Red Dye No. 3, also known as erythrosine, is an artificial food coloring recently banned due to its links to potential health risks, including thyroid tumors in animal studies.
The FDA banned Red Dye No. 3 due to studies linking it to thyroid tumors in lab animals, citing concerns over long-term health impacts on humans.
Red Dye No. 3 is commonly found in candies, baked goods, maraschino cherries, and certain medications. Check product labels for "Red No. 3" or "FD&C Red No. 3."
Natural alternatives include beet juice, turmeric, spirulina, and other plant-based colorings. These are safer and more eco-friendly options.
Check the ingredient list for terms like "Red 3," "Red No. 3," "Erythrosine," or "FD&C Red No. 3." You can also use apps like Yuka or Fooducate to scan barcodes.
While direct harm hasn’t been fully proven in humans, studies show potential health risks, which is why the FDA has banned its use in food products.
Products labeled "Dye-Free" or "Made with Natural Colors" are typically free from Red Dye No. 3. Many organic brands also avoid artificial dyes altogether.
Red Dye No. 3, also known as erythrosine, is a synthetic dye derived from petroleum. It is chemically formulated to produce a bright red or pink color used in food, drinks, and medications.
The FDA announced the ban on Red Dye No. 3 in January 2025. Manufacturers are required to phase it out of food products by 2027.
Yes, Red Dye No. 3 is still legal in many countries. However, some regions, like the European Union, have stricter regulations on artificial food dyes, favoring natural alternatives.
Studies link Red Dye No. 3 to thyroid tumors in animal research. It has also raised concerns about potential allergic reactions and hyperactivity in children, similar to other synthetic dyes.
No, the FDA’s ban specifically targets Red Dye No. 3. Other synthetic red dyes, such as Red 40, remain legal but are also scrutinized for potential health risks.
Red Dye No. 3 is often found in the coatings of medications like cough syrups, gummy vitamins, and some over-the-counter drugs. Look for dye-free alternatives if you want to avoid it.
While occasional exposure is unlikely to cause immediate harm, studies suggest long-term consumption may increase health risks, prompting the FDA to take action.
To avoid synthetic dyes like Red No. 3, check ingredient labels carefully. Opt for products labeled “dye-free” or “made with natural colors,” and choose organic or all-natural brands.
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Red 3 Dye Ban Explained

What It Means, Affected Foods, and Safer Alternatives.

The FDA has banned Red 3 Dye for its health risks. Learn what this means, which products are affected, and how to switch to safer alternatives.

Watch the News Report About Red 3 Food Dye Ban

Why did the FDA issue a ban on Red 3 Food Dye? What does it mean for you? Should you be worried? Watch the video to find out.

Shop Natural Food Coloring - Easy on Amazon!

What is Red 3 Dye,
and Why Was It Banned?

Red 3 Dye, also known as erythrosine, is an artificial food coloring commonly found in candies, baked goods, and more. The FDA recently banned Red 3 Dye due to its links to potential health risks, including cancer in animal studies. This marks a significant step in improving food safety for consumers.

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Key Points:
 

  • Commonly found in: candies, snacks, and processed foods.

  • Health concerns: links to thyroid tumors in lab studies.

  • Effective date of the ban: Announced Jan. 15, 2025. Effective 2027.

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is red 3 dye in my candy

How Do I Know if Red 3 Dye is In My Food?

  • Check the ingredient list for terms like “Red 3,” “Red No. 3,” “Erythrosine,” or “FD&C Red No. 3.” Bright red, pink, or purple foods are most likely to contain it.
     

  • Use apps like Yuka or Fooducate to scan barcodes for harmful additives. Look for “Dye-Free” or “Made with Natural Colors” labels for safer options. Or check out these top-rated dye-free snacks on Amazon.
     

  • Check supplements and medications, as Red 3 is often used in coatings. If unsure, visit the brand’s website or contact customer service.

List of Products That May Contain Red Dye No. 3

According to Newsweek

Watch: Do Your Favorite Foods have Red 3 Dye?

