Tag: Artificial food dyes

According to the official ingredient list, Crush Strawberry soda does contain Red 40. This information comes as a surprise to some consumers who are increasingly mindful of artificial food dyes and their presence in popular beverages.

As of early 2016, Kraft Heinz removed artificial food dyes, including Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, from its boxed macaroni and cheese products sold in the U.S. and Canada. The change occurred subtly to avoid a consumer backlash, with the company monitoring public reaction closely.

According to a 2025 announcement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, plans are underway to phase out petroleum-based artificial food dyes, sparking new public interest in what cereals have petroleum in them. The surprising truth is that petroleum is not directly in the cereal grains, but is used to create common, legally approved food additives like synthetic colorings and preservatives. This has led many consumers to scrutinize the ingredient lists of their favorite breakfast brands.

Since 2010, the European Union has required warning labels on foods containing certain synthetic dyes, citing potential adverse effects on activity and attention in children. This move highlighted the growing global scrutiny around the safety of artificial color additives commonly found in food products.

While brilliant blue food coloring (also known as E133 or FD&C Blue No. 1) is widely used to give a vibrant hue to many products, studies have explored potential health concerns, including allergic reactions and links to hyperactivity in children. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the research and findings related to the side effects of this common additive.

In 2024, the European Food Safety Authority flagged a number of food products for containing unauthorized chemicals, part of a long-standing pattern that explains why Gatorade is not allowed in Europe in its standard American formulation. The primary reason for this restriction is the EU's stringent regulations concerning specific ingredients, particularly certain artificial food dyes and historical use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO). This contrast highlights fundamental differences in food safety approaches between continents.

According to product ingredient lists, many popular red-colored zero sugar Jell-O flavors, such as strawberry, raspberry, and cherry, contain the artificial food dye Red 40. However, not all zero sugar Jell-O products include this specific dye, with certain colors and newer 'Simply Good' versions offering alternatives.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), certain Starburst varieties contain not only Red 40 but also Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1. This mix of artificial food dyes, which can cause concern for some consumers, is present to create the vibrant colors of the chewy candies.

In recent years, consumer demand for more natural ingredients has pressured companies to change their formulations. The question, 'Do M&M's have artificial dyes?', highlights the discrepancy in recipes between different regions, with US versions historically relying on synthetic colors while European ones often use natural alternatives.

According to a 2021 report by the California Environmental Protection Agency, synthetic food dyes may be linked to neurobehavioral issues in some children. This growing awareness is leading many to ask: what pudding is dye free, and what are the best alternatives? Fortunately, several brands now offer products made with natural ingredients and colors, providing a safer and healthier dessert option for the whole family.