The TRUTH about Food Dyes and Toddlers

a bowl of cereal colored with artificial dyes

Every parent wants to serve their toddler healthy food. But figuring out what’s healthy and what’s not can be tricky, especially when the rules feel like they are always changing!

One ingredient that’s been getting a lot of press lately is a food dye called Red Dye 40, with some articles stating that it may lead to behavior problems in some toddlers. But is that really true?

We asked our expert and pediatric dietitian Vanessa Thornton to give us her take on Red Dye 40, and here’s what she said:

“Yes, there is some evidence that certain children are sensitive to Red Dye 40. So it’s a good idea to avoid foods that contain artificial dyes when possible. But if your child does consume a treat that has red dye, there’s no need to panic, as it is unlikely to cause long-term health or behavior issues in very small and occasional amounts.”

But what even is Red Dye 40 and how do you know if your child is sensitive to it? And how can you avoid it if your child is sensitive? We’re diving into all those questions here.

What is Red Dye 40?

Red Dye 40 is a synthetic color additive made from petroleum that’s widely used in the food & beverage industry to give snacks and drinks their red color.

What are the concerns with Red Dye 40?

Well, the first concern is that Red Dye 40 is made using benzene, which is a known carcinogen. But there are concerns beyond that, particularly how Red Dye 40 affects some children.

There is some evidence* that Red Dye 40 can increase hyperactivity and behavior problems in a small percentage of children, though the correlation is strongest in children who have already been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Some children can also experience migraines or even be allergic to Red Dye 40*.

While the science does sound scary, Vanessa is quick to reassure parents that the average amount of Red Dye 40 a toddler consumes in a day is quite small. In general, though, she does advise parents to limit food additives and artificial ingredients as much as possible, especially if your child is showing any sensitivities.

How do I know if my child is sensitive to Red Dye 40?

The signs and symptoms of red dye sensitivity are similar to those of ADHD. You may notice that after having a red popsicle or red sports drink, your toddler has difficulty concentrating, has trouble sitting still, and has more aggressive outbursts. Again, this correlation is stronger in children who have already been diagnosed with ADHD.

If you are concerned your child is sensitive to Red Dye 40, talk to your doctor. They may advise you to eliminate Red Dye 40 entirely for 1-2 weeks to see if you notice a change in your child’s behavior.

How do I know if a food contains Red Dye 40?

Like sugar, Red Dye 40 goes by many different names. Generally, it’s listed towards the end of the ingredient list under the name:

Red 40
Red 40 Lake
FD&C Red No. 40
FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake
Allura Red AC
CI Food Red 17
INS No. 129
E129

What kinds of foods contain Red Dye 40?

The kinds of foods that most commonly contain Red Dye 40 include:

Cakes & frosting
Pastries
Cereals
Candy & gum
Yogurt
Puddings & gelatines
Ice cream & popsicles
Soda & sports drinks
Chips & salty snack foods

How can I avoid giving my kids Red Dye 40?

Let's pause here and say…As parents we often feel a lot of shame by always trying to do things “right”. But remember that “right” is not the same as perfect, and “right” might mean different things for different families! Our goal is to provide education and resources so you can feel empowered in your decisions and find what “right” means for your family!

To answer the question, the most sure way to avoid Red Dye 40 is by making meals and snacks using whole foods. But let’s be real… making everything from scratch just isn’t realistic for everyone.

While Red Dye 40 may be in more processed foods than you might think, it’s not hidden. It is required to be listed on the ingredients list. So make sure to check the labels of all the drinks and snacks you buy, and remember Red Dye 40 can go under many different names.

But we know checking every. single. snack. can be tedious. That’s why we partnered with Thrive Market. It’s an affordable, online grocery store that’s already checked all the labels for you, to make sure their snacks and pantry staples are free of certain ingredients, including Red Dye 40.

Fix & Fogg peanut butter, Chia smash jelly, Chomp's snacks, and other selections from Thrive Market on a table with a lunch box, a plate of PB&J, and a notebook

There is a lot of shame around doing things “right” but it’s hard to figure out what “right” even means, especially when it comes to food.

That’s why we’ve partnered with Thrive Market. They are an online retailer that keeps up with the latest food science. Everything they stock is free of artificial food dyes, as well as 500 other ingredients studies have shown to be potentially harmful.

Once you sign up for a membership, not only do you get access to all these curated snacks and pantry essentials at wholesale prices, but Thrive will actually ship them straight to your home. We use Thrive with our own families, because they have hundreds of snacks our kids love and that our dietitian recommends!

Try Thrive

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