What drinks have red dye 40 in it? A comprehensive guide for your nutrition diet

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

Made from petroleum by-products, Red Dye 40 (Allura Red AC) is one of the most widely used artificial colorings in the food industry. For those conscious of their intake, understanding what drinks have red dye 40 in it is crucial for making informed choices regarding their nutrition diet.

Quick Summary

This article lists common beverages containing the artificial color additive Red Dye 40, explaining how to spot it on labels and exploring the ongoing discussion about its potential health effects. It also provides practical guidance on identifying dye-free alternatives for a more mindful approach to drinking.

Key Points

Prevalence: Red Dye 40 is a synthetic dye commonly found in many popular sodas, sports drinks, and fruit-flavored beverages.
Identification: To spot Red Dye 40, check the ingredient list for its alternative names, such as FD&C Red No. 40, Allura Red AC, or E129.
Health Concerns: Some studies link Red Dye 40 to hyperactivity in children and potential allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, though research is ongoing.
Global Discrepancy: The European Union requires warning labels on products with Red Dye 40 regarding effects on children, a regulation not mandated by the U.S. FDA.
Dye-Free Options: You can find dye-free alternatives by choosing organic products, checking for natural colorants like beet juice, or making your own beverages.
Label Literacy: Reading labels is the most effective strategy for avoiding Red Dye 40 and making informed choices about the drinks you consume.

Common Drinks Containing Red Dye 40

Red Dye 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food dye added to many processed foods and drinks to enhance their visual appeal. While its presence is well-known in candy and sweets, it is also hidden in a wide variety of beverages. Staying informed about which drinks contain this additive is an important part of maintaining a mindful diet.

Sodas and Soft Drinks

One of the most significant sources of Red Dye 40 in the American diet comes from sodas and other carbonated soft drinks. The vibrant cherry, strawberry, and other fruit flavors are often enhanced with this artificial coloring. Products to watch for include:

Mountain Dew Code Red
Pepsi Wild Cherry
Cherry Coke
Dr. Pepper Cherry
Fanta Orange Soda (in the U.S., but not in Europe, where natural extracts are often used)
Crush (Strawberry, Grape)
Big Red Cream Soda

Sports and Energy Drinks

Sports drinks and energy drinks are also frequent users of Red Dye 40 to create eye-catching colors that often don't correlate with their actual fruit content. These beverages are particularly concerning as they are marketed toward active individuals and children. Common examples include:

Gatorade Fruit Punch
Some flavors of Powerade (e.g., Orange)
Monster Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red

Fruit Juices and Drink Mixes

While many people believe fruit juice is naturally vibrant, some brands add Red Dye 40 to their products to create a consistent, visually appealing color. This is especially common in fruit punch, lemonade, and other blended juice cocktails. Be cautious of:

Powdered drink mixes like certain Kool-Aid flavors
Some brands of pink lemonade
Hawaiian Punch
Certain strawberry milk brands

Potential Health Concerns and Evolving Regulations

Despite FDA approval, Red Dye 40 remains controversial due to potential health implications. While most people experience no side effects, some studies have raised concerns about hyperactivity in children and other adverse reactions. In the European Union, products with Red Dye 40 must carry a warning label stating they "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children". In contrast, a 2021 California report indicated an association between synthetic food dyes and neurobehavioral issues in some children. Additionally, animal studies have linked Red Dye 40 to DNA damage, gut inflammation, and a potentially altered gut microbiome.

Identifying Red Dye 40 on Labels

To avoid Red Dye 40, always read the ingredient list on packaged beverages. Manufacturers are required to list all ingredients, including food dyes, though not the amount. Watch for these different names for the same additive:

Red 40
FD&C Red No. 40
Allura Red AC
C.I. Food Red 17
E129 (European numbering)

Comparison: Dye-Enhanced vs. Natural Beverages


Beverage Type	Contains Red Dye 40	Natural Alternative (Dye-Free)
Soda	Pepsi Wild Cherry	Zevia Cherry Cola, Olipop Strawberry Vanilla
Sports Drink	Gatorade Fruit Punch	Bodyarmor Strawberry Banana, Vita Coco Coconut Water
Powdered Drink Mix	Kool-Aid Tropical Punch	True Lemon Raspberry Lemonade, Homemade Infused Water
Fruit Juice	Some fruit punch brands	100% Pomegranate Juice, Water with Muddled Berries
Energy Drink	Monster Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red	Celsius Raspberry Acai, Clean Cause Cherry Lime

How to Find Dye-Free Alternatives

Choosing healthier, dye-free drinks is easier than you might think. Here's how to get started:

Read ingredient labels: The most reliable method is to check for Red 40 or Allura Red AC in the ingredient list.
Look for organic products: Certified organic products in the U.S. and many other countries prohibit the use of artificial food dyes.
Seek natural colorants: Many brands are switching to natural sources for coloring, such as beet juice, paprika, or fruit extracts. Products may state "no artificial colors." Check the label to see what is used instead.
Try DIY beverages: Making your own drinks, such as infused water or homemade fruit juice, gives you complete control over the ingredients.
Choose water as your primary beverage: Plain or sparkling water is always a safe, dye-free choice. Add fresh fruit, herbs, or cucumber for natural flavor.

Conclusion

Numerous popular drinks, including sodas, sports drinks, and fruit juices, contain Red Dye 40 to enhance their appearance. Concerns persist regarding its potential health impacts, especially hyperactivity in sensitive children. By learning to read ingredient labels and opting for natural or organic products, you can easily identify and avoid this synthetic color additive. With the FDA's planned phase-out of some artificial dyes by the end of 2026, finding healthier alternatives is becoming increasingly common. Taking proactive steps to choose dye-free beverages is a valuable part of a health-conscious nutrition diet.

For more detailed information on regulations and health impacts, the Environmental Working Group's website offers useful resources on food additives and product safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red Dye 40 is a synthetic, petroleum-derived color additive also known as Allura Red AC. Manufacturers use it to give beverages a bright, consistent red color, which can be more stable and cost-effective than natural dyes.

Yes, some diet sodas contain Red Dye 40, just like their regular counterparts. For example, Diet Mountain Dew Code Red has Red 40 listed in its ingredients.

Yes, specific flavors of Gatorade, such as Gatorade Fruit Punch, contain Red Dye 40. However, not all Gatorade flavors use this dye, so it is important to check the label for each product.

Common natural alternatives to Red Dye 40 include beet juice, paprika extract, and anthocyanins from fruits like pomegranates and strawberries. Choosing products that use these natural colorants can help you avoid synthetic dyes.

While the FDA states that current research does not definitively prove a link for all children, it acknowledges some evidence suggesting that certain children may be sensitive to food dyes, which can worsen existing symptoms of ADHD. Many experts and parents choose to avoid it as a precaution.

Red Dye 40 is not banned outright in the European Union, but products containing it require a warning label regarding its potential effect on activity and attention in children. Several US states and regulatory bodies are also evaluating stricter regulations or bans.

The most effective method is to read the ingredient list carefully and avoid any product that lists 'Red 40,' 'Allura Red AC,' or 'E129.' You can also look for products with 'Dye-Free' or 'No Artificial Colors' claims on the packaging or choose organic options.