What Products is Red 40 in, and How Can You Avoid It?

November 8, 2025 •

5 min read

Over 90% of food dyes used in the United States are Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, making them extremely common in the modern diet. Red 40, a synthetic food coloring, is frequently found in a wide variety of processed items, from children's cereals to flavored drinks and even certain medications. Understanding which products contain this additive is the first step toward making more informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

Red 40, a petroleum-derived synthetic dye, is a prevalent ingredient in many processed foods and beverages, including snacks, candy, and sodas. It is also present in some cosmetics and medications. Common sources range from bright red items like fruit punch to unexpected products like pickles. Consumers can find it listed as 'Red 40,' 'FD&C Red No. 40,' or 'Allura Red AC' by reading product labels carefully.

Key Points

Commonly Found in Processed Foods: Red 40 is a prevalent synthetic dye found in cereals, snacks, candies, and beverages to enhance visual appeal.
Hidden in Unexpected Products: Beyond obvious red items like fruit punch, Red 40 can be found in less obvious products, such as some dairy items, sauces, and even cosmetics and medications.
Read Labels to Identify: The dye is listed on ingredient labels as "Red 40," "FD&C Red No. 40," or "Allura Red AC".
Associated with Health Concerns: Although the FDA deems it safe, some studies link Red 40 to hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Natural Alternatives Exist: Consumers can opt for products with natural colorants, such as those derived from beetroot, paprika, or other fruits and vegetables.
Regulation Varies Globally: Unlike the U.S. where it's widely used without warnings, the European Union requires a warning label on products containing Red 40 regarding effects on children.
Limit Consumption of Processed Goods: Avoiding heavily processed and brightly colored foods is the most effective way to reduce overall Red 40 intake.

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC or FD&C Red No. 40, is a widely used synthetic food dye made from petroleum. It provides a vibrant red hue that enhances the visual appeal of countless consumer products. While approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), its safety has been a subject of ongoing debate, with concerns raised over potential links to hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions. In response, many consumers are actively seeking to identify and avoid products that contain it.

Where You Can Find Red 40

Red 40 is ubiquitous in the American food supply, often appearing in items that are not obviously red. Its use is widespread across various product categories:

Snacks and Chips: Many popular packaged snacks and chips use Red 40 to enhance their color. Examples include some varieties of flavored potato chips, fruit snacks, and even some types of crackers. Brands use the dye to signal flavor profiles and create a more appealing product for consumers, especially children.
Candy and Desserts: This is one of the most obvious categories where Red 40 is used. It can be found in a vast array of candies, fruit-flavored gummies, frostings, gelatin, ice cream, popsicles, and cake mixes. Some red pieces in chocolate candy or red-flavored chews also contain this dye.
Beverages and Drink Mixes: Sodas, sports drinks, energy drinks, and flavored water mixes commonly utilize Red 40. Well-known examples include Mountain Dew Code Red and certain fruit punch varieties. Powdered drink mixes, such as some types of pink lemonade, are also frequent sources.
Breakfast Cereals: Many brightly colored breakfast cereals aimed at children contain Red 40. A few well-known examples are Froot Loops and some varieties of Lucky Charms. Some companies have formulated their cereals differently for international markets to avoid using synthetic dyes.
Dairy Products: While less expected, Red 40 can be present in dairy items. It is used in some flavored milks, yogurts, puddings, and ice creams to give them a fruit-like color. Strawberry-flavored products are a common place to find it.
Sauces and Condiments: Red 40 can occasionally be found in certain sauces, dressings, and condiments to give them a richer color. This may include specific barbecue sauces, fruit fillings, and salad dressings.
Medications and Cosmetics: Beyond food, Red 40 is used to color over-the-counter and prescription medications, children's vitamins, cosmetics like lipstick and blush, and personal care products such as bubble bath.

How to Avoid Red 40 in Your Diet

For those who wish to reduce or eliminate Red 40 from their consumption, there are several effective strategies. The key is to be a diligent and informed shopper.

