Understanding Food Dyes: Does Doritos Have Red Dye 3 in Them?

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of Red Dye 3 in food and ingested drugs in January 2025, but does Doritos have red dye 3 in them? No; Nacho Cheese Doritos are colored with Red Dye 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, not the now-banned Red Dye 3.

Quick Summary

Nacho Cheese Doritos are colored using Red Dye 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, not the recently banned Red Dye 3. The FDA banned Red Dye 3 in January 2025, citing links to cancer in animal studies. Other artificial dyes remain approved but still raise concerns for some consumers.

Key Points

No Red Dye 3: Doritos Nacho Cheese does not contain Red Dye 3; its color comes primarily from Red Dye 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6.
Red Dye 3 is Banned: The FDA banned Red Dye 3 for use in food and ingested drugs in January 2025, with manufacturers having until January 2027 to comply.
Red Dye 40 Has Concerns: While legal, Red Dye 40 (found in Doritos) has been linked to hyperactivity in sensitive children.
Highly Processed Snack: Doritos are generally high in fat, calories, and sodium, and contain other controversial additives like MSG.
Opt for Alternatives: For better nutrition, consider healthy alternatives like roasted chickpeas, kale chips, or beet chips instead of processed snacks.

The Truth Behind Doritos and Artificial Colors

Many consumers are concerned about the ingredients in their favorite snacks, particularly artificial food colors. With the recent FDA ban on Red Dye 3, many people are asking, "Does Doritos have red dye 3 in them?" The short answer is no, but it's essential to understand the specific dyes used and the broader context of food additives in processed snacks. The vibrant, cheesy color of Nacho Cheese Doritos does not come from Red Dye 3 but from a different combination of synthetic dyes that, while currently legal, have also drawn public scrutiny.

Which Dyes Are in Nacho Cheese Doritos?

Based on ingredient lists, Nacho Cheese Doritos contain several artificial colors to achieve their distinctive hue. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has noted that Doritos Nacho Cheese includes the following artificial dyes:

Red 40 (Allura Red AC): A commonly used synthetic food color.
Yellow 5 (Tartrazine): Another prevalent synthetic dye.
Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow): Often used with other colors.

These dyes are distinct from Red Dye 3.

Red Dye 3 vs. Red Dye 40: A Comparison

Understanding the difference between these two dyes is crucial. While both are artificial and petroleum-based, they have different chemical compositions and regulatory statuses.


Feature	Red Dye 3 (Erythrosine)	Red Dye 40 (Allura Red AC)
Current Regulatory Status (U.S.)	Banned for use in food and ingested drugs as of Jan. 15, 2025. Phased out by Jan. 2027.	Permitted for use in food, drugs, and cosmetics.
Reason for Ban/Concern	Caused thyroid tumors in male rats in high-dose studies, triggering the Delaney Clause.	Has been linked to hyperactivity in some sensitive children.
Common Use	Previously used in maraschino cherries, candies, and icings.	Used in a wide range of foods, including cereals, beverages, and snacks like Doritos.
Chemical Basis	Petroleum-based synthetic dye with a different chemical structure than Red 40.	Petroleum-based synthetic dye.

The FDA's Ban on Red Dye 3

The FDA's decision to ban Red Dye 3 was based on studies linking it to cancer in laboratory rats, as outlined by the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Although the ban on cosmetics and topical drugs containing Red Dye 3 occurred in 1990, the ban on its use in food and ingested drugs was officially announced on January 15, 2025, with a final deadline for reformulation set for January 2027. This action followed a 2022 petition urging the FDA to act and a 2023 California law banning the dye.

Beyond the Dyes: Other Nutritional Considerations for Doritos

Beyond artificial colors, Doritos, like many processed snacks, are high in calories, fat, and sodium and low in essential nutrients. They may also contain MSG, a flavor enhancer. A healthy diet emphasizes nutrient-dense, whole foods, and snacks like Doritos should be consumed in moderation.

Healthier Alternatives to Processed Chips

For those seeking healthier, dye-free alternatives to processed chips, consider these options:

Roasted Chickpeas: Rich in fiber and protein.
Kale Chips: Homemade by baking with olive oil and salt.
Baked Vegetable Chips: Made from thinly sliced vegetables like beets or sweet potatoes.
Jicama Slices: A crunchy root vegetable.
Whole-Grain Crackers: Offer more fiber than traditional chips.

These alternatives provide better nutritional profiles and avoid artificial colors.

Conclusion: Making Informed Dietary Choices

While Doritos do not contain the now-banned Red Dye 3, they use other artificial colors like Red Dye 40, which some individuals have concerns about. Consumers should read ingredient labels and prioritize whole, unprocessed foods for a healthier diet. While occasional treats are fine, limiting highly processed snacks is recommended for optimal health.

Here is an authoritative source on the FDA's decision to ban Red Dye 3: FDA Revokes Authorization for the Use of Red No. 3 in Food and Ingested Drugs.

Note: Ingredient formulations can vary by region and over time. Consumers should always check the most current ingredient list on a product's packaging for definitive information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nacho Cheese Doritos contain a mix of Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 to achieve their cheesy color.

Red Dye 3 was banned due to its link to thyroid tumors in male rats during animal studies conducted in the 1980s, which triggered the Delaney Clause prohibiting cancer-causing additives.

Red Dye 40 is currently approved by the FDA for consumption, but it has been linked to potential neurobehavioral issues, such as hyperactivity, in sensitive children.

The FDA's ban on Red Dye 3 is effective for food and beverages starting in January 2027, giving manufacturers time to reformulate their products.

Not all food dyes are considered dangerous, but some synthetic dyes, including Red 40, have been associated with health concerns, particularly in children.

Yes, many food companies are now using natural colorants derived from sources like paprika, beet juice, turmeric, and annatto to replace synthetic dyes.

Doritos are a processed snack that should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, as they are high in calories, fat, and sodium.