Which Popular Candy Has Red 40 in it?

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA Branded Foods Database, thousands of food products contain Red 40, a common synthetic food dye. While it is most noticeable in red candies, this petroleum-derived coloring agent is also found in a wide range of other sweets. Understanding which candy has Red 40 is crucial for consumers seeking to avoid this controversial additive.

Quick Summary

Several popular candies use the artificial color Red 40, or Allura Red AC, to achieve a vibrant color. These include well-known treats like Skittles, M&M's, Starburst, and Swedish Fish. Shoppers should carefully inspect ingredient lists, as Red 40 can appear in products that aren't obviously red.

Key Points

Common Culprits: Many popular candies, including Skittles, M&M's, Starburst, and Swedish Fish, use Red 40 to achieve vibrant colors.
Label Reading: To confirm if a candy has Red 40, check the ingredient label for "Red 40," "FD&C Red No. 40," or "E129".
Not Just Red Candy: Red 40 can also be present in candies that are orange, brown, pink, or purple, so don't assume only red items contain it.
Health Considerations: Some studies suggest a link between Red 40 and hyperactivity in sensitive children, though regulatory bodies consider it safe in regulated amounts for most.
Dye-Free Alternatives: Numerous brands, such as YumEarth and UNREAL, offer candies colored with natural ingredients like fruit and vegetable juices.
Controversy and Regulation: The use of Red 40 is a subject of ongoing debate, with stricter labeling laws in some regions like the European Union.

What is Red 40 and why is it in candy?

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC or FD&C Red No. 40, is a synthetic food dye made from petroleum. It is used to enhance the visual appeal of processed foods and beverages, making them more attractive to consumers. In candy manufacturing, it provides a stable and vibrant red hue that would otherwise be difficult or costly to achieve using natural colorings. Despite its prevalence and FDA approval, Red 40 is subject to scrutiny due to potential health concerns, including links to hyperactivity in some children. This has led many to seek out which candy has Red 40 and to look for alternatives.

Potential health considerations of Red 40

The discussion around Red 40 is ongoing, with studies showing mixed results regarding health impacts. While regulatory bodies like the FDA state it is safe within regulated limits for most people, some research and anecdotal reports suggest potential issues.

Hyperactivity in children: A 2007 Southampton study and later reviews linked synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, to increased hyperactivity in some children. Though the FDA has noted most children do not experience adverse behavioral effects, it acknowledges that some may be sensitive to it. European Union regulations require products containing Red 40 to carry a warning label about potential effects on activity and attention in children.
Allergic reactions: Though rare, allergic reactions to Red 40 can occur in sensitive individuals. Symptoms may include hives or swelling.
Other health research: Some animal studies and cell culture research have investigated other potential effects, such as DNA damage or impacts on the gut microbiome, though conclusive human studies are still needed.

A list of popular candies that contain Red 40

Many of the brightly colored candies in the checkout aisle contain Red 40. The dye is often used for red-colored pieces but can also be found in orange, purple, and brown candies. Reading the ingredient label is the most reliable method for confirmation. Common examples include:

Skittles: All varieties, including non-red pieces, often contain Red 40.
M&M's: The red and brown varieties have Red 40.
Starburst: The red and pink flavors, and surprisingly, sometimes even the white candies, contain Red 40.
Jolly Ranchers: Many of the fruit-flavored hard candies, especially cherry and watermelon, include this dye.
Nerds Candy: Various flavors list Red 40 on their ingredient lists.
Swedish Fish: The iconic red chewy fish are made with Red 40.
Twizzlers: The classic cherry-flavored licorice uses Red 40.
Fruit Roll-Ups: Certain varieties, particularly red and pink, contain Red 40.
Jell-O Gelatin: The powdered mixes, especially strawberry and cherry, include artificial dyes like Red 40.

How to identify Red 40 on ingredient labels

Spotting Red 40 requires familiarity with its different names. Manufacturers are required to list all ingredients on the packaging. Here is what to look for:

Direct Name: Look for "Red 40" or "FD&C Red No. 40".
European Name: In Europe, it is labeled as "E129".
Insoluble form: For some products like chewing gum, it might be listed as "Red 40 Lake".

Comparison of candies with and without Red 40

To help you make informed choices, here is a comparison of popular candy options, highlighting those with and without synthetic red dyes.


Candy Brand	Common Product	Contains Red 40?	Typical Colorings Used	Notes
Skittles	Original Fruit Chews	Yes	Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 2	Brightly colored shell candies.
YumEarth	Organic Lollipops, Giggles	No	Fruit and vegetable juices, annatto, turmeric	Organic, naturally colored candy brand.
M&M's	Plain and Peanut Milk Chocolate	Yes	Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5, Yellow 6	Candy-coated chocolates; brown and red use Red 40.
UNREAL	Milk Chocolate Gems	No	Beetroot juice, annatto, turmeric	A healthier, dye-free alternative to M&M's.
Swedish Fish	Original Chewy Candy	Yes	Red 40	Classic red fish-shaped gummy candy.
Sweet Tart Ropes	Cherry Punch	No	N/A	Note that regular Sweet Tarts may contain Red 40.
Jolly Rancher	Hard Candy (Cherry, Watermelon)	Yes	Red 40	Hard candies known for their intense fruit flavor.
Hi-Chew	Fruit Chews	No	Natural colors from fruit juices	Japanese fruit chews often celebrated for their natural ingredients.

Alternatives to candies with Red 40

For those who prefer to avoid Red 40, numerous options are available. The market for naturally colored candies has grown significantly due to increased consumer demand. Look for brands that use natural sources for coloring, such as beet juice, carrot juice, or annatto.

Some dye-free candy brands include YumEarth, UNREAL, and Hi-Chew. Additionally, many standard candy brands offer specific varieties that are free of artificial dyes. When in doubt, always read the ingredient list, especially on limited-edition or holiday-themed products, which may have different formulations.

Conclusion

Which candy has Red 40 in it is a frequent question for many consumers, particularly those with sensitivities or concerns about artificial dyes. Popular candies like Skittles, M&M's, and Swedish Fish are common sources of this petroleum-derived food coloring. To identify Red 40, check ingredient lists for "Red 40," "FD&C Red No. 40," or "E129." The increasing availability of dye-free and naturally colored alternatives from brands like YumEarth and UNREAL provides excellent options for those seeking to reduce their intake of artificial additives.

Authority Link: For comprehensive information on food additives, consumers can refer to the official website of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which provides details on certified color additives like Red 40. The FDA's regulations and guidance are the authoritative source for food safety in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food dye derived from petroleum. It is used in candy to provide a vibrant, stable red color that is more cost-effective than using natural colorings.

Yes, all varieties of Skittles, not just the red ones, typically contain Red 40. The dye is used as part of the coloring for the entire mix of fruit-flavored candies.

No, Red 40 can also be used to create other colors, such as orange, purple, and brown, when mixed with other dyes. It can even be in white candies, as some manufacturers use it as a color enhancer.

While generally considered safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA for most people, some individuals, particularly sensitive children, may experience behavioral effects like hyperactivity. Allergic reactions, though rare, can also occur.

The most effective way is to read the ingredient labels carefully. Look for brands that explicitly state they use natural colorings, often derived from fruit or vegetable juices. Some dedicated dye-free brands also exist.

Red 40 is not banned in the United States, but some regions have stricter regulations. The European Union requires a warning label on products containing Red 40, indicating it may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.

Natural food colorings used as alternatives include beet juice, pomegranate juice, annatto, and paprika oleoresin. These are often used by brands that cater to the dye-free and organic market.