Not sure how to identify Red 3 Dye (or Red No. 3) in your food? You're not alone! Check out this video for a quick primer on how to identify the substance that the FDA banned.

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Shop Safer: Try These Dye-Free Snacks, Natural Food Coloring, and Candy Alternatives

Looking for safer, healthier options? We've curated a list of products free from artificial dyes, including Red 3. Shop natural alternatives and make the switch today!

Try These Top-Rated Dye-Free Candy on AMAZON >>>

Try These Top-Rated Dye-Free Snacks on AMAZON >>>

Try These Top-Rated Natural Food Coloring on AMAZON >>>

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Shop Dye-Free Candy

Don't get caught with a pack of candy that's packed with Red 3 Food Dye. According to the FDA, this petroleum-based food coloring can be harmful to your health. Browse these natural alternatives on Amazon instead!

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alternatives to red 3 dye

Shop Top-Rated Dye-Free Snacks

With the new ban on petroleum-based Red No. 3 Food Colording, it's time to rethink your snack game. Upgrade to options without the red stuff. Check out these alternatives on Amazon!

Red 3 Food Dye Ban FAQ

Shop Natural Food Coloring

Got a cake you're about to bake? Ditch the old stash of that food coloring with Red 3 Dye—which was recently BANNED by the FDA—and scoop up these natural food coloring alternatives on Amazon today!

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Candies

  • Pez Candy Assorted Fruit

  • Dubble Bubble Original Twist Bubble Gum

  • Brach's Candy Corn

  • Jelly Belly Candies

  • Trolli Sour Crunchy Crawlers

FDA bans red 3 dye

Baked Goods/Snacks

  • Entenmann's Little Bites Party Cake Mini Muffins

  • Betty Crocker Fruit by the Foot

  • Toaster Pastries

  • Cookies with Red Icing or Decorations

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Dairy & Frozen Desserts

  • Strawberry-Flavored Milk

  • Certain Ice Cream Flavors and Frozen Yogurt

  • Ice Pops and Frozen Fruit Bars

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Fruit Products

  • Maraschino Cherries

  • Some Fruit Cocktails

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Beverages

  • Yoo-hoo Strawberry Drink

  • Certain Sodas and Fruit-Flavored Drinks

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Medications and Supplements

  • Some Cough Syrups

  • Gummy Vitamins

Read the Latest News About Red 3 Food Dye:

Natural Food Coloring vs. Red No. 3 Food Dye: What's the Difference?

Natural Food Coloring

Natural food coloring is derived from plants, fruits, vegetables, and minerals. Learn more from nutrition books on Kindle. It’s a cleaner, healthier alternative to synthetic dyes, often used in foods that prioritize safety and sustainability.
 

  • What It’s All About: Made from natural sources like beets, turmeric, spirulina, and blueberries.

  • Why It’s Used: Adds color to food without harmful chemicals. Some even have health benefits like antioxidants.

  • Where It’s Used: Found in health-conscious snacks, organic baked goods, beverages, and dye-free candies.

  • Pros:

    • Generally safe for consumption.

    • Sustainable and biodegradable.

    • Perfect for health-conscious and eco-friendly consumers.

Red No. 3 Food Dye (banned!)

Red No. 3 is a synthetic dye made from petroleum. Known for its bright and vibrant color, it was banned by the FDA in 2025 due to health concerns, including cancer risks.
 

  • What It’s All About: A chemically produced artificial dye, also called erythrosine.

  • Why It’s Used: Produces bright, stable colors for candies, snacks, and medications with long shelf lives.

  • Where It’s Used: Previously common in candies, processed snacks, baked goods, medications, and beverages.

  • Cons:

    • Linked to thyroid tumors in animal studies.

    • Banned for food use in the U.S. as of 2025.

    • Non-renewable and harmful to the environment.

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Playing with Donuts

Don't rain on the party with Red Dye-laced sprinkles! Shop better alternatives right now and be ready for your next celebration!

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