What Food Has No Red 40? Your Ultimate Guide to Dye-Free Eating

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 36,000 American food products contain Red 40, one of the most widely used synthetic food dyes in the country. Finding out what food has no red 40 can be a challenge, but many whole, natural, and organic options are completely free of this artificial coloring.

Quick Summary

Learn to identify and avoid the synthetic coloring Red 40 by focusing on whole foods, organic products, and specific natural snack brands. The key is reading labels for ingredient names like Allura Red AC and opting for items with natural colorants like beet juice or paprika.

Key Points

Whole Foods First: Unprocessed foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and plain meats are naturally free of Red 40 and other artificial dyes.
Read the Labels: Always check the ingredient list for “Red 40,” “FD&C Red No. 40,” or “Allura Red AC,” as this is the most reliable way to avoid it.
Consider Organic Brands: Organic products, including many snacks and yogurts, are a great option as they are prohibited from using most synthetic food additives.
Use Natural Alternatives for Coloring: For home cooking, natural colorants like beetroot, paprika, and fruit purees can easily replace synthetic dyes.
Beware of Hidden Dyes: Red 40 isn't only in red foods; it can be in surprising items like flavored snacks, certain yogurts, and even pickles.
Look for Dye-Free Brand Options: Many snack and food brands now explicitly offer dye-free versions, which often use plant-based colorings instead.

Why Avoid Red 40? Understanding the Controversy

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a petroleum-derived food coloring used to create vibrant red, orange, and even purple hues in processed foods, drinks, and cosmetics. Despite its widespread use, it remains controversial and is a primary concern for many health-conscious consumers. The reasons for avoiding it range from personal sensitivities to broader health-related concerns raised by advocacy groups.

Potential Health Concerns Associated with Red 40

Hyperactivity in children: A significant body of research and anecdotal evidence links synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, to increased hyperactivity and other behavioral issues in sensitive children, especially those with ADHD. While not a universal trigger, many parents report a noticeable improvement in their child's behavior after eliminating artificial dyes from their diet.
Allergic reactions: Some individuals, both children and adults, can experience allergic reactions to Red 40. Symptoms typically include hives, itching, and swelling, though severe anaphylactic reactions are rare.
Carcinogenic contaminants: A 2012 review noted that Red 40 and other dyes have been found to be contaminated with carcinogens, such as benzidine. While the FDA regulates purity, the long-term effects of cumulative exposure to these contaminants are debated by health advocates.

The Best Solution: Stick to Whole Foods

The most straightforward and effective way to ensure your food has no red 40 is to focus on a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods. These items, by definition, are not manufactured with artificial colorings.

Naturally Dye-Free Whole Foods

Fruits: Berries (blueberries, blackberries), bananas, apples, oranges, grapes, and pineapples are all naturally colorful without added dyes.
Vegetables: Leafy greens (spinach, kale), carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, and sweet potatoes are safe bets.
Meats and Seafood: Fresh, unseasoned meat, poultry, and fish are inherently dye-free. Avoid pre-marinated or processed meats, which can contain additives.
Grains: Plain oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, and other whole grains do not contain Red 40.
Legumes: Dry beans, lentils, and chickpeas are excellent dye-free pantry staples.
Dairy (unflavored): Plain milk, cheese, and yogurt are naturally without Red 40. For flavor, add your own fresh fruit.

Navigating Packaged Goods for Dye-Free Options

Reading ingredient labels is crucial when purchasing packaged items. Here’s what to look for and what to know about certain brands.

How to Read a Food Label for Dyes

Always scan the ingredient list for the following names, which all refer to the same synthetic dye:

Red 40
FD&C Red No. 40
Allura Red AC
E129 (common in European products)

Beware of vague terms like “artificial color added” or “color added,” as this can be used for dyes in some cases. Organic products are generally a safer bet, as USDA Organic certification prohibits the use of most synthetic additives, including Red 40.

