"Your Guide to Identifying Red 3 Dye in Food and Products"
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has directed food and drug manufacturers to eliminate the use of Red 3, a dye commonly found in products consumed by Americans.
Although the dye was banned from cosmetics and non-oral medications decades ago due to research linking it to cancer in rats, it continued to be used in popular snacks and grocery items because it remained approved for food products—until now.
Consumer advocacy groups have long kept an eye on companies that use the additive, encouraging them to switch to safer alternatives. Shoppers are advised to carefully check product labels for Red 3, also known as , to avoid purchasing items containing the dye.
Common Product Categories Where This Dye Is Found
CANDIES
Many candies include synthetic dyes like Red 3. For instance, Brach’s Conversation Hearts and Candy Corn contain Red 3. However, other red-hued treats, such as Swedish Fish and Wild Cherry Lifesavers, use Red 40 instead.
BAKED GOODS AND SNACKS
Red 3 is often found in baked goods and snacks featuring red icing. For example, Betty Crocker Red Decorating Icing contains Red 3. On the other hand, Pillsbury’s Valentine’s Day Vanilla Frosting, with its tiny red heart decorations, opts for Red 40.
DAIRY AND FROZEN FOODS
Strawberry-flavored dairy and frozen products are also common culprits. Red 3 is present in items like Strawberry Whole Milk. However, alternatives like Edy’s Strawberry Ice Cream and Popsicle-brand fruit pops rely on natural beet juice for their coloring instead of synthetic dyes.
Products That May Contain Red 3
FRUIT PRODUCTS
While many maraschino cherry brands, including those from Walmart and Kroger, now use Red 40, some products still contain Red 3. For example, Kroger Extra Cherry canned fruit cocktail uses Red 3.
BEVERAGES
Certain beverages also include Red 3, such as Ensure Original Strawberry Nutrition Shake. However, many popular drinks rely on Red 40 instead, including Hawaiian Punch, Kool-Aid, Fanta, strawberry soda, and black cherry soda.
MEDICATIONS
Consumer advocates highlight that some gummy vitamins and medications contain Red 3. Others, however, opt for natural coloring or alternative dyes. Products like Vicks Formula 44, Luden’s, and Halls cough drops all use Red 40. Similarly, Mucinex Children’s Cough Syrup, Robitussin Adult Cough and Chest Congestion, and Vicks NyQuil Cold and Flu also rely on Red 40 for coloring.
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