Red 40 (also labeled Allura Red AC, FD&C Red No. 40, or E129) is the most widely used artificial food dye in the United States. It shows up in everything from gummy bears to fruit snacks to hard candies — and it's the dye parents search for most when checking labels.
After the FDA banned Red No. 3 in January 2025 and Mars announced plans to remove artificial dyes from its entire lineup, more people than ever are asking: which candies actually contain Red 40?
We went through the ingredient labels so you don't have to.
What candy has Red 40?
These popular candy brands list Red 40 (Allura Red AC) on their ingredient labels as of early 2026. Formulations can change, so always check the package you're buying.
Gummy bears and gummy candy:
- Haribo Goldbears — Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1
- Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers — Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1
- Black Forest gummy bears (classic, non-organic line) — Red 40
- Brach's gummy bears — Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6
Fruit snacks:
- Welch's Fruit Snacks — Red 40, Blue 1
- Mott's Fruit Flavored Snacks — Red 40, Yellow 6, Blue 1
- Betty Crocker Fruit Roll-Ups — Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1
Hard candy and chewy candy:
- Skittles (original) — Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1 (a dye-free version launched on Amazon 2026-08-13; the original stays on shelves)
- Starburst (original) — Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1
- Swedish Fish — Red 40
- Sour Patch Kids — Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1
- Jolly Rancher — Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1
- Nerds — Red 40, Blue 1
- Airheads — Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1
- Mike and Ike — Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1
- Hot Tamales — Red 40, Yellow 5
Chocolate candy with colored shells:
- M&M's — Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2 (a dye-free version launched on Amazon 2026-08-13, without Blue or Brown; the original stays on shelves)
- Reese's Pieces — Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1
Note: Update, verified 2026-09-01: this is no longer a plan. On August 13, 2026 Mars released versions of Skittles Original, Starburst Original Fruit Chews, Extra Gum Spearmint, and M&M's Milk Chocolate made without FD&C colors, sold on Amazon. Two things matter for a shopper: the M&M's version launched without Blue and Brown, and Mars states the original dyed versions remain available alongside the new ones. So the bag on the grocery shelf is still the dyed formula unless you have specifically sought out the new SKU. Source: Mars press release, 2026-08-13.
Labels checked: the list above was verified against product ingredient panels on 2026-09-01. Formulations change and several manufacturers are reformulating right now, so check the package in your hand — but you should not have to guess how old a list is, so we date ours.
What candy is Red 40 free?
These brands have already removed artificial dyes or never used them:
- USA Gummies — No Red 40 or any artificial dyes. Colors come from fruit and vegetable extracts (beet juice, turmeric, spirulina, carrot). No annatto, no paprika extract, and no carmine either — households screening for dyes often avoid the natural colorants too, and most brands don't say either way. Made in the USA, 7.5 oz bags.
- YumEarth — Organic, plant-based colors from fruit and vegetable concentrates.
- Surf Sweets — Colored with organic fruit and vegetable juice.
- Unreal Candy — No artificial colors in any products.
- SmartSweets — Uses plant-based colors.
- Black Forest Organic — The organic line (not the classic line) uses juice concentrates for color.
- Hu Kitchen — No artificial anything, including dyes.
- Justin's — Peanut butter cups use no artificial colors.
How do you check for Red 40 on a label?
Red 40 can appear under several names on ingredient labels:
- Red 40
- Allura Red AC
- Allura Red
- FD&C Red No. 40
- E129 (European labeling)
- CI 16035 (color index number)
It's always listed in the ingredients section, usually near the end alongside other artificial colors. If you see any of the color names above, or "artificial colors" / "color added," the product likely contains synthetic dyes.
Why do people avoid Red 40?
Red 40 is approved by the FDA for use in food, but it has drawn scrutiny for several reasons:
- Behavioral concerns: Multiple studies have examined possible links between Red 40 and hyperactivity in children. The European Union requires warning labels on foods containing Red 40 stating the dye "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children."
- Allergic reactions: Some people report sensitivity reactions including hives and headaches.
- Petroleum origin: Red 40 is synthesized from petroleum byproducts, which some consumers prefer to avoid.
- California disclosure: California passed a law requiring disclosure of certain artificial dyes in foods sold in schools.
The FDA's position is that Red 40 is safe at current levels of consumption, though the agency continues to review emerging research.
The bigger picture
Red 40 is just one of several artificial food dyes commonly used in candy. Others include:
| Dye | Common name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Red No. 3 | Erythrosine | Banned by FDA (Jan 2025) |
| Red No. 40 | Allura Red | Approved (warning labels in EU) |
| Yellow No. 5 | Tartrazine | Approved (warning labels in EU) |
| Yellow No. 6 | Sunset Yellow | Approved (warning labels in EU) |
| Blue No. 1 | Brilliant Blue | Approved |
| Blue No. 2 | Indigo Carmine | Approved |
The trend is clearly moving toward fewer artificial dyes in food. Major manufacturers including Mars, General Mills, Kraft Heinz, and PepsiCo/Frito-Lay have announced reformulation plans, though timelines vary.
How do you find candy without Red 40?
If you're looking to avoid Red 40, here are practical tips:
- Check the ingredient label — look for any of the names listed above
- Look for "no artificial colors" on the front of the package
- Choose organic options — USDA Organic rules prohibit synthetic dyes
- Check our dye-free candy guide for a deeper breakdown of what to look for
- Try USA Gummies — we've been dye-free from day one, with colors from fruit and vegetable extracts
National Tailgating Day is the first Saturday in September — September 5, 2026 this year. If the cooler is the next place those labels show up, what to pack for a dye-free tailgate is the short version: keep five for the house, share two at the lot.
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