Popular Dye-Free Packaged Snack Brands

Many brands now offer dye-free products in response to consumer demand. Here are some examples:

Annie's Homegrown: Many crackers, cookies, and fruit snacks are colored with natural sources like beet and carrot juice.
Hippeas: These chickpea puffs are free of artificial colors.
Simply brand snacks (e.g., Simply Doritos): Offer versions of popular snacks made without synthetic dyes, using vegetable and spice powders instead.
Stonyfield Organic Yogurt: Known for their dye-free yogurt cups and pouches.
YumEarth: This organic candy company specializes in dye-free lollipops and gummies.

Surprising Foods That May Contain Red 40

Red 40 isn't just in red-colored foods. It can be found in surprising places:

Wasabi peas: Often contain Red 40 in combination with Yellow 5 and Blue 1.
Pickles: Some brands use it to enhance the green color.
Certain cheese crackers: Some versions use artificial dyes.
Flavored yogurt and cereals: Even non-red varieties can contain Red 40.

Comparing Artificial vs. Natural Food Colorings


Feature	Artificial Colorings (e.g., Red 40)	Natural Colorings (e.g., Beetroot)
Source	Petroleum distillates and coal tars	Plants, fruits, vegetables, minerals
Color Intensity	Very vibrant and uniform	Generally less intense and may vary
Regulation	Regulated by the FDA in the U.S.	Approved by the FDA; batch certification not required
Health Concerns	Linked to hyperactivity, allergies, and potential contaminants	Generally considered safer, though some (like carmine) can cause allergies
Cost	Less expensive for manufacturers	More expensive due to sourcing and processing
Example	Used in many popular candies and cereals	Beetroot powder, paprika, annatto, turmeric

Making Your Own Dye-Free Foods at Home

Cooking and baking at home gives you complete control over your ingredients. You can easily make vibrant, colorful foods using natural alternatives to Red 40.

Natural Red Food Coloring Alternatives

Beetroot powder or juice: Creates rich red and pink colors for frostings, batters, and sauces.
Pomegranate juice: Adds a deep red hue to drinks, syrups, and desserts.
Boiled cranberries: The liquid from boiled cranberries can be used as a dye.
Strawberry or raspberry puree: Provides a natural pink or red shade and flavor to yogurt, smoothies, and baked goods.

Conclusion: A Conscious Approach to Eating

Understanding what food has no red 40 is a key step towards more conscious eating. By prioritizing whole foods, reading ingredient lists carefully, and choosing organic or naturally colored packaged goods, you can significantly reduce your or your family's exposure to synthetic dyes. While the FDA considers Red 40 safe, the evidence linking it to issues like hyperactivity in sensitive individuals, along with the availability of natural, equally delicious alternatives, makes opting for dye-free food a straightforward and beneficial choice for many. Making a few simple swaps can lead to a cleaner, more natural diet with peace of mind.

Environmental Working Group (EWG) resources on food dyes

Frequently Asked Questions

Red 40, or Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food coloring derived from petroleum used to give foods a vibrant red color. It is one of the most commonly used food dyes in the United States and is found in many processed products, from candies to beverages.

To identify if a food contains Red 40, you must read the ingredient list on the packaging. Look for the names 'Red 40', 'FD&C Red No. 40', 'Allura Red AC', or 'E129' (in European products).

While not all children are affected, some evidence suggests that Red 40 may exacerbate hyperactive behaviors, especially in children with ADHD. Some parents notice an improvement in behavior when they remove artificial dyes from their child's diet.

Red 40 is in many common processed foods, including candies, cereals (like Froot Loops and Lucky Charms), sports drinks, ice creams, flavored yogurts, and some packaged snacks. It can also be in surprising items like certain pickles or pre-made sauces.

Natural food coloring can be made from sources like beet juice or powder for reds and pinks, paprika or turmeric for oranges and yellows, and pomegranate juice for deep reds. These can be used in home cooking and baking.

Yes, USDA Organic regulations prohibit the use of Red 40 and other synthetic dyes. Choosing products with the organic label is a reliable way to avoid artificial colorings.

While not universally banned, Red 40 faces stricter regulation and labeling requirements in some places. In the EU, products containing Red 40 must carry a warning label about effects on children's attention. Iceland and Norway have banned it entirely.