What Chewy Candy Doesn't Have Red 40? Your Ultimate Guide

October 12, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2023 study in mice, the artificial food dye Red 40 may cause DNA damage and inflammation, sparking consumer interest in avoiding this additive. But finding chewy candy that doesn't have Red 40 can be a challenge in a market saturated with brightly colored confections. Fortunately, a variety of brands are committed to using natural alternatives, making it easier than ever to find delicious and vibrantly colored treats without artificial dyes.

Quick Summary

This article explores the best chewy candies without Red 40, listing brands that use natural coloring from fruit and vegetable juices. It provides a comprehensive breakdown of options, from organic fruit chews to vegan gummies, to help you make informed decisions. We'll cover specific product lines, outline what to look for on labels, and discuss why consumers are increasingly avoiding artificial dyes.

Key Points

Dye-Free Brands: Look for companies like YumEarth, Hi-Chew, SmartSweets, and Black Forest Organic, as they offer popular chewy candy varieties without Red 40.
Read Ingredient Labels: The most reliable way to confirm is by checking the ingredient list for 'Red 40', 'FD&C Red No. 40', or 'Allura Red AC'.
Natural Colorants: Products free of Red 40 typically use natural colorings from sources like fruit and vegetable juices, beet powder, or annatto.
Check Holiday Versions: Seasonal or holiday-themed candy versions, even from brands that are normally dye-free, might contain artificial colorings, so always verify.
Consider Online Stores: Specialty stores, both online and physical, often categorize and feature dye-free candy options prominently, making shopping easier.
Red 40 Alternatives: Many brands have successfully created vibrant and flavorful chewy candies using natural ingredients, proving artificial dyes aren't necessary for a great treat.

The Rise of Dye-Free Candy Options

The increasing awareness of potential health sensitivities linked to artificial food dyes like Red 40 has led to a surge in demand for products made with natural colorants. Red 40 is a synthetic, petroleum-derived coloring agent used to achieve a bright red hue in many processed foods, including a wide array of candies. However, a growing number of brands are now utilizing natural sources, such as fruit and vegetable juices, turmeric, and annatto, to create their vibrant, chewy confections. This shift provides consumers, especially those with sensitivities or who prefer a more natural diet, with a much wider selection of options.

Popular Chewy Candy Brands That Are Red 40-Free

Not all chewy candies contain Red 40. By checking labels for natural ingredients, you can find a satisfying treat. Here are some of the most popular brands offering dye-free chewy options:

YumEarth: A leader in the organic candy space, YumEarth offers a wide variety of chewy treats made with real fruit juice and no artificial dyes.
- YumEarth Organic Chewys: These individually wrapped chews are a popular alternative to conventional fruit chews.
- YumEarth Organic Giggles: These are a great dye-free swap for candy-coated chews.
Hi-Chew: These famously chewy candies from Japan are known for their real fruit flavors and do not contain Red 40. Be sure to check the specific variety, as some imported versions may differ.
SmartSweets: This brand focuses on creating low-sugar, chewy candies without artificial colors or sweeteners.
- SmartSweets Jolly Gems and other gummy lines are excellent options.
Mamba Fruit Chews: Many Mamba products use natural colorings and are Red 40-free. Always check the specific package to be certain, as formulations can change.
Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears: The organic line of Black Forest gummies uses natural colors and is free of artificial dyes. Be careful to select the organic version, as standard Black Forest gummies may contain artificial colors, especially holiday editions.
Heaven & Earth Taffy: This brand offers several taffy flavors made without synthetic dyes, providing a chewy, old-fashioned candy experience.

How to Spot Red 40-Free Candy

When navigating the candy aisle, a little label literacy can go a long way. Here’s what to look for when trying to find chewy candy without Red 40:

Read the ingredient list: Don't just scan the front of the package. Turn it over and look for the ingredient list. Red 40 can be listed under several names, including "Red 40," "FD&C Red No. 40," or "Allura Red AC".
Look for natural color sources: Many brands proud of their dye-free status will list the source of their colorings, such as "colored with fruit and vegetable juices." Common sources include beet juice, carrot juice, annatto, and turmeric.
Search for certifications: Look for labels like "Organic," "Vegan," or "No Artificial Dyes." These can be strong indicators that the product is free of synthetic food colorings.
Know which products to double-check: Some candy varieties are known for being Red 40-free, like the original Hi-Chew, but it's always wise to reconfirm, especially with special or seasonal editions, which might contain different ingredients.

