Artificial Cherry Flavoring And Artificial Color Red No. 40

Artificial cherry flavoring is a mix of man-made chemicals designed to taste like cherries. Artificial Color Red No. 40 is a synthetic dye, meaning it's made in a lab, usually from petroleum.

Artificial cherry flavoring is added to foods to give them a cherry taste without using real cherries, often found in candies, drinks, and baked goods. Red No. 40 is used to make foods and drinks look red, appearing in many candies, cereals, and beverages.

Both artificial cherry flavoring and Red No. 40 are approved by the FDA for use in food. Flavorings, including artificial cherry flavor, are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated many flavoring substances and color additives, including Red No. 40, and found them safe for use. Some studies have suggested a possible link between Red No. 40 and hyperactivity in some children, but the evidence is mixed and not all studies agree. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red No. 40.