Common foods and products containing Red Dye #3
Red Dye #3, also known as erythrosine, is a synthetic color additive derived from petroleum that has been widely used to impart a bright cherry-red or pink color to food and drinks. It is often found in ultra-processed goods, many of which are marketed toward children. While the FDA has issued a ban on the dye, requiring manufacturers to remove it from their products by early 2027, many items containing it are still on shelves during this transition period.
Candies and sweets
Candy is one of the most significant categories of products containing Red Dye #3. Items with red, pink, or multi-colored pieces are prime candidates for containing this dye. Some specific candies and sweets known to have included it are:
- Candy Corn: Often contains the dye for its festive orange and red coloring.
- Jelly Beans: Many red or pink varieties from various brands previously used this dye.
- Chewing Gum: Brands like Dubble Bubble original twist have been identified as containing Red Dye #3.
- Fruit Snacks: Including some fruit leathers and gummies, particularly those with a cherry or strawberry flavor.
- Frostings and Sprinkles: Used to decorate cakes, cookies, and other baked goods.
- Marshmallows: Some varieties, including those in seasonal shapes like Peeps, formerly used this coloring.
Dairy and frozen desserts
Several dairy and frozen dessert products have also utilized Red Dye #3 to achieve a specific hue.
- Strawberry Milk and Nutritional Shakes: Some flavored milk products and supplements have used the dye for a pink color.
- Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt: Strawberry and other red-flavored ice creams and frozen desserts were often colored with Red Dye #3.
- Ice Pops: Some frozen fruit pops and other frozen novelties were colored with this additive.
Beverages
From fruit-flavored drinks to sports beverages, many liquid products have relied on Red Dye #3 for their vibrant appearance.
- Sodas and Juices: Some fruit-flavored drinks, including certain red sodas and fruit cocktails, contained Red Dye #3.
- Sports Drinks: Certain sports drinks with a red or pink color also previously included this additive.
Maraschino cherries
Maraschino cherries, known for their unnatural, bright-red color, are one of the most prominent food items that have contained Red Dye #3. The extensive process used to create these vibrant cherries often involved a cocktail of dyes, including Red #3.
Processed meats and other savory items
Interestingly, some savory foods and processed meats also contained the dye, mainly for aesthetic purposes.
- Sausages and Hot Dogs: The dye has been used to give these products a consistent, appealing color.
- Imitation Bacon Bits: Red Dye #3 was used in some imitation bacon bits and similar processed products.
- Vegetarian Meats: Some vegetarian alternatives to meat have used this dye to mimic the color of real meat.
Comparison of Red Dye #3 with alternatives
As manufacturers reformulate their products to comply with the FDA ban, consumers will see a shift towards alternative colorants. These can be synthetic (like Red Dye #40) or natural (like beet juice).
| Feature | Red Dye #3 (Erythrosine) | Red Dye #40 (Allura Red) | Natural Alternatives (Beet Juice, Carmine) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Petroleum-based synthetic dye | Petroleum-based synthetic dye | Plant-based (beet juice) or insect-based (carmine) |
| Health Concerns | Linked to cancer in animal studies; banned by FDA | Potential links to hyperactivity in children | Generally considered safer, but some may cause allergic reactions |
| Regulation | Banned in food and ingested drugs in the U.S. (effective 2027/2028) | Currently approved in the U.S., but banned in some European countries | Generally approved, with some variations based on source and country |
| Color Quality | Bright cherry-red; provides consistent, vibrant color | Bright crimson; provides consistent, vibrant color | Can vary in hue from pink to red; less stable than synthetic dyes |
| Vegan Friendly | No | Yes | Depends on the source (carmine is not vegan) |
Navigating the transition away from Red Dye #3
With the FDA ban coming into full effect, consumers must remain vigilant about checking ingredient labels during the transition period. The FDA has mandated that the dye must be listed as “FD&C Red No. 3,” “Red 3,” or “erythrosine” on ingredient lists.
Many manufacturers have already begun reformulating their products to use alternative dyes. Some are switching to other synthetic dyes, such as Red Dye #40, while others are moving towards natural colorants. Examples of natural replacements include beet juice, carmine (derived from cochineal insects), and extracts from fruits and vegetables like red cabbage and purple sweet potato.
Consumers who wish to avoid all synthetic dyes should prioritize consuming whole, unprocessed foods and read ingredient labels carefully on any packaged products they buy. Being mindful of these details will help ensure food choices align with health preferences as the food industry adapts to new regulations.
Conclusion
Red Dye #3, a synthetic color additive with a history of use in thousands of processed food and drug products, is being phased out in the United States following an FDA ban prompted by cancer concerns based on animal studies. This affects a wide range of items, from common candies and baked goods to flavored drinks, processed meats, and maraschino cherries. As manufacturers have until 2027 to comply with the ban for food products, consumers should continue to check ingredient labels for "FD&C Red No. 3" or "erythrosine." The shift provides an opportunity for consumers to choose products with natural alternatives like beet juice or anthocyanins, supporting a move toward cleaner ingredient lists and less reliance on artificial additives. For more information on food safety regulations, you can refer to the official FDA website.
