What Is Red 40?
Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, FD&C Red No. 40, or E129 in Europe, is a synthetic food dye made from petroleum. It is one of the most widely used artificial colorings in the food industry due to its vibrant, dark red hue and cost-effectiveness. The dye is used to enhance the visual appeal of a product, ensuring consistent color between batches and creating an attractive appearance for consumers, especially in products marketed to children. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has historically deemed Red 40 safe for consumption, its safety and potential health effects, particularly on children, remain a subject of ongoing debate and research.
Common Cereals with Red 40
Many breakfast cereals, especially those with colorful pieces, are known to contain Red 40. This is particularly true for cereals aimed at a younger demographic.
Popular Cereal Brands
- WK Kellogg Co: Froot Loops. The colorful loops get their red color from this dye. Notably, the European version is often made with natural colorings.
- General Mills: Lucky Charms, Trix, and some flavored Chex cereals. The red, pink, and purple marshmallow and cereal pieces typically contain Red 40.
- Post Consumer Brands: Fruity Pebbles. This cereal is another prime example of Red 40 usage to achieve its bright, vivid colors.
- Kellogg's: Multiple Pop-Tarts flavors, including Frosted Strawberry and Frosted Confetti Cupcake, contain Red 40. The frosting and fillings use the dye to create a visually appealing product.
Candy and Snacks that Contain Red 40
It's no surprise that many candies and brightly-colored snacks rely on Red 40 to achieve their eye-catching colors. This is an easy way to spot the dye, but it also appears in less obviously colored products.
Well-Known Candy and Snack Brands
- Mars, Inc.: Skittles (red candies) and M&M's (red pieces) are classic examples. The colorful candy coatings are a key use of Red 40.
- Ferrara Candy Company: Brands like Nerds, Now & Later, and SweeTARTS often use Red 40. Different flavors and product types may vary, so checking labels is crucial.
- Mondelēz International: Swedish Fish and various fruity chewing gums may contain Red 40, especially cherry or berry flavors.
- Frito-Lay (PepsiCo): Snacks like Nacho Cheese Doritos and Combos Pizzeria Pretzels use Red 40 in their flavor coating.
- General Mills: Fruit Roll-Ups and Gushers are fruit-flavored snacks that utilize Red 40 for their color.
Beverages with Red 40
Many popular drinks, from sports drinks to sodas and drink mixes, contain Red 40 to give them their distinctive color.
Common Drink Brands
- PepsiCo: Gatorade (Fruit Punch and other red-hued flavors), Mountain Dew Code Red.
- The Coca-Cola Company: Fanta Soda (some red and orange varieties), and Minute Maid Orange Soda.
- Kraft Heinz: Kool-Aid powdered drink mixes (cherry and other red flavors).
- Various Brands: Many generic pink lemonade mixes and some brands of strawberry milk use Red 40 to enhance their color.
Baked Goods, Desserts, and Other Items
Red 40 isn't limited to snacks and cereals. It's found in a wide variety of other food products and even non-food items.
Dessert and Condiment Brands
- Pillsbury: Funfetti Valentine's Day Vanilla Frosting is one example.
- Betty Crocker: Red decorating icing and various cake mixes.
- Various Brands: Gelatin desserts (like Jell-O), pudding snacks, ice creams, and popsicles often include Red 40.
- Surprising Uses: Red 40 is also found in some unexpected products, such as certain brands of barbecue sauce, bouillon cubes, and even cosmetics like lipstick and some children's toothpastes. The dye can also be used in medications to create a specific color identity.
Comparative Brands: Red 40 vs. Natural Alternatives
Many companies, especially those catering to the European market or a health-conscious consumer base, have switched to natural colorings. This table highlights the difference.
| Product Category | Brands Using Red 40 | Brands Using Natural Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Cereals | WK Kellogg Co. Froot Loops (US version) | WK Kellogg Co. Froot Loops (European version), Trader Joe's cereals |
| Candy | Mars, Inc. Skittles (US version) | Yum Earth candy, Hi-Chews |
| Frozen Desserts | Blue Bunny Strawberry Flavored Frozen Dairy Dessert | Edy's Strawberry Ice Cream, Popsicle fruit pops (some flavors) |
| Drinks | Gatorade Fruit Punch (US) | Many organic juice brands, homemade fruit drinks |
How to Avoid Brands with Red 40
The most reliable way to avoid Red 40 is to become a vigilant label reader. The FDA requires manufacturers to list all ingredients, including color additives, on the label. Look for "Red 40," "FD&C Red No. 40," or "Allura Red AC" in the ingredient list. Remember that the presence of the dye can be found in surprising places, so always check the label, even if the product isn't red. For instance, some white frostings or snacks may have it for color brightening. Another strategy is to look for brands that explicitly state they use natural colorings or certified organic products. This approach can be particularly helpful for parents concerned about the dye's potential impact on children.
Conclusion: The Importance of Informed Choices
Red 40 is a ubiquitous presence in the modern food supply, appearing in everything from children's cereals and candy to adult beverages and even some medications. While the regulatory bodies may have different stances, understanding which brands and products contain this dye empowers consumers to make choices that align with their health preferences. By carefully reading ingredient labels and seeking out natural alternatives, shoppers can effectively manage their exposure to this common artificial color. The list of brands and products is constantly changing as companies reformulate, so remaining aware is key. For more information on ingredients, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) maintains a helpful database of food scores.
