Locations:
Search IconSearch

Is Red Dye 40 Safe?

The color additive found in many pre-packaged foods may affect those with ADHD or allergies

Fresh baked cookies using red dye with white frosting and red sprinkles

Do you notice your kiddo gets hyper after eating a cookie coated with bright red frosting and rainbow sprinkles? It’s natural to assume that sugar is the culprit, but research suggests some of the blame belongs to artificial food dyes like red dye 40.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

So, what is red dye 40? Red dye 40, made from petroleum, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in foods and drinks.

But some studies have linked artificial food dyes like red dye 40 to hyperactivity, including ADHD.

Some studies show a link between dyes and increased ADHD or hyperactivity in children. And other studies show an improvement in behavior and attention once the dyes were eliminated. Still, more research is needed.

Currently, the U.S. doesn’t ban any artificial food dyes. But some countries say there’s enough evidence to justify banning them.

Registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD, highlights the possible risks associated with red dye 40 foods and how to minimize them.

Foods that contain red food dye

Red dye 40 is one of the most popular color additives. Foods that come in a package are processed and almost always contain food dyes like red dye 40. It’s best to read the labels to look for red dye 40, which can also be listed as:

  • Red 40.
  • Red 40 Lake.
  • FD&C Red No. 40.
  • FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake.

It’s important to note that ingredients are listed on food labels by weight.

Foods that commonly include red dye 40 include:

  • Cakes and frosting.
  • Pastries.
  • Cereals.
  • Candy and gum.
  • Yogurt.
  • Puddings.
  • Gelatins.
  • Ice cream.
  • Popsicles.
  • Soda.
  • Sports drinks.
  • Energy drinks.
  • Protein powders.
  • Chips and salty snack foods.

Advertisement

“The key to avoiding dyes is label reading, take note of the foods that you are purchasing that have dye in them and find a healthy alternative,” notes Zumpano. “For example, if your cereal contains food dye, find one that doesn’t, and explain to your family why you made the switch. Teach your family to read labels to avoid food dyes.”

Red dye 40 side effects

It’s hard to determine the exact cause of certain side effects, as red dye is typically used in conjunction with other food additives that may also lead to symptoms.

Potential side effects may include:

  • Hyperactivity, including ADHD.
  • Behavioral changes like irritability and depression.
  • Allergic reaction.
  • Hives and asthma.
  • Sneezing.
  • Watery eyes.
  • Skin irritation.
  • Migraines.

Red dye 40 contains benzene, a known cancer-causing substance.

“Researchers also found tumor growth in animals that consumed high doses of food dyes, though it can be hard to translate what this means for kids,” says Zumpano. “Some studies say the small amount of benzene in the dyes couldn’t pose a high risk.”

But she encourages steering clear of dyes as often as possible to avoid any adverse risks.

How to know if your child has a red dye allergy

You can screen for red dye 40 intolerance at home.

“Try cutting out all foods with red dye 40 for a week or two,” says Zumpano. “Hopefully, you’ll notice an improvement in behavior. But you might not realize how the dye affects your kids until you begin to reintroduce foods and see their reactions.”

It’s important to note that child medications (think liquid cough syrups or chewable tablets) can also contain food dyes, so look for dye-free versions.

Food dye alternatives

Make sure you read nutrition labels and shoot for foods that use natural food coloring from fruit and vegetable extracts. You can also use these red food dye alternatives in your own cooking and baking:

  • Beet juice.
  • Beet powder.
  • Blueberry juice.
  • Pomegranate juice.
  • Beta-carotene.
  • Cranberries.
  • Cherries.
  • Strawberries.
  • Dried hibiscus flowers.

“I recommend minimizing food dyes in your kids’ diets,” reiterates Zumpano. “And if there is a cancer risk in your family, I would encourage you to be even more vigilant in avoiding artificial dyes.”

If you’re concerned about red dye, remember that you have complete control when you make food yourself.

“If you need to bring a dessert into school, consider a chocolate chip cookie or a sugar cookie you won’t need to frost,” she suggests. “If you have to frost something, try making the frosting from scratch and stick to chocolate or cream frosting or choose dyes from natural food sources.”

And Zumpano stresses you should avoid giving your kids processed foods for as long as possible and limit the frequency to only times that it may be difficult to control such as a birthday party or school party. Once these foods have been introduced, it can be hard to get kids off them.

Advertisement

“When you do encounter foods with dyes, talk to your kids about why brightly colored foods may not be the best choice for their bodies,” advises Zumpano. “If your kids go to a party, encourage them to choose apple juice over a sports drink or soda. And always model good behavior when you’re around your kids.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Health Library
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Related Articles

Adding spoonful of allulose to mug of coffee
November 4, 2024/Nutrition
What You Need To Know About Allulose

Although allulose is an FDA-approved sugar substitute, more research is needed to understand its safety

Person in park wearing fitness apparel, drinking water from bottle, with person walking and person on bench in background
October 3, 2024/Nutrition
How Much Water You Should Drink Every Day

Consumption needs vary based on activity, weather, metabolism and other factors

A plate on table divided into balanced nutrition sizes, with fork and knife, and a spot on the table for dairy
September 27, 2024/Nutrition
What Exactly Is a Balanced Diet?

A typical recommended balanced diet is half fruits and veggies, a quarter protein and a quarter grains

Person in kitchen holding placard with six foods containing calcium, like tofu, broccoli and almonds
September 6, 2024/Nutrition
Food for Your Bones: How To Follow the Osteoporosis Diet

Eating enough dairy, fish and leafy greens is a good way to help keep your bones strong

Tofu and vegetables in enamel serving skillet
August 27, 2024/Nutrition
What You Need To Know About the Ornish Diet

This low-fat, plant-based eating plan includes lifestyle changes, such as exercise, stress management and social support

Hands scooping pomegranate seeds from bowl onto fruit bowl
August 22, 2024/Nutrition
Is a Whole Foods, Plant-Based Diet Right for You?

Eating foods derived from plants can lower your risks of heart disease, diabetes and obesity

Food placed on plate like a clock
August 9, 2024/Nutrition
Intermittent Fasting Explained: Benefits and How To Do It Safely

There are different ways to alternate between eating and fasting

Person holding up and pointing to bowl of tofu, with assorted protein foods floating around
July 25, 2024/Nutrition
What Iron Does for Your Body

The benefits of iron span your whole body, from your blood and your brain to your immune system and more

Trending Topics

Female and friend jogging outside
How To Increase Your Metabolism for Weight Loss

Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

jar of rice water and brush, with rice scattered around table
Could Rice Water Be the Secret To Healthier Hair?

While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims

Ad