What Products Have Red40? A Comprehensive Guide to Identifying This Common Food Dye

Red40, a synthetic dye derived from petroleum, is one of the most widely used color additives in the food industry. It is present in countless processed foods, beverages, medications, and cosmetics to give them a vibrant red appearance. Understanding which products contain this common additive is the first step toward controlling your consumption and being more mindful of your diet.

Quick Summary

A detailed look at the wide range of products that commonly contain Red40, a synthetic food dye. This guide helps you identify the additive, often listed as Allura Red AC, in beverages, snacks, desserts, and unexpected items like condiments. It highlights its prevalence and different aliases on product labels.

Key Points

• Prevalence: Red40 is a common synthetic dye found in countless processed foods, drinks, and even cosmetics.

• Aliases: The dye can be identified on ingredient lists as FD&C Red No. 40, Allura Red AC, or E129.

• Surprising Products: It is not limited to red foods, appearing in items like pickles, salad dressing, and certain cereals.

• Labeling: Reading labels carefully is essential to identify the presence of Red40, as it may be listed under different names.

• Health Concerns: Some studies suggest a link between Red40 and hyperactivity in sensitive children, though regulatory bodies consider it safe for most people in regulated amounts.

• Alternatives: Consumers can choose natural, plant-based colorings from sources like beetroot and paprika as alternatives.

A Closer Look at Common Red40 Products

Red40, also known as Allura Red AC or FD&C Red No. 40, is prevalent in a wide array of consumer goods, far beyond just red-colored items. Manufacturers use it to create a variety of hues, often combining it with other artificial colors to produce shades like orange, purple, and brown. Knowing where to look is crucial, as this color additive can appear in some unexpected places.

Beverages: From Sodas to Sports Drinks

One of the most common categories for Red40 is beverages, particularly those marketed towards children and young adults. The dye helps create the bright, appealing colors associated with specific flavors, such as cherry or fruit punch.

• Sodas and Soft Drinks: Classic examples include Mountain Dew Code Red and various cherry-flavored sodas. Many fruit-flavored soft drinks also rely on Red40 for their vibrant appearance.
• Sports and Energy Drinks: Brands like Gatorade Fruit Punch are well-known for their bright red color, which comes from Red40. Similarly, many energy drinks and powdered drink mixes contain this dye.
• Juices and Flavored Waters: While many fruit juices are naturally colored, some fruit-flavored drinks and even seemingly clear flavored waters may include Red40 to enhance their look. It is important to read the label carefully.

Snacks, Candies, and Desserts

Red40 is practically ubiquitous in the snack aisle, used extensively to color candies, fruit snacks, and baked goods. Its stability and low cost make it a popular choice for manufacturers.

• Candies and Chewing Gum: Numerous candies contain Red40, including popular brands like Skittles, Starburst, and M&M's (the red varieties). Red-colored chewing gum and candy canes are also common carriers.
• Baked Goods and Frostings: Red Velvet cake mix and frosting are classic examples, deriving their signature color from Red40. This dye is also found in many pastries, cookies, and colorful sprinkles.
• Frozen Desserts: Ice creams, popsicles, and flavored yogurts frequently use Red40 to create a visual link to their flavor profiles, such as strawberry or cherry. Sherbets and other frozen dairy desserts are no exception.
• Salty Snacks: Even savory snacks are not safe from this color additive. Some varieties of chips and crackers, including certain Doritos flavors, may list Red40 in their ingredients.

Surprising and Unexpected Sources

Red40 is not always obvious and can be found in products that don't appear red at all. This is due to its ability to be mixed with other dyes and its use in products where color consistency is key.

• Condiments and Sauces: Some brands of hot sauce, dressings, and even unexpected items like pickled ginger can contain Red40. A quick glance at the ingredients list can be revealing.
• Medications and Cosmetics: It's not just food. Red40 is approved for use in drugs and cosmetics as well. This includes everything from children's chewable medications and cough syrups to lipstick, blushes, and other makeup.
• Protein Powders and Supplements: Some flavored protein powders and nutritional supplement mixes use Red40 to add color. Always check the label, especially for brightly colored varieties.

Reading Labels to Identify Red40

To avoid Red40, a diligent approach to reading ingredient lists is necessary. The dye may appear under several names.

• FD&C Red No. 40: This is the most common and official name in the United States.
• Allura Red AC: Used interchangeably with Red40, this is another common name.
• E129: In Europe, this is the designated code for Allura Red AC, though products in the EU carry a warning label regarding its potential effects on children's activity and attention.
• Other Names: You might also see FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake or CI Food Red 17.

Red40 vs. Natural Food Colorings

Feature	Red40 (Allura Red AC)	Natural Red Colorings
Source	Petroleum-based synthetic dye.	Derived from fruits, vegetables, and other natural sources.
Color Intensity	Provides a bright, vivid, and highly consistent red color.	Colors can be less vibrant, often with varying shades.
Stability	Highly stable against light, heat, and other factors, leading to long shelf life.	Can be less stable, with color fading over time and with exposure.
Potential Health Concerns	Linked in some studies to allergic reactions and hyperactivity in sensitive children.	Generally considered safer, though some, like Carmine, can cause rare allergic reactions.
Labeling	Must be listed by name (FD&C Red No. 40, Allura Red AC, E129).	Often listed as Beetroot Extract, Carmine, etc., depending on the source.

