Tag: Synthetic food dyes

According to the company's official blog, YumEarth states its candies and treats are colored with real fruit and vegetable juices, so you will never see synthetic dyes like Red 40 on their labels. This commitment to using natural ingredients is a core part of their brand mission.

A 2021 report from the state of California found an association between synthetic food dye consumption and adverse neurobehavioral effects, including hyperactivity, in children both with and without pre-existing behavioral disorders. For many individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), certain artificial food dyes can exacerbate symptoms, making it a critical area of focus for dietary management.

Food color 133, also known as Brilliant Blue FCF, is a synthetic dye derived from petroleum-based aromatic hydrocarbons. This additive is widely used in the food industry to produce bright blue and green shades in various products.

Food manufacturers often use artificial dyes to enhance visual appeal, but these vibrant colorants go by several different names depending on context and region. From the lab-created synthetic food colorants found in brightly colored cereals to the regulated 'E-numbers' on European labels, understanding what are artificial dyes also called can be confusing. This guide clarifies the common terminology and provides a comprehensive overview of these additives.

The question, "Is amaranth Red 40?" arises from widespread confusion about artificial food colorings, but they are not the same substance. Amaranth, known as FD&C Red No. 2, is a distinct dye that was replaced by Red 40, or Allura Red AC, in the United States after safety concerns led to its ban.

With growing consumer demand for transparency about food additives, many people are asking: does Pepsi have red dye 40 in it? The truth is, the answer depends entirely on which Pepsi product you're looking at, especially when considering the entire brand portfolio.

According to a 2021 study, the average human gut transit time is around 28 hours, with a range of 12 to 60 hours considered normal. The exact time it takes for the body to process and eliminate food coloring, however, depends on various individual factors, including metabolism, gut health, and hydration. Unlike nutrients that are broken down and absorbed, synthetic food dyes are largely eliminated as waste.

In early 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of Red Dye No. 3, also known as erythrosine, in food and ingested drugs due to its health concerns. This decision was based on decades of research highlighting potential risks associated with the additive, particularly concerning thyroid health and carcinogenicity.

Growing consumer awareness about synthetic additives has led to a surge in demand for clean-label products. This shift has prompted many to seek a natural alternative to tartrazine, the synthetic yellow dye FD&C Yellow 5, for safer and more natural food coloring.

In Europe, foods containing certain synthetic dyes have been required to carry a warning label since 2010, alerting consumers that they "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children". This has fueled a growing conversation around the question: **Do food dyes affect your health?**