What Candy Has Red 40 in It? A Comprehensive Guide to Popular Brands

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the USDA Branded Foods Database, over 36,000 food products in the US contain Red 40, a common artificial colorant. The list of products can be extensive, and many consumers want to know what candy has Red 40, especially when seeking healthier or dye-free options. This guide explores which candies contain the dye and provides a useful overview of alternatives.

Quick Summary

A multitude of popular candies, such as Skittles, M&M's, and Twizzlers, contain the synthetic food dye Red 40. This article offers a detailed list of products and discusses common health-related concerns, labeling practices, and healthier alternatives.

Key Points

Red 40 is in many popular candies: Brands like Skittles, M&M's, Swedish Fish, Twizzlers, and Nerds commonly use Red 40 to achieve vibrant colors.
Check the ingredient list carefully: The dye can also be used for non-red items, including pink, orange, purple, and even some white candies, so checking the label for 'Red 40' is essential.
Health concerns are a significant controversy: The dye is linked to hyperactivity in some sensitive children and is under review by regulatory bodies, though the FDA has not banned it.
Natural alternatives are widely available: Brands like YumEarth, ChocZero, and Smart Sweets use fruit and vegetable juices for coloring, providing excellent dye-free options.
Not all red candy has Red 40: Some manufacturers use natural colorants like carmine or beetroot juice, and products from different countries or special editions may use different recipes.
Dye-free choices include most chocolates: Most plain chocolate candies are a safe bet for avoiding artificial food dyes, as long as they don't have colorful coatings.

What is Red 40?

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic, petroleum-based food dye used to add vibrant red color to a wide range of products, including candy, beverages, and cosmetics. Its primary purpose is cosmetic, making foods more visually appealing. Despite being approved by the FDA, its safety has been a subject of ongoing debate and controversy, with some studies and advocacy groups raising concerns.

Popular Candies Containing Red 40

It can be surprisingly difficult to tell which candies have Red 40 just by looking at them, as the dye is often used to create pink, orange, purple, and even some white or brown colors. Always check the ingredients list for 'Red 40,' 'Red 40 Lake,' or 'Allura Red AC'.

Some of the most common candies that contain Red 40 include:

Skittles (Original)
M&M's (Milk Chocolate)
Swedish Fish
Twizzlers
Nerds
Starbursts
Laffy Taffy
Jolly Ranchers
Many flavored gummy candies and fruit chews
Brach's Peppermint Candy Canes

The Controversy Surrounding Red 40

While Red 40 is a popular additive for its coloring properties, it faces scrutiny from health experts and consumers. Here’s a breakdown of the primary concerns:

Hyperactivity in children: Several studies have investigated a link between synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, and neurobehavioral problems like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in susceptible children. While the FDA has not found conclusive evidence to warrant a ban, some research suggests a connection, and the issue is actively being reevaluated. In fact, Europe requires warning labels on products with the dye.
Allergic reactions: Some individuals, though a small percentage, may experience allergic reactions to synthetic dyes like Red 40. Symptoms can range from hives and swelling to more severe, though rare, anaphylactic reactions.
Gut health and inflammation: A 2023 study conducted on mice suggested that Red 40 may cause DNA damage and inflammation in the colon, potentially increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. The study's authors emphasize that more research in humans is necessary.

Candies Without Red 40

For those who wish to avoid Red 40, a growing number of brands offer products colored with natural alternatives, such as fruit and vegetable juices.

Some popular dye-free candies include:

Most plain chocolates (like Hershey's or Reese's)
YumEarth candies
ChocZero products
Smart Sweets
Unreal brand candies
Hi-Chews
Sweet Tart Ropes (check specific packaging)
Trader Joe's dye-free candy options

Comparing Candies With and Without Red 40


Feature	Candy with Red 40 (e.g., Skittles)	Dye-Free Candy (e.g., YumEarth)
Color Source	Synthetic, petroleum-based dye	Natural sources like fruits, vegetables
Color Vibrancy	Typically very bright and consistent	Often more muted, pastel, and variable
Flavor Identification	Color is closely tied to a specific artificial flavor	Color comes from a natural source, flavor is also natural
Controversy	Associated with hyperactivity and other health concerns by some	Generally perceived as a 'cleaner' ingredient list
Labeling	Lists 'Red 40' or 'Allura Red AC'	Lists natural coloring ingredients like 'beet juice' or 'carmine'

The Shift Towards Natural Colors

In response to consumer pressure and evolving regulations, some major candy manufacturers are beginning to introduce dye-free versions of their products or reformulate recipes. California recently passed legislation to ban several synthetic dyes from school meals, including Red 40, starting in 2028, reflecting a broader trend towards re-evaluating these additives. For more information on food dye regulation, the FDA website is an authoritative resource for consumers and manufacturers alike.

Link to FDA Information on Color Additives

Conclusion

For candy lovers and concerned consumers, understanding what candy has Red 40 is a key step towards making informed dietary choices. Many popular and iconic candies contain this petroleum-derived dye, but with growing awareness, a wide variety of delicious, dye-free alternatives are now readily available. By reading labels carefully and exploring natural brands, it’s possible to enjoy sweet treats without the controversial artificial additives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red 40 is also referred to as Allura Red AC, FD&C Red 40, or E129 on ingredient labels.

No, Red 40 is not banned in the European Union, but products that contain it must include a warning label stating that the dye 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'.

Concerns have been raised about potential links between Red 40 and hyperactivity in some children, allergic reactions, and gut inflammation, though conclusive evidence is debated and the FDA still considers it safe for most people.

Original Skittles contain Red 40. In contrast, some of Mars Wrigley's newer formulations or special edition candies may be dye-free, but you must check the specific product label.

Natural alternatives include colorants derived from beetroot, paprika, carmine (from cochineal insects), black carrot, and purple sweet potato.

You can find dye-free candies by shopping at stores like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, checking online for brands such as YumEarth, ChocZero, and Smart Sweets, and reading labels carefully in standard grocery stores.

Some M&M's varieties currently contain Red 40. However, Mars Wrigley has announced plans to offer dye-free versions of Skittles, M&M's, and other candies starting in 2026.

While most plain chocolate bars like Hershey's or Reese's do not have Red 40, some products with colorful candy shells or coatings, like M&M's, do. Always read the label to be sure.