Read the Label Carefully

The FDA mandates that all ingredients, including color additives, must be listed on a product's label. Look for the following terms in the ingredient list:

Red 40
FD&C Red No. 40
Allura Red AC
E129 (commonly used in Europe)

Choose Whole and Unprocessed Foods

Whole foods that come from nature, such as fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed meats, do not contain synthetic dyes. By shifting focus to these foods, you can drastically reduce your exposure to Red 40 and other artificial additives. When color is needed, natural options like beet powder or paprika can be used in cooking.

Look for "Dye-Free" or "No Artificial Colors" Labeling

Many companies now offer products specifically marketed as "dye-free" or with "no artificial colors." This is a direct response to growing consumer demand for cleaner labels. For products like candy, snacks, and cereals, these labels are a clear indicator that synthetic colorants have been replaced with natural alternatives.

Seek Natural Alternatives

Instead of relying on processed foods with synthetic dyes, many natural alternatives are available to provide vibrant color. For instance, beet juice or powder can create a rich red color in homemade baked goods or smoothies, while paprika offers a reddish-orange hue.

Comparison: Red 40 vs. Natural Colorants


Feature	Red 40 (Allura Red AC)	Natural Colorants (e.g., Beetroot)
Source	Petroleum distillates and coal tars.	Plant-based sources, like fruits, vegetables, and spices.
Color Intensity	Provides a bright, vibrant, and highly consistent red color.	Colors can vary in intensity and hue, sometimes less vibrant than synthetic dyes.
Cost	Less expensive to produce and use in large-scale manufacturing.	Generally more expensive due to sourcing and processing natural ingredients.
Stability	Highly stable and resistant to fading during processing and storage.	Can be sensitive to heat, light, and pH levels, potentially affecting color over time.
Health Concerns	Linked to potential hyperactivity in sensitive children and allergic reactions.	Considered safer with no documented links to behavioral issues or allergies in most individuals.
Labeling	Labeled as "Red 40," "FD&C Red No. 40," or "Allura Red AC".	Listed by its source, such as "Beet Powder" or "Natural Flavors and Colors."

The International Perspective

The regulation of Red 40 differs across the globe, indicating varied stances on its safety. In the U.S., the FDA considers it safe for consumption within certain limits. However, other countries have taken a more cautious approach. In the European Union, products containing Red 40 and other artificial dyes are required to carry a warning label stating they "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children". This has led many international companies to reformulate their products for the European market, often using natural alternatives, while keeping the artificial dye in their U.S. versions.

Conclusion

For consumers, being aware of what products is Red 40 in is the most powerful tool for controlling personal and family intake of this common synthetic dye. From sugary cereals to sports drinks and even some medications, it is pervasive in processed goods. The best way to reduce exposure is to adopt a habit of reading ingredient labels diligently and choosing whole, unprocessed foods. While regulators have deemed Red 40 safe, the growing body of research and the differing international regulations show that a cautious approach is warranted, particularly for those concerned about potential links to hyperactivity or allergic reactions. Making informed choices and exploring the vast world of naturally colored foods can lead to a more wholesome and transparent diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red 40 is also known by the names Allura Red AC and FD&C Red No. 40. In Europe, it may be listed as E129.

While the FDA has not found conclusive proof, some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, and increased hyperactivity in certain children, especially those with ADHD. Many European countries require warning labels on products containing the dye because of this potential effect.

Yes, Red 40 can be found in some over-the-counter and prescription medications, including children's liquid medicines and chewable vitamins. It is added for brand recognition and visual appeal. Many companies also offer dye-free versions of their products.

To check if a product contains Red 40, you must read the ingredient list on the packaging. The dye must be listed, often as 'Red 40,' 'FD&C Red No. 40,' or 'Allura Red AC.' Processed foods and items with unnaturally bright colors are the most likely to contain it.

Yes, several natural colorants can be used as alternatives to Red 40, including beet juice, paprika, annatto, and turmeric. Many brands offer products colored with these plant-based ingredients instead of synthetic dyes.

The FDA maintains that Red 40 is safe for consumption at typical levels and that research linking it to health issues is not conclusive enough to warrant a ban. Other countries have taken a more precautionary approach based on similar evidence, leading to different regulations and labeling requirements.

Yes, while behavioral concerns are more often discussed in relation to children, some adults may experience adverse reactions to Red 40, such as allergic symptoms like hives, swelling, or headaches. Sensitivity can vary between individuals, and reactions are relatively rare.