Ingredient

Why Red 40 is Bad for You

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Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food dye produced from petroleum. It's one of the most commonly used food colorings in the United States, giving foods a bright red appearance.

Why it’s in your food

The manufacturer’s reason.

It's used by food manufacturers to impart a vibrant red color to products, improve visual appeal, and ensure consistent coloration in processed foods.

Community scan data

How it shows up in the wild.

Found in 4 productswe’ve analyzed.

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Rated Clean

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Caution

4

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Where to find it

Products containing Red 40.

4 products in our database.

POST CONSUMER BRANDS, LLC

Pebbles Cereal

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Full of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives!

CEREAL15/23 clean · Apr 15, 2026

Kellogg Sales Co

Pop-Tarts

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Artificial dyes and enriched flour make this product RED.

OTHER17/34 clean · Apr 20, 2026

Unknown

Cereal

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Artificial colors and enriched flour are no good!

CEREAL14/23 clean · Apr 20, 2026

Mondelez Global LLC

Sour Patch Kids

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Artificial colors and flavors, corn syrup!

CANDY4/13 clean · Apr 20, 2026

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

How is Red 40 made?▾
Red 40 is a synthetic dye, meaning it's created through chemical synthesis in a laboratory. It is derived from petroleum and does not exist naturally in foods, unlike colors from fruits or vegetables.
What kind of foods typically contain Red 40?▾
You can find Red 40 in a wide range of processed foods and drinks, including sodas, candies, cereals, dairy products, and baked goods. Its bright hue is particularly popular in products aimed at children.
Would Nonna recognize Red 40?▾
Absolutely not. Nonna would get her red color from natural sources like beets, tomatoes, or berries. A synthetic, petroleum-derived dye designed to make food artificially red would be completely foreign to her kitchen and cooking philosophy.

Check your own pantry.

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