Ingredient

Red #40 Citric Acid

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

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

What it is

Red 40 is a synthetic (man-made) red food coloring. It is made from petroleum products. It is one of the most widely used food colorings in the United States.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add Red 40 to foods to give them a bright red color. It is often found in baked goods, candies, beverages, and dairy products like ice cream.

Health notes

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits the use of Red 40 in foods. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40. Some studies have suggested a possible link between certain artificial food dyes and hyperactivity in children, but the evidence is mixed and not conclusive. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated food colorings, but their evaluations do not always align with FDA's regulatory status.

Allergen info

Red 40 is not derived from any of the nine major allergens and does not contain gluten.

Products containing Red #40 Citric Acid

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Finlay Extracts & Ingredients USA, Inc. Roundy's, Select, Gelato, Raspberry With Berry Ripple, Raspberry With Berry Ripple Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 170kcal 4Protein 7Fat 24Carbs Kenny's Candy Company Inc. Soft & Chewy Bites Candy 300kcal 2.5Protein 1.2Fat 72.5Carbs Rocky Mountain Pies Banana Cream Pie Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving 254kcal 1.7Protein 14.4Fat 28.8Carbs Associated Food Stores, Inc. Banana Cream Pie Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving High in added sugars — 34% DV per serving 231kcal 1.5Protein 12.3Fat 28.5Carbs Rocky Mountain Pies Banana Cream Pie, Banana Cream Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving High in added sugars — 28% DV per serving 244kcal 1.7Protein 13.4Fat 28.6Carbs Rocky Mountain Pies Banana Cream Pie With Real Cream Topping, Banana Cream Pie Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving High in added sugars — 28% DV per serving 244kcal 1.7Protein 13.4Fat 28.6Carbs

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.