How to Avoid Red 40 in Your Home & Why I Avoid it as a Mama
This article may contain affiliate links (which basically means if you buy something from a link on my site, I get a small percentage kickback from it.) However it’s no extra cost to you and it simply helps support this blog. Thank you so much for being here! I so appreciate you and hope you enjoy reading my articles!
You're aware that nutrition is key to a healthy lifestyle, but there's one pesky ingredient that keeps popping up Red 40…You're familiar with this food additive, especially if you have little ones who are obsessed with Spiderman or PawPatrol, like me, and beg you to get the brightly colored cupcakes for their class….UGH. You might be wondering more about this and "How to avoid Red 40 and why is it important?".
This post is particularly designed for those mamas who have heard about Red 40 and want to learn more about why you should avoid red 40 and red 40 alternatives to give a try instead!
You might even have some questions like "Is Red 40 actually concerning?", "Are kids more hyper when they eat Red 40?", "How long does red dye 40 last in the body?".
I absolutely understand your worries and would love for you to dive into this article as we dive in. Let's uncover red dye 40 effects on our health and share some handy tips to keep them far away from our family meals and never ending snack time, shall we?
What is Red Dye 40?
Ladies, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of Red Dye 40, also known by its fancy name, Allura Red AC. This little monster has been around for ages and is a common culprit found in your favorite candies, cereals, beverages, and even baked goods! Why? It's all about the visuals, mama..and nothing more. This dye gives food that vibrant, appealing look that makes you and your kiddos say, "pleaseeee can we get these!" that later stain their entire mouth red and have the other parents asking “why on earth did they get red and blue cupcakes?!” LOL I know I'm not the only one!
But ladies…it's derived from petroleum. Yes, you heard it right, petroleum! It's like putting engine oil in your food - not exactly appetizing, huh? This controversial aspect has sparked heated debates among scientists and consumers alike, questioning its long-term effects on our health and our kids health.
And if you think it stops at food, think again. This sneaky dye also finds its way into non-food items like cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Talk about being EVERYYYYWHERE! The more we know about Red 40, the more we realize how important it is to scrutinize our everyday products. So let's keep digging, shall we?
The Hidden Impact of Red 40
Research suggests a possible link between Red 40 and certain health concerns, particularly in relation to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in kiddos? Some studies have hinted that Red 40 might worsen ADHD symptoms in children sensitive to this coloring.
It seems that artificial food colorings and preservatives might increase hyperactive behavior in a broad range of children, not just those diagnosed with ADHD. I know when my kiddos (boys 4 & 5) have red 40 from school or grandparents who forget to check, I tend to notice that they are more hyper than normal…even with boys it’s noticeable and I find myself having to repeat myself and repeat directions 100x more. IYKYK…
In another interesting study, it showed that a good number of children with ADHD experienced symptom improvement when they have a diet free from artificial colorings like Red 40. This suggests that Red 40 might contribute to triggering ADHD symptoms in some cases.
It's essential to bear in mind, though, that we need more research to entirely grasp the tie between Red 40 and ADHD symptoms. Remember, every child is unique, and not all who eat Red 40 will experience a worsening of ADHD symptoms.
Why is Red 40 not banned in the United States?
While it's true that some folks might have concerns about the health implications of Red 40, it's worth noting that it's still A-OK in the United States…so the foods on the shelves can still have this additive in it. On the other hand, some countries have put some strict rules in place or even said a big no-no to certain food colorings due to possible health risks.
But the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. has a different take on the matter. They say that on what we know so far, Red 40 is safe to eat (even though research says otherwise). So, they're still giving a thumbs up to its use in all sorts of food products, firmly believing that the potential health risks don't tip the scale against the benefits of its use.
Food Companies Are Hiding Artificial Dyes with Sneaky Label Tricks
Food companies are catching on that more parents are paying close attention to labels, especially when it comes to artificial ingredients like synthetic food dyes. Because of this, some brands are changing how they list artificial dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 on their products. The goal? To make their products seem more natural or less harmful, even though they’re still using the same synthetic additives. Here’s what you need to watch out for and why they’re doing it.
Alternative Names for Artificial Dyes
Red 40 (Allura Red AC): You might spot “E129” (used in Europe), “Color (102),” or simply "Artificial Color" on the ingredient list.
