Tag: Yellow 6

Despite common assumptions, the vibrant, cheesy orange of regular Cheetos does not come from Red 40. Instead, the distinctive hue is primarily achieved using another synthetic color additive: Yellow 6. Many are surprised to learn this, as Red 40 is frequently mistaken for the coloring agent in many brightly colored snacks.

In recent years, many consumers have grown concerned about artificial food dyes; in fact, the bright orange color of Cheetos has historically been achieved using Yellow 6, among other additives. This has prompted questions about the ingredients in our favorite cheesy snacks and the future of their vibrant appearance.

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), Yellow 6 is one of the most widely consumed food dyes in the United States. This synthetic additive, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF or E110, is used to give a yellow-orange color to many processed foods and beverages. Knowing which foods have yellow 6 is key for consumers who want to manage or avoid this ingredient in their diet.

According to the Environmental Working Group, Yellow 6 is a synthetic dye made from petroleum and is found in a wide variety of foods. The answer to "is Yellow 6 natural?" is a definitive and simple no, but the story behind this common food additive is more complex and deserves a closer look.

Known scientifically as Sunset Yellow FCF, the answer to the question, **is Yellow 6 a petroleum product**, is yes. This synthetic food dye is derived from crude oil and widely used to enhance the color of many processed foods and beverages. In fact, the Environmental Working Group confirms its petroleum origins, noting its prevalence in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Did you know that the vibrant orange color of Fanta is not universal and can depend entirely on the country where it is purchased? The ingredients that give Fanta its iconic hue vary dramatically across the globe, a direct result of differing food regulations and consumer preferences. This is the key to understanding what food coloring is in Fanta.

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.

In January 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized a ban on the food additive Red Dye 3 from food and ingested drugs due to its carcinogenic properties in animals. This move brought renewed attention to the question of which food dyes are carcinogenic and what risks other artificial colorings might pose.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), orange Jell-O contains two of the organization's top food additives of concern: Red 40 and Yellow 6. This reveals that despite its orange appearance, Red 40 is a key ingredient used to achieve the signature hue.

According to the FDA, Yellow 6 is certified and approved for use in foods and drinks. However, the question of whether Yellow 6 is safe to drink is more complex, with ongoing debate surrounding potential health risks, contaminants, and its controversial regulatory status in other countries.