What Gives Gummy Bears Their Color? (And Why It Doesn't Have to Be Red 40)
Most gummy bears get their bright colors from petroleum-based dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5. Here's how color can come from real food instead — and why it matters.
★ From the Journal ★
Dye-free and made in USA candy stories from USA Gummies, with patriotic gummy tips.
★ Featured guide ★
The pillar guide to red 40 free gummies, label rules, and how to shop dye-free candy with confidence.
Most gummy bears get their bright colors from petroleum-based dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5. Here's how color can come from real food instead — and why it matters.

America's gummy bear is landing at America's landmarks. This summer, dye-free, made-in-USA USA Gummies roll out to 11 legendary military and history museum stores — from the USS Midway to Gettysburg.
Ten easy Memorial Day party favors your guests will actually keep — from red-white-and-blue candy jars to dye-free gummy bears and mini American flags.
From Civil War hardtack to modern MREs, candy has been fueling American troops for over 150 years. Here's the surprisingly sweet history of candy military rations.

From colonial sugar imports to modern American-made gummy bears — the story of candy in America as the nation approaches its 250th birthday.
How candy became part of Memorial Day traditions across America, from care packages to backyard cookouts honoring those who served.

Simple, clean snack ideas for your Memorial Day 2026 cookout — including dye-free candy that keeps the table patriotic without the chemicals.

Memorial Day honors those who gave their lives for this country. Choosing American-made products is one small way to honor what they fought for.
Blue 1 is one of the most common artificial dyes in American candy. Here's what it is, where it's found, and what the research says about its safety.