Understanding Your Plate: Is There Red Dye in Strawberry Jello? And What to Know About Food Dyes

October 15, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 36,000 food products sold in the U.S. contain Red Dye 40, and the vibrant color in classic, brand-name strawberry gelatin is no exception. Understanding whether there is red dye in strawberry jello is the first step toward making more informed and intentional choices about what you consume.

Quick Summary

This article explores the use of Red Dye 40 in classic strawberry gelatin, its potential health concerns, and regulations. It also provides a guide to finding natural alternatives.

Key Points

Classic Strawberry Jell-O contains Red Dye 40: Traditional strawberry gelatin uses the synthetic, petroleum-based dye Allura Red AC for its vibrant color, not natural fruit extracts.
Red Dye 40 has potential health links: Research suggests a link between Red Dye 40 and potential health concerns, including hyperactivity in sensitive children, allergic reactions, and possible digestive inflammation.
International regulations differ greatly: Unlike the U.S., European Union regulations require a warning label on products containing Red Dye 40, which influences manufacturers to offer dye-free options abroad.
Natural alternatives are readily available: For a red hue without artificial additives, you can use natural colorants like beetroot powder, pomegranate juice, or freeze-dried berry powder.
Label reading is key for dietary choices: To avoid artificial food dyes like Red 40, it's essential to check ingredient lists carefully for names like 'Red 40' or 'Allura Red AC'.
Homemade versions offer more control: Preparing your own gelatin using unflavored gelatin and natural fruit sources gives you full control over ingredients and eliminates synthetic dyes.

Deciphering the Ingredients of Strawberry Gelatin

For many, a bowl of bright red, jiggly gelatin is a comforting and nostalgic dessert. But when you flip over the box of a typical strawberry gelatin mix, you'll find that the vibrant hue doesn't come from a concentrated strawberry puree. Instead, it comes from an artificial food coloring known as Red Dye 40, or Allura Red AC. This synthetic, petroleum-derived dye is added to enhance the visual appeal of many processed foods. While many manufacturers offer 'Simply Good' or naturally colored versions, the conventional product relies on artificial colorants.

What is Red Dye 40?

Red Dye 40 is a synthetic color additive derived from petroleum that provides a vivid red hue to foods and beverages. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has certified this dye for use in approved amounts, but research into potential health implications and international regulations have raised concerns. Red Dye 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a common ingredient in many foods and serves an aesthetic purpose without adding nutritional value.

Potential Health Implications and Ongoing Research

While the FDA considers Red Dye 40 safe, studies suggest potential health implications. Research indicates a possible link between Red Dye 40 and increased hyperactivity in sensitive children. Allergic reactions, although rare, can occur. Animal studies have also explored potential connections between high levels of Red Dye 40 and inflammation, changes in the gut microbiome, and digestive issues. Additionally, the manufacturing process of Red Dye 40 may involve contaminants like benzidine, a known carcinogen, which the FDA screens for.

European Regulations vs. U.S. Stance

Regulatory approaches to food dyes differ between the U.S. and Europe. In the European Union, products containing Red Dye 40 require a warning label about potential effects on children's activity and attention, prompting manufacturers to use natural alternatives for the European market. While the U.S. has not banned Red Dye 40, there is increasing pressure for reform regarding food dyes.

Natural Alternatives to Artificial Dyes

For those on a nutrition diet that avoids artificial food colorings, several natural options can provide a vibrant red color:

Beet Juice or Powder: An effective natural option for pink and red shades.
Pomegranate Juice: Offers a deep red color and contains antioxidants.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Ground into a powder, they add natural color and flavor.
Cherry Juice: Another good source for a sweet, reddish color.

Classic vs. Natural Strawberry Gelatin

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison between a classic, conventional strawberry gelatin dessert and a homemade version using natural ingredients.


Feature	Classic Strawberry Jell-O	Homemade Natural Gelatin
Primary Red Color Source	Artificial Red Dye 40 (petroleum-based)	Natural source (e.g., beet juice, freeze-dried berries)
Sweetener	Refined sugar (first ingredient) and artificial flavor	Natural sweeteners (e.g., honey, maple syrup) or fruit's natural sweetness
Main Ingredients	Sugar, gelatin, adipic acid, artificial flavor, Red 40	Fruit juice/puree, plain unflavored gelatin, natural sweetener
Potential Health Concerns	Linked to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, digestive inflammation	Generally considered safer, with no added artificial colorants
Nutritional Profile	Primarily sugar and protein (from gelatin). Low in essential vitamins and minerals.	Dependent on ingredients, may contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fruit.
Preparation	Mix with boiling and cold water, refrigerate.	Cook juice, mix with unflavored gelatin, refrigerate.

Final Thoughts

The question, is there red dye in strawberry jello? reveals a larger conversation about the ingredients in our food and their impact on our nutrition diet. While standard strawberry gelatin contains the artificial colorant Red Dye 40, consumers have the power to choose. With a growing interest in natural food options, many manufacturers now provide alternatives, and creating your own gelatin at home is an easy, rewarding process. Reading labels is crucial for identifying these ingredients and making the choices that best align with your personal health goals. For more in-depth information on food additives, consider consulting reputable sources like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or trusted health publications.

By staying informed and exploring the many natural alternatives available, you can enjoy vibrant, flavorful foods without relying on synthetic additives. The journey toward a cleaner, healthier diet starts with a simple awareness of what goes into your food.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the FDA considers Red Dye 40 safe, some studies have linked it to health concerns like hyperactivity in sensitive children and allergic reactions. Further research is ongoing, but many people choose to avoid it as a precaution.

No, not all strawberry gelatin contains Red Dye 40. Some brands offer 'Simply Good' or other naturally colored versions using ingredients like vegetable juice or turmeric.

Red Dye 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food coloring derived from petroleum distillates and coal tars.

To check for Red Dye 40, read the ingredients list on the product label. It will be listed as 'Red 40,' 'FD&C Red No. 40,' or 'Allura Red AC'.

Natural alternatives for red coloring include beetroot juice or powder, pomegranate juice, cherry juice, and freeze-dried strawberry powder.

A primary concern is the link between synthetic food dyes and increased hyperactivity in some children, particularly those with ADHD. Some children may be more susceptible to behavioral changes from these additives.

Red Dye 40 and Red Dye 3 are different chemical dyes with distinct regulatory statuses. The FDA banned Red Dye 3 in food in 2025 based on cancer concerns from animal studies, while Red Dye 40 has not been banned.