What foods have Red 40 dye in them?

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 2.3 million kilograms of Red 40 were produced in 1980 alone, and its usage has expanded significantly, showing up in more products than most consumers would imagine. This article reveals what foods have Red 40 dye in them, helping you identify and potentially avoid this common synthetic food coloring.

Quick Summary

Red 40, a petroleum-derived synthetic dye, is found in a vast array of processed foods and drinks, including common snacks, cereals, and beverages. It is also present in some non-red items and medications, making label reading essential for detection. Health concerns and international regulations regarding this additive vary.

Key Points

Prevalence: Red 40, a synthetic dye, is found in a wide range of processed foods and drinks, often in products that aren't even red.
Identification: Always read the ingredient list for 'Red 40', 'FD&C Red No. 40', or 'Allura Red AC' to confirm its presence.
Common Sources: The dye is frequently used in sugary cereals, sports drinks, candies, flavored yogurts, and certain packaged snacks.
Health Concerns: Some studies have linked Red 40 to hyperactivity in sensitive children and allergic reactions, prompting its restriction in some countries.
Alternative Actions: To avoid Red 40, opt for organic products, choose items with natural food colorings like beet juice, and prioritize cooking at home.

Understanding Red 40 and Its Prevalence

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC or FD&C Red No. 40, is a synthetic food coloring derived from petroleum. It was introduced in the United States in 1971 as a replacement for previously used dyes and has since become one of the most common artificial colorants in the food industry. Its stability, low cost, and bright color make it a popular choice for manufacturers looking to enhance the visual appeal of their products. However, its widespread use means it appears in many foods you might not expect.

Unexpected and Common Sources of Red 40

While you might assume Red 40 is only in bright red products, it can be used to create various shades, and even add color to items that aren't red at all. The only way to be certain is to read the ingredient label carefully, looking for "Red 40," "FD&C Red No. 40," or its other names like "Allura Red AC".

Beverages

Sodas and Sports Drinks: Many popular brands, including fruit punches and some cola varieties, use Red 40 to achieve their signature color.
Juice Boxes and Powdered Mixes: The vibrant colors in children's fruit drinks and flavored drink packets are often a result of this synthetic dye.
Energy Drinks: Certain energy drink brands contain Red 40 to enhance their visual appeal.

Snacks and Candies

Candy and Gummy Snacks: A vast number of candies, including fruit-flavored gummies, often rely on Red 40.
Flavored Chips: Some flavored chips, especially cheese-flavored varieties, contain Red 40.
Cereals and Cereal Bars: Many colorful breakfast cereals and fruit-flavored cereal bars use the dye.
Fruit Snacks: The vibrant reds in many fruit snacks come from Red 40.

Desserts and Dairy Products

Yogurt and Flavored Milk: Many fruit-flavored yogurts and milks, especially berry varieties, include Red 40.
Ice Cream and Popsicles: Frozen dairy desserts and ice pops are common carriers of the dye.
Baked Goods: Commercial frostings, cake mixes, and pastries frequently use Red 40.
Gelatin and Puddings: The colorful gelatin powders and pudding mixes are a primary source of Red 40.

Condiments and Miscellaneous Items

Condiments: Some barbecue sauces, certain pickles, and even items like maraschino cherries contain the dye.
Medications and Vitamins: Certain children's medications and vitamins use Red 40 for brand identity or flavor association.

Comparison of Red 40 vs. Natural Alternatives


Feature	Red 40 (Synthetic)	Natural Alternatives (e.g., Beet Juice)
Source	Petroleum-derived chemicals	Plant-based sources like beets, carrots, or fruits
Stability	Highly stable and resistant to heat and light, leading to a long shelf-life.	Can be sensitive to heat, light, and pH, potentially leading to color fading over time.
Cost	Inexpensive to produce on a mass scale.	Often more expensive due to processing and sourcing.
Health Concerns	Linked to hyperactivity in children and potential allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.	Generally considered safe, with minimal associated health risks.
Usage Regulations	Banned or requires warning labels in some countries (e.g., parts of Europe).	Widely accepted globally with few restrictions.
Flavor Impact	Flavorless, designed to only provide color.	Can sometimes impart a subtle flavor from its source material.

How to Avoid Red 40 in Your Diet

For those who wish to reduce or eliminate Red 40 from their diet, especially for children who may be sensitive, here are some actionable steps:

Read Ingredient Labels: The most direct method is to check labels for "Red 40," "FD&C Red No. 40," or "Allura Red AC." In Europe, you might see the code E129.
Choose Organic Products: Organic regulations often prohibit the use of synthetic food dyes, making organic items a safer choice.
Cook at Home: Preparing your own meals from scratch gives you complete control over the ingredients, ensuring no unwanted additives are included.
Look for Natural Alternatives: Many brands now use natural colorings derived from sources like beet juice, paprika, or fruit juices. Look for these specifically mentioned on the packaging.
Be Aware of "Hidden" Sources: Remember that Red 40 is not just in red-colored items. It can be found in some pickles, salad dressings, and even non-red candies.

Conclusion

Identifying which foods have Red 40 requires more than just looking for red packaging. The synthetic dye is pervasive in the food supply, from breakfast cereals to beverages and snacks. Being a vigilant label-reader and opting for organic or naturally-colored alternatives are the most effective ways to avoid this additive. While regulations differ globally, understanding the common sources of Red 40 empowers consumers to make informed choices about what they eat. Ultimately, controlling your intake of artificial colorings starts with knowing where they hide.

Visit the Center for Science in the Public Interest for more information on food dye regulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food coloring derived from petroleum.

Red 40 is subject to stricter regulations in many countries, particularly in Europe. While not outright banned in all, some European countries require a warning label on products containing the dye, and others have banned it entirely in certain products.

Yes, Red 40 can be present in foods that are not red, such as some types of orange soda, flavored snacks, and even certain pickles, as it is used to create a variety of hues.

Natural colorings like beet juice, paprika, grape skin extract, and fruit juices from sources like cranberries and pomegranates can be used to color food naturally.

Some studies have suggested a potential link between Red 40 and increased hyperactivity in children, especially those with ADHD. However, research is still ongoing, and sensitivities can vary among individuals.

The most reliable method is to read all ingredient labels carefully. Other strategies include choosing organic or naturally colored products and preparing more meals from scratch at home.

Yes, Red 40 can be used in some over-the-counter medications and vitamins, particularly those with a cherry or fruity flavor, to make them more visually appealing.