Why Choose Candy Without Red Dye 40?
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Red Dye 40 as safe for most people, some studies and reports have linked it to health concerns. The dye has been controversially associated with allergies, migraines, and increased hyperactivity in certain sensitive children. As consumer awareness and demand for cleaner ingredients have risen, many manufacturers have shifted toward using natural, plant-based alternatives to achieve vibrant colors. The move toward dye-free candy offers a way for consumers to reduce their intake of synthetic additives while still enjoying their favorite types of sweets.
Top Brands Offering Dye-Free Candy
For those looking to avoid Red Dye 40, a growing market of brands offers tasty alternatives that use natural colorings from fruits, vegetables, and spices.
YumEarth
This popular brand is a top choice for dye-free candy lovers, offering a wide array of organic products.
- Organic Giggles: A vibrant, chewy, fruit-flavored alternative to candies like Skittles.
- Organic Fruit Chews: Similar to Starbursts, but colored with fruit and vegetable juices.
- Organic Lollipops: Available in a variety of fruity flavors and free of artificial dyes.
Unreal
Unreal specializes in healthier alternatives to classic chocolate candies, using only natural ingredients and colors.
- Milk Chocolate Gems: These candies, similar to M&M's, use colors from nature, including beet juice, spirulina extract, and turmeric.
- Peanut Butter Cups: A dye-free take on a classic treat.
Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's is well-regarded for its commitment to avoiding artificial additives in many of its store-brand products.
- Peas & Carrots Sour Gummy Candies: These gummies are made with fruit pectin instead of gelatin and are naturally colored with spirulina and paprika.
- Scandinavian Swimmers: Many seasonal varieties and their fruit candies contain no artificial colors.
Lovely Candy Co.
Lovely Candy Co. provides delicious, simple ingredient options that are organic, non-GMO, and free of artificial colors and high fructose corn syrup.
- Organic Chewy Candies: Chewy, fruity candies in flavors like strawberry, lemon, and cherry.
- Organic Lollipops: Simple, individually wrapped lollipops in flavors like mango, strawberry, and grape.
Smart Sweets
Focusing on low-sugar and plant-based options, Smart Sweets uses natural fruit and vegetable juices for its colors.
- Gummy Bears: Available in both fruity and sour varieties.
- Sweet Fish and Peach Rings: Chewy, low-sugar alternatives to conventional gummy candies.
Other Dye-Free Options
- Most Chocolate: Standard chocolate bars (like those from Hershey's or Cadbury) are typically free of Red Dye 40, though you should always check colored variations or coatings.
- Haribo Goldbears: The U.S. version of Haribo's original Goldbears list Red 40 as an ingredient, but some international or specific product variations may be dye-free, so checking the label is essential.
- Cocomels: These coconut milk caramels are plant-based and made with clean ingredients, free from artificial additives.
How to Read Labels to Avoid Red Dye 40
The most reliable way to ensure your candy is Red Dye 40-free is to read the ingredient list on the packaging. Here's what to look for:
Names to Avoid
Red Dye 40 has several aliases that can appear on labels. Be sure to check for any of these synthetic petroleum-derived colorants:
- Red 40
- FD&C Red No. 40
- Allura Red AC
- E129 (in European labeling)
- Red 40 Lake
- FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake
Ingredients to Look For
Many dye-free brands will explicitly state on their packaging that they use natural colorings. Look for ingredients derived from fruits, vegetables, and plants:
- Beetroot
- Paprika
- Black carrot concentrate
- Spirulina
- Turmeric
- Elderberry juice
Comparison of Popular Candies: Conventional vs. Dye-Free
| Feature | Conventional Candy (often contains Red Dye 40) | Dye-Free Candy (e.g., YumEarth) |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Synthetic dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, etc.), corn syrup, artificial flavors. | Natural colors from fruits and vegetables, organic sweeteners, natural flavors. |
| Color Source | Petroleum-derived chemicals (Allura Red AC). | Plant-based extracts (beetroot, paprika, turmeric). |
| Potential Health Concerns | Linked to hyperactivity in sensitive children, allergic reactions. | Minimal health concerns related to coloring; uses naturally derived ingredients. |
| Certifications | Varies by product; often lacks organic or non-GMO labeling. | Frequently certified organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and/or vegan. |
| Availability | Widely available in mainstream grocery stores. | Increasing availability in mainstream stores, health food stores, and online. |
The Growing Market for Dye-Free Treats
The trend toward healthier eating and increased awareness of food additives has fueled the growth of the dye-free candy market. Major companies like Mars Wrigley have even announced plans to offer versions of popular candies like Skittles and M&M's without synthetic dyes, beginning in 2026. This shift indicates that consumer preferences for clean labels and natural ingredients are influencing even the largest players in the candy industry. For consumers, this means more and more options will become available, and finding a favorite treat free from Red Dye 40 will become much easier. This transition benefits not only those with sensitivities but also provides a more wholesome choice for all candy lovers.
ChocZero, for instance, has always been committed to being artificial dye free.
Conclusion
Navigating the candy aisle to find treats free of Red Dye 40 is simpler than ever, thanks to a growing number of brands committed to using natural alternatives. By becoming familiar with brands like YumEarth, Unreal, and Trader Joe's, and learning to read labels for Red Dye 40's various names, consumers can make informed choices that align with their health preferences. The shift towards natural colors derived from fruits and vegetables demonstrates that a vibrant and delicious candy experience does not require synthetic additives, offering a win-win for mindful indulgence and wellness. With industry giants also embracing this change, the future promises an even wider selection of guilt-free sweets for everyone to enjoy.
