Common Candies Containing Red 40
Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a widely used artificial food dye derived from petroleum. Many candies use this inexpensive dye to create a visually appealing product, and it's not always obvious from the color alone. Consumers looking to avoid Red 40 must learn to recognize it on ingredient labels.
Here are some of the most popular candies that typically contain Red 40:
- Skittles: The colorful, fruit-flavored chewy candies contain Red 40 in multiple varieties, including the standard Original and Wild Berry mixes.
- M&M's: The milk chocolate and peanut M&M's contain a blend of artificial colors, with Red 40 being a key component for the red shells.
- Starburst: Both the red and pink chewy Starburst candies are known to contain Red 40, contributing to their signature color.
- Twizzlers: Specifically, the strawberry-flavored Twizzlers and other red varieties list Red 40 among their ingredients.
- Swedish Fish: This chewy, fruit-flavored candy is another example where Red 40 is used to achieve its distinct red hue.
- Jolly Ranchers: While the ingredients can vary, many Jolly Rancher flavors, particularly the red and pink ones, contain Red 40.
- Nerds: Certain types of Nerds candy contain Red 40 to achieve their bright, distinctive colors.
- Now & Later: The cherry flavor and other varieties from this candy brand contain the dye.
- Fun Dip: The Fun Dip cherry-flavored powder and some other varieties often contain Red 40.
Why Do Manufacturers Use Artificial Dyes Like Red 40?
There are several reasons manufacturers rely on synthetic food dyes rather than natural alternatives. Chief among them are cost, stability, and color intensity.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Artificial dyes are significantly cheaper to produce than natural colorants, which are often derived from plants, fruits, and vegetables. This allows companies to maintain lower production costs for their products.
- Color Stability: Synthetic dyes are more stable and fade less over time when exposed to light, heat, and other environmental factors compared to many natural alternatives. This ensures the product maintains a consistent and appealing look throughout its shelf life.
- Intensity and Consistency: Artificial dyes provide a more vibrant and consistent color. This is particularly important for branding, as companies want their product to have a uniform appearance every time a consumer purchases it. Natural colorants, derived from sources like beet juice or paprika, can have slight variations in color and may not achieve the same level of brightness.
Comparing Natural vs. Artificial Dyes
The debate over artificial dyes has led many consumers to seek out products that use natural colorants. This comparison highlights some of the key differences.
| Feature | Artificial Dyes (e.g., Red 40) | Natural Colorants (e.g., Beetroot) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Petroleum derivatives | Plant, fruit, or vegetable sources |
| Cost | Significantly lower | Higher, due to sourcing and processing |
| Color Brightness | Very vibrant and consistent | Often softer or more muted |
| Stability | Highly stable against light and heat | Can be more sensitive and prone to fading |
| Regulatory Status | FDA-approved, but some countries require warnings | Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) |
| Associated Concerns | Linked to hyperactivity in sensitive children | Potential for minor allergic reactions in rare cases |
| Labeling | Labeled as FD&C Red No. 40 or Allura Red AC | May be listed as beetroot extract, fruit juice concentrate, etc. |
Alternatives and Consumer Awareness
As consumer awareness grows, many companies have introduced dye-free options, and some have reformulated products for specific markets. In Europe, for example, products containing certain artificial dyes must carry a warning label, prompting many brands to switch to natural alternatives for those regions. For consumers seeking to avoid Red 40, the most reliable method is to read the ingredient list on the packaging. Many health food stores and specialty brands offer a wide range of candy and snack products colored with natural ingredients.
Common natural colorants include beet juice concentrate for red hues, turmeric for yellow, and spirulina extract for blues and greens. By choosing products that list these ingredients, consumers can enjoy colorful candies without the use of Red 40. For instance, the Canadian version of Froot Loops uses natural colors, unlike its US counterpart. The movement toward transparent and clean labeling continues to grow, empowering consumers to make informed choices.
Conclusion
While Red 40 is a common food additive found in a long list of popular candies, including Skittles, M&M's, and Twizzlers, its presence is a point of concern for some consumers. Driven by factors such as cost, stability, and color intensity, manufacturers use this synthetic dye to create visually appealing products. However, with increasing consumer demand for natural alternatives, a shift towards plant-based colorants is gaining momentum. Consumers can stay informed and make more conscious choices by always checking the ingredient label. This shift reflects a growing desire for transparency and healthier options in the confectionery market.
For more information on Red 40 and other food additives, see the Center for Science in the Public Interest's page on Artificial Colorings.
