When was the last time you checked the labels on your snacks, supplements, or beauty products? Artificial dyes like Red 40 may be doing more harm than you think—especially to your health and your kids'.
Why Red 40 and Artificial Dyes Are Problematic
Red 40, a synthetic dye found in everything from candy to cosmetics, has been linked to a range of health issues, particularly for children with ADHD. Studies suggest it can worsen hyperactivity, poor focus, and behavioral challenges. Even adults aren’t immune—Red 40 can disrupt gut health and hormone balance.
Personal Transformations:
- For me (Tracey), removing dyes supported my thyroid healing.
- For Paige, cutting out artificial dyes led to improved gut health and better management of her PCOS symptoms.
🎧 Want the full story? Listen to our latest podcast episode here.
Where Artificial Dyes Hide
Artificial dyes, including Red 40, can be sneaky. Here's a quick guide to help you spot them:
Common Food Categories with Dyes
- Snacks & Treats: Gummy candies, frosted Pop-Tarts, Skittles, and store-bought cupcakes.
- Breakfast Foods: Bright cereals like Fruit Loops, artificially flavored oatmeal, and pancake syrups. Be aware of these foods
- Drinks: Sports drinks, sodas, fruit punches, and flavored waters.
- Savory Snacks: Cheese-flavored chips (Doritos, Cheetos) and ramen noodles.
- Packaged Foods: Bright mac & cheese or frozen meals. Be Aware of These Packaged Foods
- Beauty & Medications: Lipsticks, kids' chewable vitamins, and cough syrups.
Top 3 Dyes to Be Aware of:
The top three artificial dyes to watch out for due to their potential health effects are:
1. Red 40 (Allura Red AC)
- Where It's Found: Candy, beverages, baked goods, cosmetics, and medicines.
2. Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)
- Where It's Found: Chips, cereals, baked goods, gelatin, and medications.
3. Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF)
- Where It's Found: Snacks, desserts, candies, and beverages.
Why They’re Harmful
These dyes are petroleum-based and can contain contaminants such as benzidine, a known carcinogen, in trace amounts. Some countries require warning labels or ban their use due to health risks.
Why are dyes like Red 40 banned or restricted in some countries?
In places like Norway, Finland, and the European Union, Red 40 is banned or requires warning labels due to:
- Links to Hyperactivity in Children
Numerous studies suggest a link between synthetic dyes like Red 40 and behavioral issues in children, particularly hyperactivity. This has led countries like Norway and Finland to ban certain artificial dyes entirely. The European Union (EU) requires products containing these dyes to carry a warning label: "May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children."
- Possible Allergic Reactions and Sensitivities
Artificial dyes can cause allergic reactions or intolerances, especially in sensitive individuals. Red 40 has been linked to rashes, migraines, and even asthma-like symptoms. These risks prompted some countries to opt for safer, natural alternatives.
- Carcinogenic Concerns
Red 40 is derived from petroleum, and while it is approved for use in the U.S., studies have raised concerns about potential carcinogenic contaminants, such as benzidine, found in trace amounts during production. Other countries with stricter food safety standards have opted to avoid such risks altogether.
- Preference for Natural Ingredients
Countries with bans or restrictions prioritize natural food coloring over synthetic dyes. Many use ingredients like beetroot powder, turmeric, or spirulina, which provide vibrant colors without health concerns.
- Consumer and Regulatory Pressure
In places like the EU, stricter food safety regulations reflect consumer demand for cleaner, less processed foods. Many companies have reformulated their products to use natural alternatives in response to these standards.
In contrast, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deems Red 40 safe, but this decision has faced criticism due to the less stringent safety thresholds compared to other nations.
By choosing products made with natural coloring and avoiding artificial dyes, you can align with the cleaner, more health-conscious approach many countries already follow.
Healthier Alternatives
There are simple, natural swaps you can make today. Look for products that use fruits and vegetables like beetroot, turmeric, and spirulina for coloring. Brands increasingly offer dye-free snacks and beverages— even medicines. My favorite dye-free brand for medicine is Genexa, check it out HERE
For supplements and beauty products, opt for clean, non-toxic brands that avoid synthetic dyes and prioritize natural ingredients. Check out a previous blog where we provide a list of some of our favorite Clean Brands
Healthier Food Alternatives: Make the Swap Today
Transitioning to a dye-free lifestyle doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
One of my favorite accounts to follow for Dye-Free Alternatives is Vani Hari, The Food Babe. She is a leading advocate for change in the US. Follow her IG account for dye-fee options & to keep updated on policy changes in the US, along with companies taking action to remove harmful dyes. Follow Here
Here are some simple swaps:
Snacks & Sweets
- Swap: Gummies → SmartSweets or YumEarth (made with real fruit juice).
- Swap: Bright cupcakes → Homemade treats with natural coloring.
- Click Here For Alternatives & Cookie Alternatives
Breakfast Foods
- Swap: Sugary cereals → Seven Sundays muesli or plain oatmeal with fruit.
- Swap: Artificial syrups → Real maple syrup or honey.
- Cereal Swaps
Drinks
- Swap: Sports drinks → Coconut water or Just Ingredients electrolytes. Click Here Dye-Free Alternative for 10% off Use Code TraceyLadyv
- Swap: Flavored water → Spindrift.
Savory Snacks
- Swap: Cheetos → Siete grain-free chips.
- Swap: Processed cheese → Moon Cheese or Whisps.
- Click Here For Alternatives
Beauty & Medications
- Swap: Generic gummies → Mary Ruth’s organic vitamins.
- Swap: Self Tanners for → Non-toxic beauty brands like Elan Pure.
What Happens When You Cut Out Dyes?
There are many benefits when you remove artificial dyes, especially Red 40
When removing artificial dyes we’ve personally benefited and witnessed incredible transformations:
- ADHD and Behavioral Improvements: A family friend’s child saw a complete behavioral turnaround by eliminating artificial dyes. Their focus improved, and tantrums became a thing of the past, or at least WAY less of them.
- Thyroid Health: Removing dyes helped me reduce inflammation and helped in improving & healing my thyroid. Listen to the episode about thyroid
- Gut and Hormone Balance: Paige’s gut health and PCOS symptoms drastically improved once she committed to cutting out Red 40 and similar additives. Want to hear about her journey and why she is committed to educating & developing dye-free products. 🎧Listen Here
Final Thoughts
Living a dye-free lifestyle isn’t about perfection—it’s about making mindful choices. By opting for products with natural ingredients, you’re prioritizing your family’s health and paving the way for better focus, improved gut health, and balanced hormones.
Check out our full podcast episode for more tips and personal stories here.
