Tag: Synthetic colors

While the vibrant color of strawberry yogurt often looks uniform, the reality is that the use of Red Dye 40 is not a given across all brands. The inclusion of this petroleum-derived synthetic color additive depends entirely on the specific product and manufacturer, with many opting for natural alternatives instead.

FD&C certified color additives are overwhelmingly derived from petroleum, not from traditional 'coal tar' sources as they were in the past. This fact often surprises consumers who may assume food colorings come from plant-based origins. Understanding what are FD&C colors made from requires delving into the world of synthetic organic chemistry and strict FDA oversight.

Recent FDA actions led to the eventual ban of Red No. 3 from food and ingested drugs in the U.S. after more than three decades of debate. Red No. 3 dye, also known as erythrosine, is a synthetic, chemical dye derived from petroleum. The dye was originally created in 1876 and has been used to impart a bright, cherry-red color to a variety of products.

According to OLLY's official FAQ, the company states that it uses no artificial colors or dyes in its gummy vitamins. This commitment means the vibrant hues found in their popular products, from Berry to Tropical Zing flavors, come exclusively from natural sources like fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

While many assume the vibrant color of Annie's mac and cheese comes from artificial dyes, the truth is that the yellow hue is derived from a natural, plant-based colorant called annatto extract. This provides a key differentiator from other boxed macaroni products and addresses concerns about synthetic additives.

In January 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially revoked authorization for erythrosine (FD&C Red No. 3) in foods and ingested drugs, citing safety concerns. This decision has reignited public debate about whether erythrosine is a risk, highlighting the complex science and regulatory history of this common food dye.

Recent headlines about a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ban on Red 3 have sparked widespread confusion among consumers. This has led many to question: are Red 33 and Red 40 the same, and what are the actual differences between these common food colorings?

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), most Froot Loops products sold in the United States contain a number of artificial colorings. This means that if you're wondering, "Do Fruit Loops have Red 40?", the answer is definitively yes, along with other synthetic dyes.

As of a July 2025 announcement, Welch's Fruit Snacks is in the process of removing Red 40 and other artificial dyes from its entire lineup of products. This move addresses common consumer questions about ingredients, particularly concerning whether Welch's fruit snacks have Red 40. While older inventory may still contain synthetic dyes, new formulations colored with natural sources are already reaching store shelves.

Over 2,000 types of synthetic dyes are used annually worldwide, primarily to provide vibrant and consistent colors in a wide array of products. While often scrutinized, artificial colorants offer distinct advantages for manufacturers and product stability that natural alternatives cannot always match.