What is red 40 in energy drinks?

November 24, 2025 •

3 min read

Approximately 90% of food dyes used in the U.S. are red or yellow, with Red 40 being one of the most common. Red 40, an artificial color derived from petroleum, is added to beverages, like energy drinks, to provide a consistent red color. Its use is a subject of debate among consumers.

Quick Summary

Red 40, a petroleum-based artificial dye, gives energy drinks their color. Though FDA-approved, it's controversial due to possible links to hyperactivity in children. Manufacturers are now looking to natural colorants.

Key Points

Derived from Petroleum: Red 40 is a synthetic dye produced from petroleum by-products, not from natural sources.
Possible Hyperactivity Link: Studies have suggested that Red 40, among other artificial dyes, could increase hyperactivity and worsen ADHD symptoms in children who are sensitive.
Regulatory Differences: The FDA permits Red 40 in the US, but the European Union requires a warning on products containing it due to the potential impacts on children.
Multiple Identifiers: Consumers can find Red 40 on ingredient labels listed as Allura Red AC, FD&C Red No. 40, or E129.
Natural Alternatives Available: Many companies are switching to natural colorants from fruits and vegetables, like beet juice or black carrot extract, to replace Red 40.
Potential Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may have allergic responses, like hives or skin rashes, from consuming Red 40.

The Chemical Composition of Red 40

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC or E129 in Europe, is a synthetic, water-soluble azo dye. It's made from petroleum by-products and chemically synthesized to achieve a consistent color and is cost-effective, essential for the branding of energy drinks.

Application of Red 40 in Energy Drinks

Red 40 provides energy drinks with bright, uniform red hues, especially for berry flavors, using small amounts. This enhances the visual appeal, influencing how consumers perceive the flavor and quality.

Health Concerns Related to Red 40

The safety of Red 40 is a topic of discussion. The FDA has approved Red 40 within set limits, but concerns exist, particularly for children. In the European Union, a warning label is required regarding the potential adverse effects on activity and attention in children.

Hyperactivity and ADHD: Studies suggest a link between synthetic dyes like Red 40 and increased hyperactivity or worsened ADHD symptoms in sensitive children.
Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may have allergic reactions, such as hives or asthma, from Red 40.
Carcinogen Concerns: Older animal studies suggested potential links to cancer, and Red 40 contains trace carcinogens, raising concerns despite no direct human link found yet.
Other Effects: Animal studies also suggest possible links to IBD and DNA damage, pending human research.

Comparison: Artificial vs. Natural Colorants in Beverages

To address concerns, many manufacturers are using natural alternatives with different properties.


Characteristic	Red 40 (Artificial)	Natural Alternatives (e.g., Beet Juice, Anthocyanins)
Source	Petroleum by-products	Fruits, vegetables, plants (e.g., carrots, black carrots, red radish, berries)
Color Intensity	Very vibrant, consistent, and stable	Variable intensity, can be affected by pH, heat, and light
Stability	Excellent stability in heat and light	Varies by source; some like beet juice are sensitive to heat, while anthocyanins change color with pH
Cost	Inexpensive and cost-effective	Generally higher cost due to sourcing and processing
Health Perception	Negative perception due to synthetic nature and health concerns	Positive perception, considered clean-label and healthier
Labeling	FD&C Red No. 40, Allura Red AC, E129	"Beet juice for color," "vegetable juice concentrate," or similar descriptors

Alternatives to Red 40 in Beverages

Natural options for red coloring include:

Beet Juice: Offers an earthy red, but can be heat-sensitive.
Anthocyanins: Extracted from sources like black carrots, providing pH-dependent colors from red to purple.
Fruit and Vegetable Juice Concentrates: Juices from fruits like pomegranate or cranberries provide natural red hues.
Hibiscus Powder: Provides a crimson color with a tart taste.

Identifying Red 40 on Labels

Look for names such as FD&C Red No. 40, Allura Red AC, or E129 on ingredient lists to identify Red 40. Natural alternatives are often listed as fruit or vegetable extracts.

Conclusion

What is red 40 in energy drinks? It's a dye derived from petroleum, used for visual appeal, but faces controversy over its potential health impacts, even though it's approved by the FDA within limits. The increase in evidence and consumer demand is promoting a shift toward natural alternatives. Consumers can review labels for Red 40 and its aliases to make informed choices. The decision to consume products with Red 40 involves considering the ongoing safety debate.

Center for Science in the Public Interest: A History of Food Dyes

Frequently Asked Questions

Although the FDA has approved Red 40 for consumption within particular limits, its safety remains controversial due to possible associations with hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions in some individuals. Many health experts and organizations recommend caution regarding its intake.

Research suggests a possible connection between consuming Red 40 and increased hyperactivity, particularly in children who are sensitive or have ADHD. The European Union requires a warning label on products containing the dye due to this reason.

Red 40 is a synthetic food dye made from petroleum by-products.

You can identify Red 40 by checking the ingredient label for its common names, which include 'Red 40', 'FD&C Red No. 40', 'Allura Red AC', or 'E129' in the EU.

Reported side effects include allergic reactions like hives, headaches, and asthma. There are also concerns about its effect on hyperactivity and behavior, though more human research is needed.

Yes, many manufacturers use natural colorants derived from fruits and vegetables like beets, black carrots, and anthocyanins to color beverages.

No, Red 40 (Allura Red) is a different chemical compound from Red Dye 3 (Erythrosine). Although both are synthetic dyes, they have different chemical structures and regulatory histories.