What soda does not contain red dye 40? A Guide to Dye-Free Beverages

October 3, 2025 •

3 min read

According to reports, the state of California enacted a ban on Red Dye 3, a cousin of Red Dye 40, in early 2025, highlighting growing concern over synthetic food colorants. This causes many to wonder: what soda does not contain red dye 40? Fortunately, a wide variety of popular brands offer clear or naturally-colored alternatives.

Quick Summary

This guide details numerous soda brands free from red dye 40, including mainstream clear beverages and health-conscious alternatives. It explains why some people choose to avoid artificial dyes and how to identify dye-free products by reading labels.

Key Points

Clear is Key for Mainstream Sodas: Standard lemon-lime sodas like Sprite and 7 Up are clear and typically free of Red Dye 40.
Flavor Variants May Contain Dye: Be cautious with cherry or other red-colored flavors of sodas, as they often contain Red Dye 40, even if the regular version doesn't.
Natural Alternatives are Plentiful: Brands like Olipop, Poppi, and Zevia offer naturally colored and often healthier soda options.
Read the Label: The dye can be listed as Allura Red AC, FD&C Red No. 40, or E129, so always check the ingredients list.
Red Dye 40 Linked to Health Concerns: While approved by the FDA, concerns exist regarding behavioral issues in children, allergic reactions, and potential gut health impacts in some individuals.
Dark Colas Typically Use Caramel Color: Standard dark-colored sodas like Coca-Cola and Pepsi use caramel coloring, not Red Dye 40, in their classic formulations.

Why Choose Sodas Free of Red Dye 40?

Red Dye 40, also known as Allura Red AC or E129, is a synthetic food colorant derived from petroleum and is approved for use by regulatory bodies. However, it is a concern for some consumers due to potential health links. Those with sensitivities may benefit from avoiding or reducing their intake.

Potential Health Concerns Associated with Red Dye 40

Behavioral Issues: Some research indicates a possible link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity and inattention in children, especially those with ADHD.
Allergic Reactions: Rare allergic reactions to Red Dye 40 have been reported in sensitive individuals.
Gut Health: Animal studies suggest Red Dye 40 may cause low-level inflammation and DNA damage in the colon.
Toxic Contaminants: Contamination with carcinogens like benzidine during manufacturing is a potential concern being studied.

Mainstream Sodas Without Red Dye 40

Many popular sodas, particularly clear or light-colored ones, do not contain Red Dye 40. Always check the ingredient label, as recipes can change, and some flavored versions may include artificial dyes.

Clear Sodas

7 Up: A clear lemon-lime soda.
Sprite: Another clear lemon-lime option.
Ginger Ale (Canada Dry, Schweppes): Standard ginger ales are usually clear.
Clear Root Beer: Some brands offer clear root beer; check for cherry flavors which may contain dye.

Dark-Colored Sodas

Cola: Standard Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, and Pepsi use caramel color. Cherry-flavored versions often contain Red Dye 40.
Dr. Pepper & A&W Root Beer: These typically use caramel coloring in their regular forms. Check labels for flavored varieties.

Natural and Health-Conscious Soda Alternatives

A growing number of natural soda and sparkling beverage brands offer dye-free options, often with added benefits like prebiotics.

Examples of Dye-Free Alternatives

Olipop: Uses natural ingredients for color and flavor.
Poppi: Gets color and flavor from natural fruit juices.
Zevia: A zero-calorie soda with no artificial colors.
Virgil's: Made with real cane sugar and no artificial colors.
Spindrift: Sparkling water with color and flavor from real fruit juice.

How to Check Labels for Red Dye 40

To confirm a product is dye-free, check the ingredient list. Red Dye 40 can appear under several names:

FD&C Red No. 40
Allura Red AC
Red 40 Lake
E129
C.I. Food Red 17

Comparison: Mainstream vs. Natural Dye-Free Sodas


Feature	Mainstream Clear Sodas (e.g., Sprite, 7Up)	Natural & Alternative Sodas (e.g., Olipop, Zevia)
Artificial Colors	Generally free of Red Dye 40; dark versions may have caramel color.	Free of synthetic dyes, using natural sources.
Sweeteners	Often contain high-fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners.	Typically use natural sweeteners like stevia or fruit juice.
Added Benefits	Few or none.	May include prebiotics, botanicals, or probiotics.
Flavoring	Standardized, artificial.	From real fruit juice and extracts.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices for a Healthier Diet

Growing awareness of potential health impacts from synthetic food colorants like Red Dye 40 leads many to seek alternatives. With many clear sodas and natural beverage options available, avoiding this additive is increasingly easy. Checking ingredient labels for names like Allura Red AC or E129 is key. By being vigilant, especially with flavored drinks, choosing a soda without red dye 40 is a simple step toward a more mindful diet.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard Coca-Cola and Diet Coke use caramel color for their brown color, not Red Dye 40. However, specialty versions like Cherry Coke typically contain Red Dye 40 to achieve their red hue.

Standard Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar is likely free of artificial food coloring, but flavored variants can be different. It's always best to check the product label.

Not everyone experiences adverse effects, but some individuals, particularly children with ADHD and those with sensitivities, may react negatively to Red Dye 40.

Natural sources for red coloring include fruit and vegetable extracts like beet juice, paprika, and elderberry.

Red Dye 40 is added to enhance the visual appeal of soda, making it look more vibrant and consistent. This is particularly common in cherry or fruit-flavored drinks.

A true allergy involves an immune system response and is rare. A sensitivity or intolerance, which is more common, can cause symptoms like headaches or behavioral changes without a full immune response.

No, not all dark-colored sodas are free of red dye. While standard colas use caramel coloring, some root beer or other dark-flavored sodas might use a combination of dyes. Always check the label.