Which sodas contain red dye? Your complete guide

Despite the shift toward more natural ingredients, a surprising number of popular beverages still contain artificial color additives like Red Dye #40. If you're concerned about your intake, knowing which sodas contain red dye is the first step toward informed consumption.

Quick Summary

A detailed examination of specific sodas and brands that use artificial red coloring. The article covers how to identify dyes and explores natural alternatives.

Key Points

• Red Dye #40 is Common: Many popular fruit-flavored sodas, including Mountain Dew Code Red and Pepsi Wild Cherry, use Red Dye #40 to achieve their color.

• Check the Label: The easiest way to identify artificial red dye is by checking the ingredient list for "Red 40" or "FD&C Red No. 40".

• Not All Sodas are Equal: While cherry-flavored versions often contain red dye, original recipes for sodas like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Dr. Pepper typically use caramel color.

• Dye-Free Alternatives Exist: Brands like Zevia and Hint offer sodas and sparkling waters that use natural colorants or are dye-free.

• Regulatory Differences: Food dye regulations can vary by country; some sodas may use different formulations in the US versus Europe.

• Red Dye #3 is Phasing Out: While previously used, Red Dye #3 is being phased out of food products in the US due to health concerns.

Understanding Red Food Dyes in Beverages

Food and beverage manufacturers use artificial dyes to enhance or maintain a product's color, which can influence a consumer's perception of its flavor. The most common artificial red dye currently used in sodas in the United States is Red Dye #40, also known as FD&C Red No. 40 or Allura Red AC. This synthetic coloring is derived from petroleum and is prevalent in a wide range of processed foods and drinks. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Red Dye #40 for use, its safety has been a subject of ongoing debate and research, with some studies suggesting a link to hyperactivity in some children.

In the past, another dye, Red Dye #3 (FD&C Red No. 3), was also used. However, due to health concerns, the FDA has moved to ban its use in food products. This has prompted some manufacturers to reformulate their products or switch to alternatives like Red Dye #40, which remains prevalent in many market products.

Specific Sodas That Use Red Dyes

Several popular soda brands include artificial red dye, particularly in their cherry, berry, and fruit-flavored variations. While original colas and lemon-lime drinks are generally free of red dyes, consumers must check the ingredient list for flavored versions.

Sodas Confirmed to Contain Red Dye #40

• Mountain Dew Code Red: This soda is well-known for its vibrant red color, which is achieved with Red Dye #40.
• Big Red Soda: A favorite in parts of the U.S., this brightly colored cream soda gets its hue from Red Dye #40. The ingredient is set to be removed by the end of 2026.
• Pepsi Wild Cherry: This cherry-flavored variant of Pepsi contains Red Dye #40.
• Dr. Pepper Cherry Flavored Zero Sugar: The ingredient list for this specific product clearly includes Red Dye #40. Note that this is different from the original Dr. Pepper flavor.
• Cherry 7Up: Red Dye #40 is used to give this soda its distinct pinkish-red tint.
• Some Fanta Flavors: Fanta's strawberry and orange flavors contain Red Dye #40.
• Crush: Strawberry and grape Crush are examples of sodas that contain red dye.
• Hawaiian Punch: Some Hawaiian Punch products, which are often found in the soda aisle, also use Red Dye #40.

How to Identify Red Dye on a Product Label

Identifying artificial colors in beverages is straightforward if you know where to look. The FDA requires all color additives to be clearly listed on a product's ingredient label.

1. Read the Ingredient List Carefully: Synthetic dyes like Red Dye #40 are typically listed towards the end of the ingredient list.
2. Look for Specific Identifiers: Watch for specific terms such as "Red 40," "FD&C Red No. 40," or "Allura Red AC".
3. Check for Other Colors: Sometimes, a product's color is the result of multiple dyes. For instance, grape flavors might combine red and blue dyes.
4. Note the Color: Unnaturally bright or neon colors are a strong indicator that a product contains synthetic dyes.

The Rise of Dye-Free and Naturally Colored Sodas

In response to consumer demand for cleaner labels and fewer artificial ingredients, many companies are developing dye-free and naturally colored beverage options. For those looking to avoid artificial red dye, these products offer a safer alternative.

