Ingredient · E129, E132

Red 40 Lake Blue 2 Lake

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
These color additives are used to enhance or restore the color of various foods. …

What is Red 40 Lake Blue 2 Lake?

Red 40 Lake and Blue 2 Lake are synthetic color additives made from petroleum. They are created by attaching the dye to an insoluble base, often aluminum hydroxide. This process makes them suitable for coloring foods with low moisture or fat content.

Is Red 40 Lake Blue 2 Lake vegan?

Red 40 Lake Blue 2 Lake is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Red 40 Lake Blue 2 Lake a major allergen?

Not a major allergen.

What is Red 40 Lake Blue 2 Lake used for?

These color additives are used to enhance or restore the color of various foods.

Is Red 40 Lake Blue 2 Lake safe?

Red 40 and Blue 2 are approved by the FDA as food color additives.

Why it's used

These color additives are used to enhance or restore the color of various foods. They are commonly found in snacks like popcorn, cookies, candies, and other processed foods to make them visually appealing.

Health notes

Red 40 and Blue 2 are approved by the FDA as food color additives. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40 and Blue 2. JECFA has evaluated both Red 40 and Blue 2 and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated these dyes. Some studies have suggested a possible link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in some children, but the evidence is mixed and not conclusive for the general population.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen.

Foods that contain Red 40 Lake Blue 2 Lake

Compare products →

Learn more

Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6: What the Evidence Says →

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

Last updated: October 6, 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.