Chewy Candy Comparison: Red 40 vs. Dye-Free

Choosing between conventional and dye-free chewy candy involves more than just reading the ingredients. Here's a comparative look at common differences:


Feature	Conventional Chewy Candy (often contains Red 40)	Dye-Free Chewy Candy (no Red 40)
Color	Often uses bright, vibrant, and uniform colors derived from synthetic dyes.	Tends to have more muted or earthy tones from natural sources like fruits and vegetables.
Flavoring	Can use a mix of artificial and natural flavors.	Often emphasizes natural flavorings derived from real fruits and juices.
Ingredients	Contains synthetic additives, high-fructose corn syrup, and sometimes Red 40.	Uses simpler ingredients, often certified organic or non-GMO, and uses natural colorings.
Packaging	Often features bold, highly saturated imagery to reflect the candy's artificial colors.	Emphasizes natural ingredients and may feature understated or eco-friendly designs.
Availability	Widely available in most convenience stores, supermarkets, and big-box stores.	Found in specialty stores, health food sections, or online retailers like Amazon.
Price	Typically lower cost due to synthetic ingredients.	Often higher cost due to natural and organic ingredients.

Exploring the Alternatives: Natural vs. Artificial

For those specifically avoiding Red 40, understanding the different coloring methods is key. Artificial dyes like Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, are chemically synthesized and require batch-by-batch certification by the FDA for purity. Natural colorings, on the other hand, are exempt from this process and are derived from natural sources, such as fruit and vegetable juices, beet powder, and spirulina.

The most significant concern for some people regarding Red 40 is its potential link to hyperactivity in sensitive children. While regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA have not issued definitive warnings for the general population based on current evidence, the link in specific subsets of the population is enough for many parents and individuals to seek alternatives.

This is where brands like YumEarth and SmartSweets come in. They have built their entire business model around catering to this demand, proving that delicious, chewy candy doesn't need synthetic dyes to be enjoyable. Their use of plant-based and fruit-derived colorants produces a cleaner product, both in terms of the ingredients and the resulting shades, which tend to be more pastel and subtle. As consumer preferences continue to shift towards cleaner labels and more natural ingredients, the market for Red 40-free candy is only expected to grow.

Conclusion

Finding chewy candy that doesn't have Red 40 is a straightforward process once you know which brands to trust and what to look for on ingredient labels. Brands like YumEarth, Hi-Chew, SmartSweets, and Black Forest Organic have all stepped up to meet the demand for naturally colored confections. By prioritizing products with simple, recognizable ingredients and confirming the absence of synthetic dyes, you can enjoy a variety of delicious and vibrant chewy treats without compromising on your dietary preferences. The shift toward natural food colorings offers a positive and satisfying alternative for anyone looking to avoid artificial additives in their favorite sweets.

Check out the Natural Candy Store for a variety of Red 40-free options.

Frequently Asked Questions

YumEarth is an excellent brand for finding Red 40-free chewy candy. Their Organic Chewys and Organic Giggles are specifically mentioned as being made without artificial dyes, using real fruit and vegetable juices for coloring.

Yes, many mainstream grocery stores are increasing their inventory of natural and organic candy options. Look in the health food aisle or the organic section. Brands like YumEarth and Black Forest Organic (make sure it's the organic version) are often available at major retailers.

Some people choose to avoid Red 40 due to reported sensitivities, particularly in children, where it has been potentially linked to hyperactivity and ADHD symptoms. While regulatory bodies consider it safe for most, some individuals prefer to eliminate it from their diet entirely.

Most Hi-Chew flavors do not contain Red 40. This Japanese candy brand is popular for its real fruit flavors and lack of synthetic dyes. However, it's always best to double-check the specific package you are purchasing, as ingredients can sometimes vary by flavor or region.

While most organic gummies, like Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears, do not contain Red 40, it's not a universal guarantee. Always check the ingredient list to confirm the absence of any artificial dyes, as regulations can vary and some non-organic varieties from the same brand may contain them.

If local options are limited, consider shopping at health food stores, specialty online candy retailers like Natural Candy Store, or larger online marketplaces like Amazon, which often carry a much wider selection of dye-free options.

Red 40 Lake is a variation of Red 40 that is created by combining the dye with aluminum. It is not water-soluble and is often used in candies like chewing gum to prevent the colors from bleeding. It is still a form of Red 40 and should be avoided if you are trying to eliminate the dye.