Conclusion

Red40 is a ubiquitous synthetic food dye found in an astonishing number of products, from colorful cereals and sodas to medications and seemingly benign items like salad dressing. While regulatory bodies like the FDA currently deem it safe for consumption, ongoing research and regulatory action in other regions, along with growing consumer awareness, have brought its use into question. For those seeking to minimize their intake, the key is to diligently read ingredient labels and be aware of its various names. By doing so, consumers can make more conscious choices and explore the growing number of products that opt for natural, plant-based colorings instead of synthetic additives. The knowledge of what products have Red40 empowers individuals to control what they consume and better understand the ingredients that make up their diet.

Lists of Common Products with Red40

Beverages

• Mountain Dew Code Red
• Gatorade (some fruit punch varieties)
• Kool-Aid
• Hawaiian Punch
• Minute Maid Orange Soda
• Some strawberry milk brands

Snacks and Candies

• Skittles
• Starburst
• M&M's (red pieces)
• Fruit Roll-Ups
• Pop-Tarts (certain flavors)
• Many types of gummy candies

Cereals and Desserts

• Froot Loops
• Lucky Charms
• Trix
• Red Velvet Cake Mixes
• Many gelatin and pudding dessert mixes
• Some ice cream and frozen yogurt products

Hidden and Unexpected Sources

• Flavored yogurts
• Pickles and relishes
• Hot sauces
• Kids' chewable vitamins and medicines
• Certain salad dressings

How to Avoid Red40

• Read Labels: Always check the ingredients list for 'FD&C Red No. 40', 'Allura Red AC', or 'E129'.
• Choose Natural Alternatives: Look for products that use natural colorings from sources like beetroot, annatto, or hibiscus.
• Opt for Unprocessed Foods: Consuming whole, minimally processed foods is the most effective way to avoid synthetic additives.
• Look for Natural Food Labels: Many brands now advertise that their products are free of artificial colors.

What to Do If You've Consumed Red40

For most people, consuming Red40 in moderate amounts is not a major health concern. However, if you or a child in your care experiences unusual symptoms like hyperactivity, skin rashes, or irritability after eating a product containing the dye, it may be advisable to reduce or eliminate products with synthetic food colors. For specific medical advice, consult a healthcare provider.

Here is a list of foods with Red 40 for reference

Comparison of Red40 Exposure

Category	High Exposure Sources	Low/Zero Exposure Alternatives
Drinks	Brightly colored sodas, energy drinks, fruit punches.	Water, natural fruit juices, or unsweetened tea.
Snacks	Gummy candies, red fruit snacks, certain flavored chips.	Fresh fruits, vegetables, or whole grain crackers.
Desserts	Red velvet cake mix, colored frostings, artificial gelatin.	Homemade desserts with natural colorings (e.g., beet powder), plain yogurt.
Breakfast	Sugary, colorful cereals like Froot Loops.	Oatmeal, shredded wheat, or other plain whole-grain cereals.
Medications	Flavored children's cough syrup, chewable pills with bright colors.	Uncolored medications, or consult a pharmacist for alternatives.

Global Regulation of Red40

• United States: The FDA certifies and regulates Red40, requiring specific labeling on products.
• European Union: Requires products containing Red40 to carry a warning label stating the dye "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children".
• Countries with Restrictions or Bans: Norway and Iceland have stricter regulations or bans on Red40 in certain foods. California has also implemented state-level restrictions.

Potential Health Effects and Continued Research

While Red40 is regulated and deemed safe by the FDA for typical consumption levels, some studies continue to raise concerns, particularly regarding hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Some research points to a potential link between food dyes and adverse neurobehavioral effects in some children. As research continues, consumer awareness and scrutiny play a significant role in influencing manufacturers to offer cleaner, naturally colored products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Red40?

Red40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food dye derived from petroleum and used to add a vibrant red color to many food and drink products.

Is Red40 the same as Allura Red AC?

Yes, Allura Red AC is the official chemical name for the synthetic dye known as Red40. In Europe, it is also identified by the code E129.

Does Red40 affect children?

While the FDA considers Red40 safe, some studies have linked it to hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral issues in sensitive children. However, not all children are affected, and the degree of sensitivity varies.

What kind of drinks contain Red40?

Red40 is commonly found in a variety of beverages, including sodas, sports drinks like Gatorade fruit punch, energy drinks, and certain fruit-flavored drinks and powders.

Do all red-colored foods contain Red40?

No, not all red-colored foods contain Red40. Many manufacturers use natural alternatives, such as beet juice or carmine, to color their products. Reading the ingredient label is the only way to know for sure.

What products have Red40 that aren't red?

Red40 can be mixed with other dyes to create various colors. It may be present in products that are orange, brown, or even white, such as some chips, certain relishes, and white baked goods for a brighter appearance.

Is Red40 banned anywhere?

Red40 is not universally banned, but several countries and regions have regulations or bans in place. The European Union requires warning labels, while Norway and Iceland have outright bans in some food products.

Is Red40 in medicine?

Yes, Red40 is approved for use in drugs in the United States and can be found in some liquid medications, chewable tablets, and vitamins to improve their appearance.

What are natural alternatives to Red40?

Natural alternatives include colorings derived from beet juice, paprika extract, annatto, and hibiscus, which provide similar red and reddish hues.

How can I check if a product has Red40?

Always check the ingredients list on the product's packaging. Look specifically for terms like FD&C Red No. 40, Allura Red AC, or the European code E129.