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.
★ No Artificial Dyes Gummy Bears ★
Red 40 free,dye-free, USA-made.
USA Gummies are colored with fruit and vegetable extracts for a classic gummy bear look — without artificial dyes or synthetic colors. All natural flavors, made in the USA.
Sourced, Made & Packed in the U.S.A.
★ A Public Service Announcement ★
What’s in
their bag?
Flip over most gummy bears on the shelf and you’ll find the same short list of synthetic dyes — colors made from petroleum, not food. They won’t put that on the front of the bag, so we’ll put it here:
- Red 40 · Allura Red
Made from: Petroleum
A synthetic azo dye — the most-used food coloring in America.
- Yellow 5 · Tartrazine
Made from: Petroleum
Europe requires a warning on foods that use it: “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.”
- Yellow 6 · Sunset Yellow
Made from: Petroleum
A synthetic azo dye that carries that same European warning.
- Blue 1 · Brilliant Blue
Made from: Petroleum
A synthetic dye used across candy, drinks, and snacks.
- Red 3 · Erythrosine
Made from: Petroleum + iodine
The FDA revoked its approval for use in food in January 2025.
★ And Why We Never Will ★
We’ve never used a single one.
Dye-free from our very first batch — while the big brands scramble to pull Red 40, we never put it in. Our five colors come from real fruit and vegetable juice. It costs more and it’s harder to make, but candy you can hand your kids without second-guessing is worth it. We never have, and we never will.
★ The Standard ★
Three reasons
to skip the dyes.
Red 40 free gummies
No FD&C Red No. 40 or other certified synthetic colors anywhere in the bag.
No artificial dyes
Colors come from fruit and vegetable extracts, spirulina, and curcumin.
Made in the USA
All natural flavors with a clean, classic gummy bear chew.
Free shipping on every order.
★ No Red 40 ★
No petroleum dyes.None. Ever.
No Red 40, no Yellow 5, no Yellow 6, no Blue 1 — the four dyes other gummies lean on, and we leave out. Just real fruit color, made in the U.S.A.
★ Scientific Context ★
The science & regs
behind dye-free.
Certified colors are synthetic
FDA notes that certified colors are synthetic and require batch certification before use.
Exempt colors come from natural sources
FDA describes exempt colors as pigments from sources like vegetables, minerals, or animals, and they still require FDA approval.
What FDA says about behavior
FDA reports that most children show no adverse effects from color additives, but some evidence suggests sensitivity in certain children and the agency continues to evaluate new science.
★ Reading the Label ★
How to spot
Red 40 in the wild.
★ Regulatory References ★
U.S. label rules for certified colors
FDA requires certified color additives to be listed by name on food labels (for example, FD&C Red No. 40 or Red 40).
Red 40 in the CFR
FD&C Red No. 40 is listed in 21 CFR 74.340, may be used for coloring foods consistent with good manufacturing practice, and batches must be certified under 21 CFR Part 80.
UK warning labels for certain colors
UK guidance requires warning labels for foods containing certain colors, including Allura Red (E129), indicating they may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.
★ How to Spot Red 40 ★
- ★Look for certified colors listed by name, such as FD&C Red No. 40 or the shortened Red 40.
- ★Exempt colors can appear as 'color added' or 'artificial colors' instead of each individual name.
- ★If you want dye-free gummies, confirm the ingredient list calls out fruit or vegetable-based colors.
Ingredient lists can change. Always check the bag for the most current label information.
★ Shop Red 40 Free ★
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★ ★ ★ Five natural flavors in every bag ★ ★ ★
Cherry
Lemon
Green Apple
Orange
Watermelon
★ The Real Thing ★
The gummy bearwithout the chemistry set.
Same chewy texture, same five fruit flavors you grew up with — minus the synthetic dyes. An honest American candy you can hand to anyone.
★ No Artificial Dyes FAQs ★
Quick answers
about Red 40.
Are USA Gummies red 40 free?+
Yes. USA Gummies do not use FD&C Red No. 40. Color comes from fruit and vegetable extracts, spirulina, and curcumin.
Do you use any artificial dyes or synthetic colors?+
No. We do not use artificial dyes or synthetic colors.
How is Red 40 listed on U.S. labels?+
Certified colors are listed by name in the ingredient list, such as FD&C Red No. 40 or Red 40.
Are these gummies vegan?+
No. USA Gummies contain gelatin.
Where are USA Gummies made?+
USA Gummies are sourced, made, and packed in the USA.
Where can I see full ingredient and nutrition details?+
Visit the ingredients page for the most current label information.
What’s On the Bag
Straight from
the label.
No Artificial Dyes.
Colors come from fruits, vegetables, spirulina, and curcumin — the only coloring ingredients on the panel. Not one dye on the label.
Made in the U.S.A.
Sourced, made, and packed right here in the U.S.A. Backing American jobs and American business with every bag.
Five Natural Flavors.
Cherry, Lemon, Green Apple, Orange, Watermelon. The five classics in a 7.5 oz bag.
★ ★ ★ Five Natural Flavors ★ ★ ★
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