What candy brands have no artificial dyes?

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

Recent studies and rising consumer awareness have led to a surge in demand for candy without artificial dyes, which have been linked to potential health concerns like hyperactivity in children. Thankfully, a growing number of brands offer delicious alternatives that use natural coloring from fruits and vegetables.

Quick Summary

This article explores a wide selection of candy brands, from gummies to chocolate, that use natural ingredients for coloring instead of artificial dyes. It includes an overview of popular options and comparison to guide healthier choices.

Key Points

YumEarth is a top brand for dye-free candy: Known for its organic lollipops, fruit snacks, and other treats using natural colorings from fruits and vegetables.
UNREAL offers dye-free chocolate options: Provides fair-trade certified chocolate gems and coconut bars as an alternative to conventional candies.
SmartSweets makes low-sugar, dye-free gummies: Ideal for those looking for a healthier gummy option without artificial sweeteners or colors.
Check labels for natural ingredients: Look for certifications like USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, as natural candy is often explicitly labeled.
Major retailers carry dye-free options: Target, Whole Foods, and online stores like Amazon have dedicated sections for finding these products.
Artificial dyes are linked to health concerns: Some studies connect common synthetic dyes like Red 40 to hyperactivity and allergies, driving the demand for cleaner candy.

For many, the vivid colors of candy are part of the fun, but for health-conscious consumers, especially parents, those synthetic dyes are a concern. Common artificial dyes such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 are derived from petroleum and have been associated with various health issues. The good news is that numerous candy brands have committed to using natural alternatives, creating vibrant and delicious treats that are free from artificial additives.

Leading Brands with Naturally Colored Candies

YumEarth

YumEarth is a leading brand in the organic and dye-free space, offering a wide array of options. Their products, which are also often non-GMO and allergen-friendly, get their vibrant hues from fruit and vegetable concentrates like organic turmeric, carrot, and pumpkin. YumEarth's lineup includes:

Organic Lollipops
Organic Giggles (similar to Skittles)
Organic Gummy Fruits
Organic Chewys (fruit chews similar to Starburst)

UNREAL Candy

For chocolate lovers, UNREAL provides satisfying alternatives to conventional candy bars and chocolate-coated gems. Their products are fair-trade certified and free from artificial dyes and flavors. The vibrant colors on their chocolate gems, which are a popular alternative to M&Ms, come from natural sources.

SmartSweets

SmartSweets focuses on creating lower-sugar candies without artificial sweeteners or colors, making them an excellent choice for those mindful of sugar intake. They offer a variety of gummies, including sour and sweet options, all naturally colored and flavored.

Black Forest Organic

Black Forest offers organic versions of their popular gummy bears and fruit-flavored snacks, which are made with natural flavors and colors derived from plant-based sources. These are often certified organic and offer a juicy, delicious taste without artificial dyes.

Lovely Candy Co.

The Lovely Candy Co. specializes in classic candy types like caramels, taffy, and chews, all made with no high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors. Their simple, clean ingredients provide a nostalgic flavor profile without the additives.

Torie & Howard

This brand offers certified organic and kosher hard candies and fruit chews. Torie & Howard is known for using sophisticated, unique flavor combinations and natural colors from vegetable and fruit juices.

Navigating the Candy Aisle: Making Informed Choices

Finding dye-free candy can sometimes require a closer look at the label. Even brands that offer natural options may have product lines that still contain artificial dyes. When in doubt, prioritize candies that are explicitly labeled as "organic," "dye-free," or use natural colorings. Major retailers like Target and Whole Foods often have dedicated sections for these products, making them easier to find.

Comparison Table: Artificial vs. Natural Candy


Feature	Artificial Candy	Dye-Free Candy (Natural)
Coloring Source	Synthetic, petroleum-based dyes (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5)	Plant, fruit, and vegetable-based extracts
Sweeteners	Often high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners	Organic cane sugar, natural sweeteners, or sugar alcohols
Availability	Very widespread in all retail stores	Increasingly common, found in health food stores and major retailers
Certifications	Few, if any, for clean ingredients	USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Fair Trade
Potential Health Effects	Linked to hyperactivity and allergic reactions in some individuals	Generally considered safer, especially for sensitive individuals
Taste Profile	Can have a more uniform, and sometimes chemical-like taste	Often a more authentic, fruity, or nuanced flavor profile

The Rise of Dye-Free Options

The increasing awareness of artificial dyes has driven many companies to reformulate their products. Some mainstream brands have even begun offering dye-free versions of their classic candies. The move toward cleaner ingredients is a positive trend, empowering consumers to make choices that align with their health and wellness goals. This shift benefits those with sensitivities, allergies, and parents who prefer natural ingredients for their children.

Conclusion

Choosing candy without artificial dyes is now easier than ever, thanks to a robust market of health-conscious brands. From YumEarth's organic gummies to UNREAL's fair-trade chocolates, delicious alternatives exist for every sweet craving. By reading labels and exploring options from reputable companies, you can enjoy vibrant, flavorful, and clean candy that supports your health goals without sacrificing taste. The next time you reach for a treat, consider one of these dye-free options for a guilt-free indulgence.

Shop dye-free candy on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common artificial food dyes found in candy include Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and Blue 2, which are typically derived from petroleum.

Dye-free candy can be found at health food stores like Whole Foods, major retailers such as Target, and online through marketplaces like Amazon. Look for brands that are certified organic or explicitly label their products as free from artificial dyes.

Dye-free candies are colored using natural extracts derived from fruits, vegetables, and other plants. Examples include turmeric for yellow, beetroot for red, and fruit juice concentrates for a range of colors.

Yes, some brands, like UNREAL, offer dye-free chocolate gems that are an alternative to M&Ms and colored naturally. Some mainstream manufacturers have also begun phasing out synthetic dyes in certain product lines.

While avoiding artificial dyes can reduce exposure to certain synthetic additives, candy is still high in sugar. A healthy approach involves moderation and considering overall ingredients, including sugar content and potential allergens.

Organic and dye-free candies can sometimes be more expensive due to the cost of sourcing and processing natural ingredients. However, as demand increases, prices may become more competitive.

Yes, but for those with high sensitivity, double-check the ingredient list. The term 'natural colors' generally means the coloring is from natural sources, but brands like YumEarth often use certified organic fruit and vegetable juice, which is a stronger assurance.