What snacks is red dye 40 in? A Comprehensive Guide for Consumers

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

Red Dye 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is one of the most widely used synthetic food colorings in the United States, appearing in over 36,000 different food products. This guide explores which popular snacks and unexpected items contain this controversial additive, enabling consumers to make more informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

A guide to identifying popular candies, chips, cereals, and other snacks containing the artificial color additive Red Dye 40. It covers common names for the dye, discusses potential health concerns, and offers strategies for avoiding it in your diet.

Key Points

Prevalence: Red Dye 40 is a common petroleum-derived food coloring, also known as Allura Red AC or E129, found in thousands of food products.
Common Culprits: This additive is frequently found in sugary snacks like candy, gum, fruit snacks, and gelatin, as well as savory processed items such as flavored chips.
Hidden Sources: Red Dye 40 isn't limited to red-colored items; it can be used to create orange, brown, and other shades in snacks like nacho cheese chips, some pickles, and barbecue sauce.
Labeling is Key: The most effective way to avoid the dye is to carefully read ingredient labels for “Red 40,” “FD&C Red No. 40,” or “Allura Red AC”.
Health Concerns: While the FDA considers it safe, some research and studies have raised concerns about links to hyperactivity in children with ADHD, allergic reactions, and gut health issues.
Safer Swaps: To reduce consumption, opt for snacks that use natural colorings from fruits, vegetables, and spices or choose certified organic options.
Global Differences: Unlike the US, the European Union requires a warning label on foods containing Red Dye 40, indicating potential effects on children's behavior.

What is Red Dye 40?

Red Dye 40, or Allura Red AC (E129), is a synthetic food dye derived from petroleum. Manufacturers use it to create a bright red appearance in food and beverages, as well as to enhance or indicate flavor. While approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory bodies, the dye has become a subject of scrutiny due to potential health implications. Its low cost and stability make it a popular choice for food companies over natural color alternatives.

Common Snack Categories with Red Dye 40

Many snacks are prime candidates for containing Red Dye 40. Knowing the common categories can help consumers shop with a more discerning eye. The additive is used in items that appear red, but also in many other colors created by mixing dyes.

Candies and sweets

Candy is one of the most recognizable categories containing Red Dye 40, especially in flavors that are typically red, cherry, or strawberry. However, it's also common in multi-colored assortments. Examples include:

Skittles (multiple colors, not just red)
M&M's
Starburst
Jolly Rancher
Some licorice and fruit-flavored gummies

Chips and savory snacks

For many, it is surprising to find Red Dye 40 in savory items. The dye can be used to achieve a particular shade of orange, red, or even brown in flavored chips and other processed snacks. Specific examples include:

Nacho Cheese Doritos
Some flavors of Combos Pizzeria Pretzels
Pringles Crisps Scorchin' Chili & Lime

Baked goods and pastries

Brightly colored baked goods, particularly those with red or pink frosting, are likely to contain Red Dye 40. This extends to pre-packaged items and even some mixes:

Certain flavors of Pop-Tarts (e.g., Frosted Apple Cinnamon Apple Jacks, Frosted Confetti Cupcake)
Red velvet cake mixes and frosting
Various pastries and cookies with colored icing

Fruit snacks and gelatins

Despite the name, many fruit-flavored snacks and gelatin products use synthetic dyes like Red Dye 40 to create a consistent, vibrant color. It's often used in conjunction with other artificial colorings:

Many brands of fruit-flavored gummies and snacks
Cherry or strawberry-flavored Jell-O and puddings
Ice popsicles

The Health and Regulatory Debate

While the FDA maintains that Red Dye 40 is safe for consumption when used within their guidelines, the ongoing debate surrounding its health effects continues. Critics and some studies cite potential health concerns, particularly regarding certain sensitive populations.

Potential side effects

Several studies and anecdotal reports have highlighted potential negative effects linked to Red Dye 40 consumption:

Hyperactivity in Children: A connection between artificial food dyes, including Red Dye 40, and increased hyperactivity in children, especially those with ADHD, has been suggested by some research. The EU has responded with labeling requirements for products containing this dye, stating they "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children".
Allergic Reactions: In some individuals, Red Dye 40 can trigger allergic reactions. Symptoms can range from mild skin irritations like hives and itching to more severe reactions involving swelling or breathing difficulties.
Gut Health Concerns: Animal studies have suggested that high levels of Red Dye 40 could cause inflammation in the colon and damage the gut microbiome. However, more human research is needed to understand the long-term impact.

