What Sodas Are Without Food Dye?

December 20, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2013 study published in Clinical Pediatrics, some artificial food colorings found in sodas and other products have been linked to behavioral issues in children. For those looking to avoid synthetic additives, understanding what sodas are without food dye is the first step towards making more informed choices. This guide will help you navigate the soda aisle and identify beverages free from artificial coloring.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive list of sodas that do not contain artificial food dyes. It details clear and naturally colored options, discusses popular brands like Sprite and 7 Up, and explores modern alternatives from health-focused companies. The article also explains how to identify dye-free beverages by reading ingredient labels, helping you make healthier drink selections.

Key Points

Clear is Key: Many traditional clear sodas, like Sprite and 7 Up, are naturally free of artificial dyes.
Natural and Specialty Brands: Companies like Olipop, Poppi, and Zevia specialize in naturally colored and flavored sodas.
Check the Label: Always read the ingredient list to confirm the absence of artificial colorings like Red 40 or Yellow 5, as formulations can change.
Watch for Caramel Color: Some dark sodas achieve their color using caramel coloring, which some people may want to avoid.
Sparkling Waters and Juices: Alternatives like Spindrift and Izze use fruit juice for natural color and flavor.
Diet and Zero-Sugar Options: Be cautious with diet and zero-sugar varieties, as some may swap sugar for artificial sweeteners and colors.

The Shift Towards Dye-Free Beverages

Consumer awareness regarding artificial ingredients has driven a significant shift in the beverage industry, with more people seeking sodas without food dyes. While many traditional sodas rely on synthetic colorants like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1, numerous brands offer refreshing alternatives. These options range from familiar classics to innovative, naturally flavored varieties.

Classic Clear Sodas

One of the easiest ways to identify a dye-free soda is by its clear appearance. Classic lemon-lime and other uncolored sodas have long been staples for those avoiding artificial colors.

Sprite: One of the most widely available clear sodas, Sprite is free of artificial dyes and caffeine. Its clean lemon-lime flavor and crisp carbonation make it a popular choice.
7 Up: Similar to Sprite, 7 Up offers a bubbly, dye-free lemon-lime flavor profile. It is also caffeine-free and widely available in most stores.
Sierra Mist (now Starry): PepsiCo replaced Sierra Mist with Starry in early 2023, but the new lemon-lime soda maintains a dye-free formulation. It offers a different, more aromatic citrus flavor compared to its predecessor.
Canada Dry Ginger Ale: While the original version of Canada Dry used to contain food dyes, recent formulations often omit them, though this can vary by region and product line, so it's essential to check the label. However, some zero-sugar varieties may contain caramel coloring.

Naturally Flavored and Specialty Sodas

In recent years, a growing number of health-conscious brands have introduced sodas that use natural ingredients for flavor and color. These often appear in a wider variety of hues, but are derived from natural sources.

Olipop: This brand offers a variety of naturally flavored sodas that include root extracts and fiber for added health benefits. Flavors like Orange Squeeze and Classic Grape achieve their color from fruit juices and other natural sources.
Poppi: Known for its prebiotic properties, Poppi crafts sodas with natural ingredients and avoids artificial dyes. Its wide range of flavors, including Grape and Fruit Punch, are also low in sugar.
Zevia: Using stevia as a sweetener, Zevia provides a no-calorie, dye-free soda option in a vast array of flavors. Zevia offers versions of many popular soda flavors, including ginger ale and root beer, without any artificial coloring.
Izze Sparkling Juice: Though more of a sparkling juice, Izze is another excellent dye-free option that relies on fruit juices for color and flavor.
Spindrift: For those who prefer a less sweet option, Spindrift combines real fruit juice with sparkling water for a refreshing, naturally colored beverage.

Comparison of Dye-Free Sodas


Feature	Sprite	Olipop Orange Squeeze	Zevia Ginger Ale	Canada Dry Ginger Ale (Zero Sugar)
Dye-Free?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Zero Sugar may contain caramel color
Sweetener	High Fructose Corn Syrup	Cane Sugar, Prebiotic Fiber	Stevia Leaf Extract	Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium
Calories	140 calories (12 oz)	45 calories (12 oz)	0 calories (12 oz)	0 calories (12 oz)
Other Features	Classic taste, widely available	Added fiber and prebiotics	Zero calories, wide flavor variety	Made with real ginger, widely available
Considerations	Standard soda sugar content	Higher price point	Stevia aftertaste for some	Potential caramel color in Zero Sugar

How to Verify for Yourself

The most reliable way to check for artificial food dyes is to read the ingredient list on the product label. Food dyes are often listed by their name and color code, such as "Red 40," "Yellow 5," "Blue 1," or "Caramel Color". Brands sometimes change their formulations, so what was once a dye-free product might not always be. The best practice is to always glance at the ingredients before purchasing.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of sodas without food dye is easier than ever, thanks to a wide variety of clear classics and modern, naturally colored alternatives. From trusted brands like Sprite and 7 Up to health-conscious innovators like Olipop and Zevia, there is a refreshing, dye-free beverage available for every palate. By prioritizing product label scrutiny, you can ensure that your refreshment choices align with your personal wellness goals and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear sodas, like lemon-lime varieties, generally do not contain artificial coloring, while most dark sodas, including many colas and root beers, use caramel color or other dyes to achieve their appearance.

No, the standard version of Sprite is free of artificial food dyes and is a clear soda option.

While the original version of Canada Dry may not contain artificial dyes, it's important to check the label, as some varieties, particularly zero-sugar options, may contain caramel coloring.

Not necessarily. Many diet and zero-sugar sodas, including those with darker colors, still contain food dyes. Always check the ingredient list for specific colorings.

Modern alternatives include brands like Olipop, Poppi, and Zevia, which use natural sweeteners and real ingredients for color and flavor, providing healthier, dye-free options.

Check the ingredient list for specific names and color codes, such as "Red 40," "Yellow 5," "Blue 1," or "Caramel Color." These indicate the presence of artificial dyes.

Yes, some brands, like Zevia and Virgil's, offer dye-free root beer alternatives. The best approach is to check the ingredient list to ensure no caramel color is used.