Unpacking the Ingredients: What Exactly is Red 40?
The bright red color of many popular candies, including strawberry-flavored Twizzlers, comes from an artificial food coloring known as Red 40. Also identified by its full name, FD&C Red No. 40, or by the European code E129, this synthetic dye is created from petroleum distillates or coal tar. It is one of the most widely used food colorants in the United States and is found in thousands of processed food and beverage products.
Unlike the infamous Red 3, which has faced a ban in California and is being phased out of food production by the FDA due to cancer concerns, Red 40 remains an approved additive. While considered safe for consumption by regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in approved quantities, its widespread use has sparked debate and scrutiny. This has led many consumers to question the source and potential health implications of artificial colors in their food.
The Source and Safety of Red 40
Red 40 is a synthetic compound, which means it is not derived from natural sources like plants or insects. This is a crucial distinction for many consumers, particularly those following vegan diets, as some red dyes, like carmine, are made from crushed cochineal insects. The synthetic nature of Red 40 makes Twizzlers a gelatin-free and vegan-friendly option, a fact often highlighted in vegan junk food guides. However, some vegans still choose to avoid it due to concerns over historical animal testing, even though the dye itself does not contain animal byproducts.
Regulatory bodies require batches of certified color additives like Red 40 to be re-certified periodically to ensure their purity. Despite this oversight, persistent health concerns have spurred a growing movement towards using naturally-derived alternatives. Hershey, the maker of Twizzlers, has announced plans to move away from synthetic dyes in its snacks in the coming years, though Red 40 remains an ingredient for now.
Comparison of Red Food Dyes
To understand why Red 40 is used instead of other red dyes, it is helpful to compare its properties and regulatory status.
| Feature | Red 40 (Allura Red AC) | Red 3 (Erythrosine) | Carmine (E120) | Beet Juice (E162) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Synthetic (petroleum) | Synthetic (petroleum) | Natural (cochineal insects) | Natural (beets) |
| Current Status | FDA-approved, widely used | Banned in California, phased out by FDA | FDA-approved, used in many products | Exempt from certification, widely used |
| Color | Vibrant red | Bright cherry red | Deep red/crimson | Red/red-purple |
| Vegan Status | Vegan (some ethical concerns) | Vegan (ethical concerns) | Not vegan | Vegan |
| Primary Use | Candies, sodas, snacks | Cherries, seasonal candies | Yogurts, candy, cosmetics | Yogurt, beverages, desserts |
The Future of Red Dyes in Candy
With increased consumer demand for “clean-label” products and a growing awareness of food additives, many manufacturers are reevaluating their ingredients. Hershey's decision to remove synthetic dyes from its products reflects a broader industry trend towards using natural colorants. Alternatives to Red 40 include fruit and vegetable-based extracts, such as beet juice and paprika extract, which offer vibrant color without the synthetic origin. For Twizzlers, this could mean a transition in their formulation in the coming years, though for now, Red 40 remains the standard. This shift toward natural alternatives is likely to continue as consumers prioritize transparency and health considerations in their food choices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Dye in Candy
Here are some common questions consumers have about the red dye in Twizzlers and other candies.
- Is the red dye in Twizzlers Red 3? No, Twizzlers contain Red 40, not the more controversial Red 3. In January 2025, it was confirmed that Twizzlers and Red Vines utilize Red 40.
- Is Red 40 safe to consume? The FDA and other major regulatory bodies consider Red 40 safe for consumption when used within their guidelines. However, some studies have raised concerns, particularly regarding potential links to hyperactivity in some children.
- Why are companies moving away from Red 40? Many companies are shifting to natural alternatives in response to growing consumer demand for clean-label, natural products and increasing concerns over artificial additives.
- Does Red 40 come from insects? No, Red 40 is a synthetic dye derived from petroleum. The dye that can come from insects is carmine, or cochineal extract.
- Are Twizzlers still vegan if they have Red 40? Yes, because Red 40 is synthetic and not sourced from animals, Twizzlers are considered vegan despite containing the artificial color. Some ethical vegans avoid it due to animal testing history, but the ingredient itself is non-animal.
- How can I avoid Red 40 in my food? The best way to avoid Red 40 is to read ingredient lists carefully. Also, look for products that specifically state they use natural colorings, or choose certified organic products, which prohibit synthetic dyes.
- What are some natural alternatives to Red 40? Popular natural colorings that can provide a red hue include beet juice extract, paprika extract, and anthocyanins, which are derived from fruits like pomegranate.
Conclusion
The iconic red color of Twizzlers comes from Red 40, a synthetic food dye that is distinct from the recently restricted Red 3. While considered safe by regulatory bodies, Red 40 has attracted controversy due to its petroleum-based origins and potential health implications, particularly for some children. The decision by Hershey and other manufacturers to phase out synthetic dyes indicates a market-wide shift towards natural alternatives in response to evolving consumer preferences. For the time being, Red 40 remains a key ingredient in many red Twizzlers varieties, but the future of this and other synthetic food dyes in our candy is in a state of transition.
Key Takeaways
- Twizzlers use Red 40: The signature red color in Twizzlers is created with FD&C Red No. 40, a synthetic, petroleum-based dye.
- Not Red 3: Twizzlers do not contain Red 3, a different dye that has been banned in some places and is being phased out by the FDA.
- Red 40 is Vegan-Friendly: Since it's synthetic and not derived from insects like carmine, Red 40 in Twizzlers makes the candy vegan, although some vegans avoid it due to historical animal testing.
- Safety and Regulation: While the FDA considers Red 40 safe, there are ongoing consumer concerns about its health effects, particularly on children.
- Industry Trends: Major manufacturers, including Hershey, are planning to shift away from synthetic colorings like Red 40 toward more natural alternatives.
- How to Identify: You can identify Red 40 on the ingredient list under names like "Artificial Color (Red 40)" or "Allura Red AC".
