Tag: Food coloring

According to the official M&M's ingredients list for the United States, the candy does contain "Red 40 Lake" and "Red 40," alongside other artificial colorings. This fact is a key part of the larger conversation surrounding food dyes in processed foods.

According to regulatory bodies like the FDA, food-grade iron oxides (E172) are generally considered safe for consumption at controlled levels, but the question remains: how much iron oxide is safe to eat? Unlike some forms of bioavailable iron, the iron oxides used in food are poorly absorbed by the digestive system and are not considered a significant health risk in regulated quantities.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), artificial dyes must be clearly listed on a product's ingredient label in the United States. When examining the ingredients for Big Red chewing gum, a quick check reveals that in the US, it does contain Red 40 Lake.

According to the official OREO ingredients list, the orange creme in Halloween Oreos contains Yellow 6 Lake and Yellow 5 Lake, but not Red Dye 40. This clarification is crucial for consumers who have sensitivities or concerns about certain artificial color additives.

It's a common belief that the yellow hue of cheese indicates richness, but in many cases, food dyes like annatto are responsible. So, is yellow cheese healthy for you, or is the color just for show, and how should you evaluate its nutritional value?

Dragon fruit peel, a byproduct often discarded, constitutes up to 35% of the fruit's weight but is surprisingly rich in bioactive compounds like antioxidants and fiber. This potential powerhouse is now being processed into a vibrant powder, and many are asking: What is dragon fruit peel powder used for? The answer spans from culinary applications to potent health and wellness benefits, including use in skincare.

According to many health advocates and consumer groups, artificial food dyes like Red 40 and Blue 1, found in many Gatorade flavors, have been linked to potential health concerns. Several specific Gatorade products, however, are made without any artificial food coloring, catering to consumers who prefer a more natural option.

Over $44 billion is spent annually on food additives and preservatives, and among the most scrutinized is tartrazine. This synthetic lemon-yellow azo dye, also known as FD&C Yellow No. 5 or E102, is found in a wide variety of processed commercial foods and beverages. Understanding what foods are high in tartrazine can help consumers make informed dietary choices.

In 2012, reports revealed that the vibrant pink color in some Starbucks beverages came from cochineal extract, a dye derived from crushed insects. This ingredient, also known as carmine, prompted significant customer backlash, particularly from vegan and vegetarian patrons. Following the controversy, Starbucks made the decision to remove the insect coloring in Starbucks products and switch to a plant-based alternative.

According to a 2021 report from the state of California, synthetic food dyes are associated with adverse neurobehavioral effects. This raises important questions for consumers asking what foods have red dye in them to avoid. Many common processed foods, from candy to surprising savory items, contain these synthetic colorants, making label-reading a crucial skill for informed dietary choices.