Ingredient · E129

Color Added Red 40

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers add Red 40 to give foods and beverages a bright red color. It …

What it is

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food dye. It is manufactured from petroleum and is one of the most commonly used artificial colors in the United States.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add Red 40 to give foods and beverages a bright red color. It is frequently found in items such as candies, soft drinks, baked goods, and cereals to enhance their visual appeal.

Health notes

The FDA has approved Red 40 for use as a color additive in food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40. Some research has explored a possible link between synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, and hyperactivity in some children, but the evidence is mixed and not conclusive. Both the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated Red 40 and set acceptable daily intake levels.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen.

Products containing Color Added Red 40

Compare products →

Sort by: Sugar Protein Sodium Calories

SOUR PUNCH HEARTS Watermelon Strawberry Lemonade Fruit Punch Candy, Watermelon Strawberry Lemonade Fruit Punch Candy High in added sugars — 28% DV per serving 393kcal 3.6Protein 0Fat 89.3Carbs Walgreens Co. Assorted Chews Sugar Free Candy, Fruit Candy High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 286kcal 0Protein 11.9Fat 71.4Carbs

American Licorice Company Strawberry Straws Candy, Strawberry Straws Candy 400kcal 3.3Protein 1.7Fat 86.7Carbs Jelly Belly Candy Company Christmas Mix Candy 357kcal 0Protein 0Fat 92.9Carbs American Licorice Company Watermelon, Strawberry Lemonade, Fruit Punch Assorted Flavored Hearts Candy, Watermelon, Strawberry Lemonade, Fruit Punch Candy High in added sugars — 28% DV per serving 367kcal 3.3Protein 0Fat 90Carbs

American Licorice Company Easter Blue Raspberry, Grape, Fruit Punch, Lemon Flavored Candy Straws, Easter Candy High in added sugars — 28% DV per serving 400kcal 3.3Protein 1.7Fat 86.7Carbs American Licorice Company Cherry Flavored Sip-N-Chew Edible Straws, Cherry Candy High in added sugars — 22% DV per serving 385kcal 0Protein 3.9Fat 84.6Carbs

American Licorice Company Rad Reds Strawberry, Watermelon, Cherry, Raspberry Flavored Candy Bites, Rad Reds Candy High in added sugars — 22% DV per serving 400kcal 3.3Protein 10Fat 76.7Carbs

American Licorice Company Easter Blue Raspberry, Grape, Fruit Punch, Lemon Candy Straws, Easter Candy High in added sugars — 28% DV per serving 367kcal 3.3Protein 1.7Fat 86.7Carbs

American Licorice Company Assorted Watermelon, Strawberry, Lemonade, Fruit Punch Candy Hearts, Assorted Candy High in added sugars — 28% DV per serving 393kcal 3.6Protein 0Fat 89.3Carbs

American Licorice Company Santa Straws Green, Apple & Berry Candy, Santa Straws Candy High in added sugars — 28% DV per serving 367kcal 3.3Protein 1.7Fat 86.7Carbs American Licorice Company Rad Reds Candy Bites, Strawberry, Watermelon, Cherry, Raspberry Candy High in added sugars — 22% DV per serving 400kcal 3.3Protein 10Fat 76.7Carbs

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.