Artificial Dyes: Label Aliases, Health Context & Clean Swaps
Bottom Line Up Front
Guide to synthetic petroleum-derived food dyes including Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1. Label aliases, safety warnings, and clean dye-free swaps.
Why Shoppers Avoid Artificial Dyes
Synthetic petrochemical dyes are linked in clinical research to hyperactivity in children and contain potential contaminant traces. In the European Union, foods containing artificial dyes require mandatory behavioral warning labels.
Clean, Natural Replacements
Beet root powder, paprika oleoresin, turmeric extract, spirulina, purple carrot juice, and fruit/vegetable color concentrates.
Tracked Ingredient Aliases & E-Codes
CleanFoodScore checks your foods against the following recognized declarations and numbered synonyms:
Verified Clean Picks (Free from Artificial Dyes)
Products Flagged for Artificial Dyes
No items in the initial seed contain this additive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common artificial food dyes in the US?
FD&C Red No. 40 (Allura Red), FD&C Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine), and FD&C Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow).
Do clean foods use colorings?
Yes, clean brands use botanical colorants like turmeric, annatto, and spirulina, which provide vibrant hues without petroleum derivatives.