Additive guides · Product label guide
What is Red 40? Names, foods that contain it and dye-free swaps.
Red 40 (Allura Red AC, FD&C Red No. 40, E129) is the most widely used artificial food dye in the US. Learn its label names, which foods use it, the EU warning and dye-free options.
01 · A closer look
What is Red 40?
Red 40 is a synthetic red color made from petroleum-derived chemicals. Its official names are FD&C Red No. 40 and Allura Red AC, and EU-style labels call it E129. It is the most widely used artificial food dye in the US and colors cereal, candy, sports drinks, chips, yogurt, baked goods, sauces and pet food.
FDA: color additives and ingredient labels02 · A closer look
Red 40 names on an ingredient list.
Look for “Red 40”, “Red 40 Lake”, “FD&C Red No. 40”, “Allura Red” and “Allura Red AC”. A label may also say only “artificial color” or “color added”, which can hide a dye, so this check treats the generic phrase as a match for artificial dyes.
03 · A closer look
Is Red 40 banned or restricted?
Red 40 is authorized by the FDA for food in the US. In the EU it is allowed, but foods containing it must carry the warning “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”. Rules change, so confirm the current position on the FDA color additives page.
FDA: color additives and ingredient labels04 · A closer look
Red 40 versus Red 3.
Red 3 (erythrosine) is a different dye. In January 2025 the FDA announced it was revoking authorization for Red No. 3 in food, which does not change the status of Red 40.
FDA: color additives and ingredient labels05 · A closer look
Foods that commonly contain Red 40.
Fruity cereal, candy, gummies, sports drinks, red and orange sodas, flavored yogurt and drinks, cheese snacks, frosting and some chips, including some Doritos flavors. See the Doritos guide for the exact flavor check.
06 · A closer look
Natural reds and dye-free swaps.
Beet juice, paprika, tomato lycopene, anthocyanins from purple carrot or berries and hibiscus give red color without petroleum-derived dyes. Naturally colored foods often look more muted, which is a good sign on a label.