Regulatory landscape

Regulations surrounding Red Dye 40 vary significantly. While the FDA considers it safe, consumer advocacy groups and some state governments are pushing for more restrictions. For example, California enacted a ban on several dyes, including Red Dye 40, in public school foods as of 2024. This difference in approach highlights the ongoing scientific and public debate.

Comparison of Snacks with Red Dye 40 vs. Natural Alternatives

This table illustrates how many popular snacks can be swapped for alternatives that use natural colorings, offering a path to reduce your intake of synthetic dyes.


Snack Category	Common Red Dye 40 Option	Natural Alternative (Dye-Free)
Candy	Skittles or Starburst	Unreal Milk Chocolate Candies (Colored with beet juice, spirulina)
Chips	Nacho Cheese Doritos	Lesser Evil Paleo Puffs (Colored with paprika, annatto)
Fruit Snacks	Many branded fruit gummies	Annie's Organic Fruit Snacks (Colored with fruit and vegetable juices)
Cereal	Froot Loops	Three Wishes Grain-Free Cereal (No artificial dyes)
Beverage	Kool-Aid or Gatorade	Flavored water with real fruit slices or sports drinks colored naturally with fruit/vegetable extracts

The Smart Snacker's Guide to Avoiding Red Dye 40

Making informed choices starts with awareness. Here are several steps you can take to minimize or eliminate Red Dye 40 from your diet:

Master the label: Read ingredient lists carefully. Look for Red 40, FD&C Red No. 40, or Allura Red AC.
Choose whole foods: Opt for unprocessed snacks like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. These options are naturally free of artificial dyes.
Look for natural alternatives: Seek out brands that prioritize natural ingredients and use natural colorings derived from sources like beet juice, paprika, or fruit concentrates.
Consider organic: Products certified as organic in the U.S. prohibit the use of Red Dye 40 and other artificial colors, making them a safe bet.
Be cautious with unexpected items: Remember that the dye isn't limited to red foods. Check the labels on items like pickles, sauces, and even some medications.

Conclusion

Understanding what snacks contain red dye 40 is the first step toward making more mindful dietary choices. From the familiar bright candies to unexpected savory items, this petroleum-derived additive is prevalent across the snack aisle. By learning to identify it on ingredient labels and opting for natural alternatives or whole foods, consumers can actively reduce their exposure. While regulatory bodies like the FDA currently deem Red Dye 40 safe, growing concerns and differing global regulations warrant a more cautious approach for those prioritizing clean eating and a reduction of synthetic chemicals in their diet. Staying informed and paying close attention to product labels empowers you to make the best decisions for your health.

For more information on food additives and healthy eating, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is an excellent resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Nacho Cheese Doritos are a well-known snack that contains Red Dye 40. The additive is used to give the chips their characteristic orange-red coloring.

A wide variety of candies contain Red Dye 40, including popular brands like Skittles, Starburst, M&M's, and certain types of gummies and chewing gum.

While allergic reactions are considered rare, some sensitive individuals may experience symptoms such as hives, itching, or swelling after consuming products containing Red Dye 40.

Yes, Red Dye 40 is also known by the name Allura Red AC. It may also be listed on labels as FD&C Red No. 40 or E129 in Europe.

Yes, Red Dye 40 can be used in combination with other dyes to create various colors, such as orange or brown. It can be found in savory snacks like flavored chips and some processed sauces.

To avoid Red Dye 40, you should carefully read product labels and look for alternative snacks that use natural colorings, such as beet juice, paprika, or fruit concentrates. Choosing organic snacks is another effective strategy.

While not banned nationally in the U.S., some regions have restricted its use. For instance, California has banned it in public school foods. In the European Union, products with Red Dye 40 require a warning label about potential effects on children's activity.

Not all food colorings pose the same risks. Natural color additives derived from fruits, vegetables, and other natural sources are generally considered safer alternatives. Synthetic dyes, especially those derived from petroleum like Red 40, are the primary focus of health debates.