Understanding Red 40 and the Shift to Natural Dyes
Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC or E129 in Europe, is a synthetic food coloring derived from petroleum. While the FDA considers it safe for general consumption, concerns over potential links to hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, and other health issues have led many consumers to avoid it. This has spurred a rise in manufacturers using natural alternatives, which are extracted from fruits, vegetables, and plants to create vibrant colors.
Recognizing that not all brightly colored candies are created equal is the first step. The good news is that a growing number of brands cater specifically to the dye-free market, offering delicious and visually appealing treats without the synthetic additives. By learning which brands to trust and how to read ingredients, you can easily navigate the candy aisle.
Popular Brands Offering Red 40-Free Candy
Many brands now offer a wide selection of dye-free options, and some specialize entirely in natural colorings. Here is a list of trusted names:
- YumEarth: Known for its commitment to organic, allergy-friendly ingredients, YumEarth offers a vast array of dye-free candies, including lollipops, fruit snacks, and gummy bears. Their bright colors come from real fruit and vegetable juices.
- Unreal: This company focuses on reinventing classic candies without artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors. Their chocolate gems, for instance, are a popular alternative to M&M's, using natural ingredients for their coatings.
- SmartSweets: A brand specializing in low-sugar gummies and chewy candies, SmartSweets uses natural plant-based colors and offers many Red 40-free products, such as their Gummy Bears and Fruity Gummy Worms.
- ChocZero: This company prides itself on using only natural colors and no artificial dyes in its candy products, including its popular chocolate squares and sugar-free fruit chews.
- Hi-Chew: Many flavors of this popular Japanese fruit chew are made without artificial dyes. Always check the label, as regional formulations can vary, but Hi-Chew is often a reliable choice.
- Mamba: Similar to Hi-Chew, many Mamba fruit chews are naturally colored. The brand is known for using natural plant dyes to achieve its fruity shades.
- Black Forest Organic: While some of their products may contain dyes, the Black Forest Organic line explicitly uses natural colors and fruit juices to color its popular gummy bears.
- Trader Joe's: The store brand often uses natural colorings in its confectionery. Popular dye-free items include their Scandinavian Swimmers and certain seasonal candies.
How to Read a Candy Label to Avoid Red 40
Learning to identify Red 40 on an ingredient list is crucial, as it may not always be obvious. Red 40 can appear under several names. Always check the ingredient statement on the back of the packaging.
Names for Red 40 to Look For:
- Red 40
- Allura Red AC
- FD&C Red No. 40
- FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake
- C.I. 16035
- E129 (common on European-made products)
Natural Color Alternatives to Look For:
- Fruit and vegetable juices (e.g., beet juice, elderberry juice)
- Paprika extract
- Turmeric
- Spirulina extract
- Annatto
Red 40-Free Candy Comparison
This table provides a quick comparison of popular candy categories and their Red 40-free alternatives.
| Candy Type | Common Brand with Red 40 | Red 40-Free Alternative | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gummy Bears | Haribo Goldbears (US version) | YumEarth Organic Gummy Bears | Haribo from Europe may be dye-free; always check the source. |
| Chocolate Gems | M&M's | Unreal Chocolate Gems | Unreal uses vegetable juice for coloring. |
| Fruit Chews | Starburst | Hi-Chew (select flavors) | Many Hi-Chew flavors are dye-free, but always verify the label. |
| Lollipops | Dum Dums (some flavors) | YumEarth Organic Lollipops | YumEarth pops use only natural colors. |
| Sour Candies | Sour Patch Kids | SmartSweets Sour Blast Buddies | SmartSweets' products are colored with natural fruit and vegetable juices. |
| Chewy Ropes | Nerds Rope | Sweet Tart Ropes (Original) | The original Sweet Tart Ropes are famously dye-free. |
Frequently Overlooked Candies and Unexpected Sources
While many people focus on brightly colored items, Red 40 can appear in unexpected places. For example, some chocolate bars or wafers that feature colorful pieces or a red wrapper could contain the dye. Furthermore, some manufacturers use the dye to enhance the color of seemingly benign products. The only way to be certain is to check every label. When in doubt, opt for products explicitly marketed as 'dye-free,' 'naturally colored,' or 'organic,' as these are typically the safest bets.
Conclusion
For those sensitive to or choosing to avoid synthetic food dyes, finding candy without Red 40 is a manageable task. With brands like YumEarth, Unreal, and SmartSweets leading the charge with natural colorings, there are more options than ever. The key to success lies in vigilant label-reading and a preference for organically-labeled products or those transparently using natural colorants. Whether it's for a child with a sensitivity or an adult with a preference for cleaner ingredients, the marketplace has adapted to meet the demand for dye-free sweets. So next time you're craving a sweet treat, remember to read the ingredients carefully or reach for a trusted, dye-free brand to satisfy your sweet tooth without the artificial additives.
Helpful Resource: For an extensive and regularly updated list of food products, including candy, that are free of artificial colors, you can consult resources like the Feingold diet program, which provides detailed product lists to its members.
Note on European vs. US Products: It's important to remember that European regulations for food dyes are stricter than in the US. A candy sold under the same brand name may be dye-free in Europe but contain Red 40 in the US. Always check the origin and specific labeling of the product you are purchasing.
