What are the ingredients in Dr Pepper Red 40 and other flavored variants?

January 7, 2026 •

2 min read

Derived from petroleum, Red 40 is one of the most widely used synthetic food dyes, and it's a common ingredient that raises consumer questions. This article details what are the ingredients in Dr Pepper Red 40 variants like Cherry and Strawberries & Cream, clarifying the differences from the original formula.

Quick Summary

This article explores the specific ingredients found in Dr Pepper varieties that contain Red 40, such as Cherry and Strawberries & Cream, and contrasts them with the ingredients in the original formula to address consumer questions about artificial colors.

Key Points

Original Dr Pepper: The classic, standard formula of Dr Pepper does not contain Red 40.
Flavored Dr Pepper: Specific versions, such as Dr Pepper Cherry and Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream, include Red 40 in their ingredient list for coloring.
Petroleum-Derived Color: Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food dye derived from petroleum.
Ongoing Debate: The dye is controversial due to reported links with hyperactivity in sensitive children, allergic reactions, and potential gut inflammation based on animal studies.
Read Labels: Consumers should check ingredient lists for 'Red 40', 'Allura Red AC', or 'E129' to verify its presence in specific products.
International Regulations: Some countries, unlike the U.S., require warning labels on products containing Red 40 regarding its effects on children.

Dr Pepper Flavors Containing Red 40

While the classic Dr Pepper formula does not contain Red 40, several specialty and cherry-flavored versions do, giving them their distinct red hue. When consumers ask, "what are the ingredients in Dr Pepper Red 40," they are typically referring to these specific variants. Checking the ingredient label is the most reliable way to identify the presence of Red 40, which may also be listed as Allura Red AC or E129.

Dr Pepper Cherry Ingredients

A typical ingredient list for Dr Pepper Cherry includes carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, natural and artificial flavors, caramel color, preservatives like sodium benzoate, acids such as citric acid, phosphoric acid, and malic acid, caffeine, and Red 40.

Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream Ingredients

Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream also lists Red 40 among its ingredients, along with carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, caramel color, natural and artificial flavors, sodium benzoate, citric acid, phosphoric acid, caffeine, and malic acid.

The Difference Between Original and Flavored Dr Pepper

The original Dr Pepper formula differs from its flavored counterparts that contain Red 40. This table highlights key ingredient distinctions:


Ingredient	Original Dr Pepper	Dr Pepper Cherry	Description
Carbonated Water	Yes	Yes	The basic liquid base.
High Fructose Corn Syrup	Yes	Yes	The sweetener used in the U.S. market.
Caramel Color	Yes	Yes	A natural food coloring also used in the original.
Natural & Artificial Flavors	Yes	Yes	Provides the beverage's distinctive taste profile.
Sodium Benzoate	Yes	Yes	Preservative for freshness.
Citric Acid	Yes	Yes	A flavor enhancer and preservative.
Phosphoric Acid	Yes	Yes	Contributes to the tart flavor.
Caffeine	Yes	Yes	The stimulating ingredient.
Malic Acid	No (some formulas may)	Yes	An additional souring agent.
Sodium Phosphate	No (varies by formula)	Yes	Acts as an acidity regulator.
Red 40 (Allura Red AC)	No	Yes	The synthetic dye used for red coloring.

Understanding the Controversy Around Red 40

Red 40, a synthetic dye, is a subject of debate. While the FDA deems it safe within limits, concerns persist about potential health effects.

Potential Health Risks

Concerns about Red 40 include possible links to behavioral issues and hyperactivity in sensitive children, allergic reactions in some individuals, and findings from animal studies suggesting potential effects on gut health, inflammation, and DNA damage.

Regulatory Differences

Regulations for Red 40 vary globally. The U.S. FDA approves its use, but regions like Europe require warning labels on products containing the dye, citing potential adverse effects on children's activity and attention.

Conclusion

Original Dr Pepper does not contain Red 40, but flavored varieties like Cherry and Strawberries & Cream do. Red 40, a synthetic colorant, is controversial due to potential health concerns, particularly for sensitive children. Checking ingredient labels for 'Red 40', 'Allura Red AC', or 'E129' is the best way to determine its presence. Consumers seeking to avoid synthetic dyes may opt for products using natural colorants.

For more information on color additives, consult the U.S. Food and Drug Administration: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/color-additives-history.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the classic, original flavor of Dr Pepper does not contain Red 40. The artificial dye is typically found in specific flavored variants like Cherry or Strawberries & Cream.

The ingredients in Dr Pepper Cherry include carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, natural and artificial flavors, caramel color, sodium benzoate, citric acid, phosphoric acid, caffeine, and Red 40.

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic red azo dye derived from petroleum. It is used as a food colorant to create or enhance red coloring in many processed foods and beverages.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other international health organizations consider Red 40 safe for consumption within approved limits. However, some studies have raised concerns about potential links to hyperactivity in certain children and other health issues.

The controversy surrounding Red 40 includes concerns over its potential link to hyperactivity in sensitive children, allergic reactions in some individuals, and recent animal studies suggesting possible links to gut inflammation and DNA damage. European countries require warning labels for the dye.

To identify if a product contains Red 40, you should read the ingredient list on the packaging. The dye may be labeled as 'Red 40,' 'Allura Red AC,' or the European code 'E129'.

Yes, some manufacturers use natural alternatives to synthetic dyes for coloring, such as beet juice or annatto. Consumers can look for products that use these natural colorants if they wish to avoid Red 40.