Ingredient · E129

Artificial Color Including Red 40

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers add artificial colors to make foods more visually appealing, restore color lost during …

What it is

Artificial colors are synthetic substances created in laboratories to give foods a specific color. Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a common example of a synthetic food dye. These colors are typically derived from petroleum.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add artificial colors to make foods more visually appealing, restore color lost during processing, or provide a consistent appearance. They are frequently found in candies, baked goods, beverages, and snack foods.

Health notes

In the United States, artificial colors like Red 40 are approved by the FDA as color additives. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Citrus Red 2, and Orange B. There has been mixed evidence regarding a possible link between some artificial colors and hyperactivity in sensitive children; however, the evidence is not conclusive across all studies. Both JECFA and EFSA have evaluated many artificial colors, with JECFA setting acceptable daily intakes for some.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen.

Products containing Artificial Color Including Red 40

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FUNFETTI Filled Pastry Bag Vanilla, Vanilla Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings High in added sugars — 42% DV per serving 429kcal 0Protein 17.1Fat 68.6Carbs The J.M. Smucker Company Pillsbury, Easy Frost, Artificially Flavored Frosting, Valentine's Vanilla, Valentine's Vanilla Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings 424kcal 0Protein 15.2Fat 66.7Carbs The J.M. Smucker Company Filled Pastry Bag, Strawberry Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings High in added sugars — 40% DV per serving 412kcal 0Protein 17.6Fat 67.7Carbs

Hot Stop Foods Corner Store, Sours Candy, Cherry, Cherry Candy 375kcal 0Protein 0Fat 82.5Carbs Colony Brands, Inc. Cake Bites, Very Cherry Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 517kcal 3.5Protein 31.0Fat 62.1Carbs Colony Brands, Inc. Handcrafted Cake Bites, Blueberry & Pomegranate Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 517kcal 3.5Protein 31.0Fat 62.1Carbs Colony Brands, Inc. Cake Bites, Red Velvet Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 458kcal 4.2Protein 25Fat 50Carbs Colony Brands, Inc. Cake Bites, Double Chocolate, Red Velvet, Vanilla Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 458kcal 4.2Protein 25Fat 62.5Carbs

Colony Brands, Inc. Cake Bites, Chocolate, Carrot, Pumpkin Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 435kcal 0Protein 26.1Fat 52.2Carbs Colony Brands, Inc. Cake Bites, Double Chocolate Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 435kcal 4.3Protein 26.1Fat 52.2Carbs Colony Brands, Inc. Swiss Colony Retail Brands, Peppermint Bark Handcrafted Confections Chocolate High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 500kcal 2.6Protein 26.3Fat 71.0Carbs Colony Brands, Inc. Carrot Pumpkin Chocolate Cake Bites, Carrot Pumpkin Chocolate Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 435kcal 4.3Protein 26.1Fat 52.2Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.