• Zevia Zero Sugar Soda: This brand is known for its lineup of zero-calorie, naturally flavored and colored sodas, providing a dye-free alternative to many mainstream sodas.
• Hint Sparkling Water: Hint offers flavored sparkling water without any dyes or artificial sweeteners, a great option for those who prefer fizz without the color.
• Olipop: This brand offers a variety of flavored sparkling tonics that often use natural colorants and are free from synthetic dyes.

Natural Alternatives to Artificial Red Dye

Manufacturers use a variety of natural ingredients to achieve red hues in beverages, including:

• Beetroot Extract: Derived from beets, this can provide a rich, reddish color.
• Annatto: Sourced from the seeds of the achiote tree, annatto produces a vibrant orange-red shade.
• Paprika Extract: This extract, from sweet peppers, can add a reddish-orange hue.
• Pomegranate Juice: Provides a deep red color while also adding flavor and antioxidants.

Comparison Table: Sodas with Artificial vs. Natural Coloring

Brand	Flavor	Color Source	Artificial Dye	Natural Alternative	Notes
Mountain Dew	Code Red	Artificial (Red Dye #40, Yellow #5, Blue #1)	Yes	No	Classic artificially colored beverage.
Pepsi	Wild Cherry	Artificial (Red Dye #40)	Yes	No	Uses Red Dye #40 for its distinct cherry color.
Dr. Pepper	Original	Caramel Color	No	No	Uses caramel for coloring, not red dye.
Dr. Pepper	Cherry Zero Sugar	Artificial (Red Dye #40)	Yes	No	The cherry flavor specifically uses Red Dye #40.
Zevia	Black Cherry	Natural Flavors	No	Yes	Uses natural coloring and stevia for sweetness.
Hint	Sparkling Water (Cherry)	Natural Flavors	No	Yes	Provides flavor without any dyes.
Coca-Cola	Cherry (Fountain)	Artificial (Red Dye #40)	Yes	No	Varies by dispenser; bottled versions use caramel.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

For consumers wary of artificial additives, navigating the soda aisle requires careful attention to ingredient labels. While classic sodas like regular Dr. Pepper and Pepsi use caramel coloring, many popular fruit-flavored varieties still rely on synthetic dyes like Red Dye #40 for their vibrant colors. Fortunately, a growing number of brands are offering delicious, dye-free alternatives that use natural colorants derived from fruits and vegetables. The best way to manage your intake is to stay vigilant, read labels, and consider the increasing availability of naturally colored options to enjoy your favorite beverages with peace of mind. For more information on ingredients, check resources like the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does regular Dr. Pepper contain red dye?

No, regular Dr. Pepper uses caramel coloring for its appearance, not artificial red dyes. However, some flavored variants, like Dr. Pepper Cherry, do contain Red Dye #40.

Is Red Dye #40 considered safe?

The FDA considers Red Dye #40 safe for use, but ongoing studies and consumer advocates continue to raise questions about potential health effects, particularly regarding hyperactivity in children.

What is a natural alternative to red dye?

Common natural alternatives to artificial red dye include beetroot extract, annatto, and paprika extract, which provide vibrant colors without synthetic additives.

How can I find dye-free sodas?

Look for brands specifically advertising natural ingredients or check the ingredient list for the absence of terms like "Red 40" or "FD&C Red No. 40." Brands like Zevia and Hint are good starting points.

Why is red dye added to some sodas?

Red dye is primarily added to sodas for aesthetic purposes. It enhances or establishes a visual link between the beverage's color and its perceived flavor, such as red for cherry.

Do all cherry-flavored sodas have red dye?

No, not all cherry-flavored sodas contain red dye. Many use Red Dye #40, but some brands, especially those emphasizing natural ingredients, use natural colorants or are dye-free.

What is the difference between Red Dye #40 and Red Dye #3?

Red Dye #40 is currently an FDA-approved food additive, while the use of Red Dye #3 in food products is being phased out due to studies showing it caused cancer in laboratory animals.