Which Brands Use Red Dye 40 in Their Products?

October 9, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the FDA, Red Dye 40 is one of the most widely used food color additives in the United States, appearing in thousands of products. This article explores which brands use red dye 40, helping you identify its presence in many everyday items from beverages to cereals and snacks.

Quick Summary

This guide details the wide range of brands and products containing Red Dye 40, also known as Allura Red AC. It covers common product categories, including cereals, candy, drinks, and snacks, while also providing tips on how to read labels to identify and potentially avoid this synthetic food coloring.

Key Points

Prevalence: Red Dye 40 is a common synthetic food color additive used across thousands of consumer products in the U.S..
Common Products: You can find Red Dye 40 in popular cereals like Froot Loops and Lucky Charms, snacks such as Doritos and Skittles, and drinks including Gatorade and Kool-Aid.
Label Identification: Always check the ingredients list for names like 'Red 40', 'FD&C Red No. 40', 'Allura Red AC', or 'E129' (in European products) to confirm its presence.
Health Concerns: While FDA-approved, the dye is associated with potential health issues, including hyperactivity in some sensitive children and allergic reactions.
Natural Alternatives: Some brands now use natural food colorings from sources like beets, paprika, or fruit juice, which can be identified by reading labels carefully.
International Regulations: The European Union requires a warning label on products containing Red Dye 40, though it is not banned, unlike in countries like Norway and Iceland.

Introduction to Red Dye 40

Red Dye 40, known as FD&C Red No. 40 or Allura Red AC, is a synthetic color additive derived from petroleum, widely used in the food industry to enhance visual appeal. While approved by the FDA, concerns about its safety, such as potential links to hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions, persist. Many consumers choose to avoid products containing this dye.

Brands Using Red Dye 40

Red Dye 40 is found in numerous products across various categories, often in those with red or bright colors.

Snacks and Candy

Many popular snacks and candies, particularly those marketed to children, include Red Dye 40:

Skittles: Red varieties and colorful mixes.
Starburst: Red-flavored and multi-flavored packages.
M&M's: Red pieces.
Doritos: Some flavored chips, like Nacho Cheese.
Twizzlers: Cherry flavors.
Fruit Roll-Ups: Often contain Red 40 for bright colors.

Beverages

Soft drinks, sports drinks, and drink mixes frequently contain Red Dye 40:

Kool-Aid: Various flavors, including fruit punch and cherry.
Gatorade: Fruit Punch flavor.
Mountain Dew Code Red: Named for its color additive.
Hawaiian Punch: Many varieties.
Fanta: Some flavors.

Cereals and Breakfast Items

Synthetic dyes are common in cereals and breakfast foods, especially those targeted at children:

Froot Loops: This and other colorful Kellogg's cereals.
Lucky Charms: Colorful marshmallows.
Pop-Tarts: Flavored toaster pastries like Frosted Strawberry.
Kellogg's Rice Krispies Cereal: Red and blue varieties.

Comparison of Products With and Without Red Dye 40

Here's a table comparing products that may or may not contain Red Dye 40:


Product Category	Example with Red Dye 40	Example without Red Dye 40	Common Dyes Used	Notes
Candy	Skittles, M&M's (red)	Annie's Organic Fruit Snacks	Red 40, Red 40 Lake	Organic brands typically use natural colorings.
Sports Drink	Gatorade Fruit Punch	BodyArmor Strawberry Banana	Red 40	BodyArmor often uses fruit and vegetable juices for color.
Yogurt	Yoplait Strawberry Yogurt	Stonyfield Organic Strawberry Yogurt	Red 40	Organic yogurts commonly use fruit purées for color.
Cereal	Froot Loops, Lucky Charms	Cascadian Farm Organic O's	Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6	Many health-focused brands avoid synthetic dyes.
Frosting	Betty Crocker Red Velvet Cake Mix	Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Frosting	Red 40	Look for labels indicating 'no artificial colors'.

Checking the Ingredients List

The most reliable method to identify Red Dye 40 is by reading the ingredients label. Look for 'Red 40', 'FD&C Red No. 40', or 'Allura Red AC'. In Europe, it's listed as E129 and requires a warning about potential effects on children's activity and attention.

Conclusion: Informed Choices

Red Dye 40 is prevalent in many processed foods and beverages. Consumers can make informed choices by carefully checking ingredient labels for its various names. While the FDA deems it safe, consumer demand has led some companies to offer alternatives with natural colorings. Awareness of which brands use red dye 40 is essential for those seeking to manage their intake.

Center for Science in the Public Interest: The case against food dyes

Frequently Asked Questions

Red Dye 40, or Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food coloring derived from petroleum used to give a bright red color to food and drink products.

Several candies use Red Dye 40, including red-colored Skittles, Starburst fruit chews, and the red pieces of M&M's.

Yes, Red Dye 40 is found in many beverages. Common examples include Gatorade Fruit Punch, Mountain Dew Code Red, various Kool-Aid flavors, and Hawaiian Punch.

Yes, many popular cereals marketed to children contain Red Dye 40, such as Froot Loops, Lucky Charms, and some varieties of Rice Krispies and Pop-Tarts.

The most effective way is to read the ingredients list on the product's label and look for terms like 'Red 40,' 'Allura Red AC,' or 'FD&C Red No. 40'.

Natural alternatives for coloring include using beet juice or powder, paprika, or extracts from berries and cherries. Organic products often use these natural sources.

The controversy stems from studies suggesting potential health risks, including possible links to hyperactivity in some children and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, though the FDA maintains it is safe within regulated limits.

It is not banned in the United States, but some countries like Norway and Iceland have banned it, and the European Union requires a warning label on products that contain it.