Yellow 5 (Tartrazine): Look for names like “E102,” "Color (102)," or "Artificial Color."
Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF): It might show up as “E133,” "Color (133)," or "Artificial Color" on the label.
I LOVE Thrive Market, where I shop for affordable organic foods and healthy food brands without artificial dyes and ingredients. And it’s super convenient for mamas! Get 40% OFF your first order when you sign up using this link!
Why Food Brands Are Changing the Names:
As parents become more aware of the health concerns tied to artificial dyes—like hyperactivity, allergies, and potential long-term effects—they’re starting to avoid products listing these synthetic colors. To get around this, companies use unfamiliar names or codes to make the ingredient list look less harmful and more appealing to health-conscious families.
Some brands use names like "Color (102)" or "Color (133)" because they sound like a regulatory code rather than an artificial additive. This tactic makes the ingredient seem more official or neutral, when in reality, it’s still the same synthetic dye you should avoid.
The food industry knows that many parents are looking for “clean” and simple labels. By using technical terms or numbers for artificial dyes, companies hope to make the ingredients look more natural and fit into the clean-label trend, all while still using synthetic chemicals.
It’s tough when you’re trying to make healthy choices for your family, but these labels make it tricky. Next time you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these alternative names. By recognizing these changes on labels, you can make informed decisions and choose products that align with your family's health and wellness goals.
How Long Does it Stay in Your Kiddos System?
It is water-soluble and can pass through the body relatively quickly. Typically, the dye can stay in your kiddos system for about 24 to 48 hours after consumption, depending on factors like an individual's metabolism, age, and overall health.
How to Avoid Red 40
The first and most important step? Make a habit of reading food labels - it's a super simple way to keep tabs on what we're putting into our bodies. You'll find Red 40 lurking in a whole bunch of processed foods - everything from candies and cereals to drinks that we reach for every day.
So, keep your eyes peeled for these potential sources. The easiest way to reduce your exposure to Red 40 is to opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever you can. By filling your plates with more fresh fruits, veggies, and whole grains, you can naturally cut back on this food dye. It's not just a healthier eating habit, it's also a great way to protect yourself from the potential health risks linked to artificial colorants like Red 40.
Popular Foods with Red 40
Many popular foods, especially those marketed to children, contain Red 40. These include certain brands of breakfast cereals, fruit snacks, and sodas.
Lucky Charms Cereal
Electrolyte Sports Drinks
Heinz Tomato Ketchup
Nestle Strawberry Nesquik
Certain Protein Drinks
Kellogg's Fruit Loops
Jell-O Gelatin Dessert/ Pudding
Starburst Fruit Chews
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese
Some Brands of Pickles
Doritos Nacho Cheese Flavored Tortilla Chips
Welch's Fruit Snacks
Breyers Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream
Pop-Tarts Frosted Cherry Toaster Pastries
Kool-Aid Jammers
Skittles Candy
Cheetos Crunchy Cheese Flavored Snacks
Cap'n Crunch's Crunch Berries Cereal
Fanta Strawberry Soda
Jolly Rancher Hard Candy
Betty Crocker Fruit by the Foot
Pillsbury Funfetti Frosting
Yoplait Trix Yogurt
Be sure to check the ingredient list when shopping.
Red 40 Alternatives
Thankfully, there are alternatives to Red 40. Many natural food colorings can provide the same visual appeal without the potential health concerns. Beet juice, for example, can provide a vibrant red color, as can certain types of fruit like strawberries and raspberries. There’s even natural food dyes on Amazon that are made with truly nature ingredients. You can get dragon fruit (aka pitaya) fruit powder for that bright pink color and organic red beet powder to color baked goods! If you’re looking for green, try adding a small bit of spirulina powder (and you reap all the health benefits too!)
Instead of getting red icing on birthday cakes, opt for white and add an action figure on top! Your kiddos will love that they get a toy to play with afterwards!
Join The Nourished Family Academy & Learn How to Nourish Your Family’s Life
The journey to wellness doesn't stop here, ladies. Understanding potential health concerns like Red 40 is just one piece of the puzzle. For more practical strategies on integrating nutrient-dense foods into your family's daily meals, consider joining the waitlist for our new course, Nourished Family Academy. This course aims to empower you with knowledge and practical tips to create a home of wellness and foster healthy habits for generational health.