary information by manufacturers, and the composition can vary between brands and batches. However, independent studies have provided valuable insights into where high concentrations are most frequently found.

Beverages are a major source of Red 40

Independent research, particularly a 2014 study by Purdue University, found that beverages can be a significant source of high dye concentrations, with powdered drink mixes often leading the list. Sports drinks and energy drinks also frequently contain Red 40 to achieve their bright colors.

Candies and sweets carry high dye loads

Candies with bright colors are another category where high levels of Red 40 are common. The 2014 Purdue study indicated that some candies, such as Skittles Original and M&M's Milk Chocolate, contained substantial dye levels. Other popular candies also commonly list Red 40 in their ingredients.

Breakfast cereals and baked goods

Many breakfast cereals, especially those marketed to children, utilize Red 40 and other artificial colors. Baked goods with colorful frostings are also sources of Red 40.

Reading labels to identify hidden Red 40

Red 40 is not only used in red-colored foods; it's often combined with other dyes to create various shades. To confirm the presence of Red 40, always check the ingredient label for names such as Red 40, Allura Red AC, FD&C Red No. 40, or Red 40 Lake.

The health debate and natural alternatives

Ongoing research continues regarding the potential health effects of Red 40 and other synthetic dyes. For those wishing to avoid the dye, natural color alternatives are available. Many companies are also now offering products made with natural colorings.

Comparison of High Dye Foods (Based on 2014 Purdue Study)


Food Item	Total Artificial Dyes per Serving (mg)	Notes on Dye Content
Kool-Aid Burst Cherry	52.3	A leading source, with Red 40 likely a significant component.
Cap'n Crunch's Oops! All Berries	41.0	A cereal with high total dye content, includes Red 40.
Skittles Original	33.3	Among the highest dye levels found in candies during the study.
M&M's Milk Chocolate	29.5	Another candy with notably high dye levels.
Full Throttle Red Berry Energy Drink (8oz)	18.8	High concentration for a single serving of an energy drink.

Conclusion: Making informed choices

While determining which food has the most Red 40 in it is not straightforward, the dye is prevalent and found in high concentrations in many processed foods and drinks, especially brightly colored candies, cereals, and beverages. Research into potential health concerns leads many consumers to limit their intake. Checking ingredient labels and seeking natural alternatives can help manage consumption. For further information on food additive safety, consult resources like {Link: Center for Science in the Public Interest https://www.cspi.org/new/201405071.html}.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no single food definitively known to have the most Red 40, as manufacturers do not typically disclose exact dye amounts. However, independent studies have found some of the highest concentrations of artificial dyes, including Red 40, in powdered drink mixes and brightly colored candies.

Yes, Red 40 is frequently used in a wide range of beverages, such as sodas (including Mountain Dew Code Red), sports and energy drinks (Gatorade Fruit Punch), and powdered mixes (like Kool-Aid Burst Cherry).

Yes, in the United States, Skittles use a combination of artificial dyes, including Red 40, to achieve their vibrant colors. Some variations available outside the US may use natural colorings instead.

Potential concerns include a possible link to hyperactivity in sensitive children, allergic reactions in rare cases, and some animal study data suggesting potential gut inflammation and DNA damage. However, definitive human evidence is debated.

To identify Red 40, look for "Red 40," "FD&C Red No. 40," "Red 40 Lake," or "Allura Red AC" in the ingredient list, which is often located toward the end of the list.

Yes, many natural alternatives are available. These include natural colorants derived from sources like beets, paprika, annatto, and various fruit or vegetable extracts.

Red 40 is not completely banned in the European Union, but products containing it must carry a warning label stating the dye "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children." This has prompted many companies to switch to natural alternatives for the European market.

No. The FDA acknowledges that while most children do not experience adverse behavioral effects from food dyes, some evidence suggests that certain children may be more sensitive to them.