The Simple Answer: Not All Hershey's Are Equal
For anyone monitoring their intake of artificial additives as part of a nutrition diet, the question, "Do Hershey's have red dye?" does not have a simple yes or no answer. The key is to differentiate between product lines. The standard Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar, as well as the classic Hershey's Kisses and Hershey's Unsweetened Cocoa, do not contain any synthetic red dyes. The brown color of these products comes from natural cocoa powder. However, the story changes dramatically for brightly colored, fruit-flavored items manufactured by The Hershey Company, such as Jolly Ranchers and Twizzlers. These products have historically relied on synthetic colorants, including Red 40, to achieve their vibrant shades.
Decoding the Dyes: Red 40 vs. Red 3
It's important to understand the specific types of red dyes involved. There are two primary red dyes that have been in the news, though they have different statuses and uses within the food industry:
- Red 40 (Allura Red): This is a synthetic coal tar dye widely used in food manufacturing for a deep red color. It is often found in candies, drinks, and other colorful confections. For years, there have been studies and concerns linking artificial dyes like Red 40 to hyperactivity in sensitive children, though regulatory bodies have generally maintained their safety. This is the red dye you are most likely to find in colorful Hershey's products that contain artificial coloring.
- Red 3 (Erythrosine): Formerly used for a cherry-pink color, the FDA banned this dye in food, candy, and medicine in January 2025, after studies linked it to cancer in rats. Hershey's stopped using Red 3 in its products in 2021, well before the FDA ban went into effect.
Hershey's Products with and Without Red Dye
Understanding which products contain dyes is crucial for making informed choices regarding your nutrition diet. A quick look at the ingredients list is the most reliable way to tell. Here is a breakdown of common products.
Hershey's Products That Contain Red Dye (specifically Red 40):
- Jolly Rancher Hard Candy (Original Flavors)
- Jolly Rancher Chews
- Twizzlers Twists (Strawberry Flavored)
- Seasonal and limited-edition items with colored coatings, such as some candy-coated eggs
Hershey's Products That Do Not Contain Red Dye:
- Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bars
- Hershey's Kisses Milk Chocolates
- Hershey's Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate
- Hershey's Unsweetened Cocoa
Comparing Red Dye in Hershey's Products
| Feature | Standard Chocolate Bars (Milk, Dark) | Colorful Candies (Jolly Ranchers, Twizzlers) |
|---|---|---|
| Contains Red Dye? | No | Yes (Red 40) |
| Dye Type | N/A (Brown color from cocoa) | Synthetic, coal-tar based |
| Primary Ingredient | Milk chocolate | Corn syrup, sugar |
| Color Source | Natural cocoa solids | Artificial color additives |
| Nutritional Profile | Calories, fat, sugar, but no synthetic dyes | Primarily sugar, with artificial colors and flavors |
A Shifting Landscape: Hershey's Commitment to Natural Dyes
In a significant move driven by changing consumer demand and new state-level regulations, The Hershey Company announced in mid-2025 that it would remove all synthetic dyes, including Red 40, from its candy and snacks by the end of 2027. This decision reflects a broader industry trend towards cleaner ingredient labels and a desire to align with evolving consumer preferences for natural food coloring. This shift means that products like Jolly Ranchers and Twizzlers will eventually be colored with naturally derived alternatives.
The Nutritional Impact of Choosing Dye-Free Options
For those on a conscious nutrition diet, understanding the presence of red dye is about more than just a single ingredient. It's often a signal of a product's overall level of processing and sugar content. Artificial dyes are nearly always found in highly processed foods and sweets. Choosing dye-free products, especially those that derive their color naturally from ingredients like cocoa, often means selecting options that are less processed and contain fewer artificial additives overall. For sensitive individuals, especially children, opting for dye-free products can help avoid potential adverse behavioral effects that have been noted in some studies. This trend aligns with a broader focus on whole foods and transparent ingredient sourcing.
Conclusion: The Evolving Landscape of Food Additives
The question, "Do Hershey's have red dye?", serves as a useful entry point into a larger conversation about modern food production and conscious consumerism. While standard Hershey's chocolate bars remain dye-free, the company's broader product portfolio has historically included items with synthetic dyes like Red 40. However, in a major shift towards transparency and consumer preference, The Hershey Company is actively removing these artificial colors from its products. This development empowers consumers to make more informed choices, favoring naturally colored options, and highlights the food industry's responsiveness to the growing demand for cleaner, more transparent ingredients. As this transition unfolds by the end of 2027, reading ingredient labels will continue to be the most reliable practice for those prioritizing a nutrition diet free of artificial colorants.
For more information on the health effects of food dyes and general nutrition guidance, visit Healthline's resource on the topic.
