Ingredient · E129

Red Lake 40

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

It is used to add a red color to foods, especially those that are …

What it is

Red Lake 40 is a synthetic color additive. It is the aluminum lake of FD&C Red No. 40, meaning the water-soluble Red 40 dye is precipitated onto an inert base, usually aluminum hydroxide, to create a water-insoluble pigment.

Why it's used

It is used to add a red color to foods, especially those that are fat-based, have low moisture, or where color bleeding is undesirable. Common applications include candies, chocolates, seasoning mixes, salts, marinades, and tenderizers.

Health notes

The FDA approves Red Lake 40 as a color additive for use in food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which includes Red 40 and its lakes. Concerns have been raised about synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, and their potential link to hyperactivity in some children. However, the FDA states that current scientific evidence does not establish a causal link for the general population, though some sensitive individuals may react. JECFA has evaluated Red 40 and set an acceptable daily intake.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen.

Products containing Red Lake 40

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GENERAL MILLS SALES INC. Betty Crocker Rainbow Chocolate Candy Cookie Mix Baking/Cooking Mixes/Supplies 393kcal 3.6Protein 7.1Fat 78.6Carbs Long Grove Confectionery Co. Long Grove Confectionery Co, Congratulations Pop Candy High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 526kcal 5.3Protein 34.2Fat 57.9Carbs Land Mark Products, Inc. Pepperoni Pizza Pizza High in sodium — 22% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 240kcal 9Protein 9Fat 29Carbs Land Mark Products, Inc. Self-Rising Crust Pizza, Spaghetti & Sausage Pizza High in sodium — 25% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 23% DV per serving 219kcal 8.6Protein 8.6Fat 26.6Carbs Dawn Food Products, Inc. Dessert Cake Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 405kcal 2.5Protein 19.0Fat 55.7Carbs Dawn Food Products, Inc. Two-Layer Cake With Balloons And Candy Sequins Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 395kcal 2.5Protein 18.5Fat 54.3Carbs Bostonia Beverage Chicken Seasoning Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs

Hammond's Candies Since 1920, LLC Hammond's, Milk Chocolate Filled With Red Velvet Cake Ganache, Red Velvet Cake, Red Velvet Cake Chocolate High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving 484kcal 6.2Protein 26.6Fat 53.1Carbs

Uncle Rays, LLC Uncle Ray's, Beyond Good!, Potato Chips, Hot Piquante, Hot Piquante Chips, Pretzels & Snacks High in sodium — 26% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 500kcal 8Protein 36Fat 42Carbs Long Grove Confectionery Co. Long Grove Confectionery Co., Pretzels, Cherry, Cherry Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 550kcal 5Protein 22.5Fat 80Carbs Hammond's Candies Since 1920, LLC Hammond's, Milk Chocolate With Red Velvet Cake Ganache Chocolate High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving 484kcal 6.2Protein 26.6Fat 53.1Carbs UTZ Quality Foods, LLC Beer Battered Onion Rings Other Snacks 464kcal 3.6Protein 25Fat 57.1Carbs

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.