What is Red Dye 3? (Erythrosine)
Red Dye 3, also known as Erythrosine or FD&C Red No. 3, is a synthetic food coloring derived from petroleum. It has been used for decades to impart a bright cherry-red color to thousands of food products, drinks, and ingested drugs. Though common, its safety has long been debated due to scientific findings linking it to health problems.
The Health Concerns That Led to the Ban
Red Dye 3's journey to a ban is a story spanning decades. As early as the 1980s, animal studies linked the consumption of high doses of the dye to thyroid cancer in rats. In response, the FDA banned its use in cosmetics and topical drugs in 1990 but, despite legal requirements, did not immediately ban it from food. This created a regulatory paradox where a substance deemed unsafe for lipstick was still permissible in candy and drinks.
Mounting pressure from consumer advocacy groups and renewed scientific scrutiny finally led to federal action. Citing the Delaney Clause, which prohibits food additives that cause cancer in humans or animals, the FDA officially banned Red Dye 3 in January 2025. Additionally, research has linked this and other synthetic dyes to potential neurobehavioral issues, such as hyperactivity and inattentiveness, in some children. This combination of cancer concerns and behavioral effects underscored the need for its removal from the food supply.
List of Drinks that Contained Red Dye 3
Before the ban, Red Dye 3 was found in a variety of beverages, particularly those with a cherry, strawberry, or fruit punch flavor profile. Some examples include:
- Ensure Original Strawberry Nutrition Shake: Previously listed FD&C Red No. 3 as an ingredient.
- Yoo-hoo Strawberry Drink: Known to have contained the dye.
- Strawberry-flavored milk: Certain brands of strawberry milk and flavored dairy products used the additive.
- Ice pops and frozen fruit bars: Many frozen desserts and popsicles designed for a cherry or strawberry color relied on the dye.
- Certain sodas and fruit-flavored drinks: The dye was used to create the vibrant red hues in various fruit-flavored sodas and fruit drinks.
- Some cough syrups and gummy vitamins: Red Dye 3 was also historically used to color certain medications and supplements.
Navigating the Transition: What to Look for Now
The FDA ban provides manufacturers with a transition period to reformulate their products, with deadlines in 2027 and 2028. This means that for a period, products containing Red Dye 3 may still be found on store shelves. To protect your health during this time, it is crucial to become a diligent label reader. The dye may be listed as “FD&C Red No. 3,” “Erythrosine,” or “E127.” Learning to identify these terms on ingredients lists is the most effective way to avoid consumption.
Healthier Alternatives to Red-Dyed Drinks
For consumers and manufacturers, natural alternatives offer a safer way to achieve vibrant colors in beverages. These options are derived from whole food sources and do not carry the health risks associated with synthetic dyes.
- Beet Juice: Extracts from beetroot provide a rich red color and are used in products like fruit pops and some ice creams.
- Anthocyanins: Found in fruits like berries, pomegranates, and purple sweet potato extract, these compounds offer a wide range of red to purplish-blue hues.
- Carmine: A red pigment derived from cochineal insects, this is another natural colorant used in many products, though it is not a vegan option.
- Other Fruit Concentrates: Pomegranate, cranberry, and strawberry concentrates can naturally color drinks while also providing a nutritional boost.
Comparison: Drinks with Red Dye 3 vs. Natural Alternatives
| Feature | Drinks with Red Dye 3 | Drinks with Natural Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Color Source | Synthetic, petroleum-derived compound (Erythrosine) | Plant or insect-derived pigments (e.g., beet juice, carmine) |
| Health Concerns | Linked to thyroid cancer in animals; potential neurobehavioral effects in children | Generally considered safe; derived from food-based sources |
| Availability | Phasing out of the US market due to FDA ban | Increasingly common as manufacturers reformulate products |
| Labeling | Look for "FD&C Red No. 3" or "Erythrosine" | May list ingredients like "Beet Juice (color)" or "Anthocyanins" |
Making Smart Choices for a Healthier Diet
Beyond avoiding specific additives like Red Dye 3, a healthier diet involves prioritizing whole, minimally processed foods. For beverages, this means choosing water, freshly squeezed juices, or unsweetened teas over artificially colored and flavored options. Choosing USDA-certified organic products is a reliable way to ensure artificial dyes are not present. Supporting brands that actively use natural alternatives not only protects your family's health but also encourages a broader shift toward safer food practices.
By being informed and proactive, you can make smarter choices and protect your health. Always check ingredients, especially during this transition period, and seek out products colored by nature instead of a lab.
Conclusion
While Red Dye 3 was once a staple in many processed drinks, its confirmed links to cancer in animal studies and associations with behavioral issues led to its eventual ban by the FDA. For consumers, this highlights the importance of understanding what drinks contain red dye 3 and actively seeking healthier options. During the phase-out period, reading labels for alternative names like Erythrosine is crucial. Choosing beverages with natural coloring agents or opting for whole, unprocessed drinks like fruit-infused water or fresh juices represents a significant step toward a healthier and more informed diet. This regulatory change serves as a potent reminder that a proactive approach to nutrition starts with paying attention to every ingredient, even the colorants.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health and nutritional guidance.
Resources
For more information on Red Dye 3, the FDA ban, and food additives, visit the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) website: https://www.cspinet.org/cspi-news/red-3-fda-finally-bans-cancer-causing-food-dye.
