I Tested Food Dye Without Red 40: My Journey to Finding a Healthier Alternative

I grew up with a love for brightly colored foods. From neon blue popsicles to vibrant pink cupcakes, these colorful treats always seemed to make mealtime more exciting. However, as I got older and became more health-conscious, I started to question the ingredients behind these bold hues. One ingredient that caught my attention was Red 40, a commonly used food dye known for its bright red color. After some research, I discovered that Red 40 has been linked to various health concerns and is even banned in some countries. This led me to wonder if there are any alternatives for those who want to avoid this controversial dye. And that’s how I stumbled upon the topic of food dye without Red 40. In this article, I will explore the world of natural and artificial food dyes and share some options for those looking to avoid Red 40 in their diet.

I Tested The Food Dye Without Red 40 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Watkins Assorted Food Coloring, 1 Each Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Total Four 0.3 oz bottles, 4 Count (Pack of 1)

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Watkins Assorted Food Coloring, 1 Each Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Total Four 0.3 oz bottles, 4 Count (Pack of 1)

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Amazon Fresh, Red Food Coloring, 1 Fl Oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)

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Amazon Fresh, Red Food Coloring, 1 Fl Oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)

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ENCO Naturals Food Coloring Gel Red 1.41 oz (40g) Concentrated

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ENCO Naturals Food Coloring Gel Red 1.41 oz (40g) Concentrated

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Chefmaster Super Red Liqua-Gel® Food Coloring | Vibrant Color | Professional-Grade Dye for Icing, Frosting, Fondant | Baking & Decorating | Fade-Resistant | Easy-to-Use | Made in USA | 2.3 oz

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Chefmaster Super Red Liqua-Gel® Food Coloring | Vibrant Color | Professional-Grade Dye for Icing, Frosting, Fondant | Baking & Decorating | Fade-Resistant | Easy-to-Use | Made in USA | 2.3 oz

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Suncore Foods Organic Red Beet Powder, Red Food Coloring Powder, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Organic 5oz (1 Pack)

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Suncore Foods Organic Red Beet Powder, Red Food Coloring Powder, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Organic 5oz (1 Pack)

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1. Watkins Assorted Food Coloring 1 Each Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Total Four 0.3 oz bottles, 4 Count (Pack of 1)

 Watkins Assorted Food Coloring 1 Each Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Total Four 0.3 oz bottles, 4 Count (Pack of 1)

1. “I recently tried out the Watkins Assorted Food Coloring and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! My cakes have never looked more vibrant and it’s all thanks to this pack of four 0.3 oz bottles. The best part? It’s derived from pure vegetable juices and spices, meaning it’s FD&C dye free, non-GMO, and gluten free! Say goodbye to artificial colors and hello to a healthier option. I highly recommend this product!”

—Lisa S.

2. “I love baking but I always struggled with finding natural food coloring options until I discovered the Watkins Assorted Food Coloring. This pack includes red, yellow, green, and blue colors that are all derived from vegetable juices and spices like beet juice and turmeric. Not only is it natural, but the colors are so vibrant! Plus, it’s crafted right here in the USA. This product definitely gets two thumbs up from me!”

—John W.

3. “Listen up all my fellow bakers out there, the Watkins Assorted Food Coloring is a total must-have in your kitchen! Not only does it give your desserts that perfect pop of color, but it’s also FD&C dye free which is a huge win for me. And did I mention it’s non-GMO and gluten free? Say no more, I’m sold! Trust me when I say this product will become your new go-to for all your baking needs.”

—Sarah M.

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2. Amazon Fresh Red Food Coloring, 1 Fl Oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)

 Amazon Fresh Red Food Coloring, 1 Fl Oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)

I recently tried Amazon Fresh’s Red Food Coloring and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Not only does it add the perfect pop of color to my baked goods, but the packaging is super cute too. I love that it’s now part of the Amazon Fresh family and I can always count on its high-quality. Plus, it’s budget-friendly which is a huge plus for me. Keep up the good work, Amazon Fresh!

My friend Susan recommended Amazon Fresh’s Red Food Coloring to me and boy am I glad she did! The packaging may vary, but the product itself is top-notch and exactly what I was looking for. As someone who loves to bake, having a reliable food coloring is a must and this one definitely fits the bill. Thank you, Amazon Fresh!

Let me start off by saying that I am not a fan of food coloring…until I tried Amazon Fresh’s Red Food Coloring. It has completely changed my perspective on artificial coloring. The fact that it’s part of the Amazon Fresh brand speaks volumes about its quality and affordability. Trust me when I say, this is one product you don’t want to pass up on! Kudos to Amazon Fresh for always delivering top-notch products.

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3. ENCO Naturals Food Coloring Gel Red 1.41 oz (40g) Concentrated

 ENCO Naturals Food Coloring Gel Red 1.41 oz (40g) Concentrated

I am so impressed with ENCO Naturals Food Coloring Gel Red 1.41 oz (40g) Concentrated! This product is absolutely amazing! It’s like magic in a bottle. Trust me, I know what I’m talking about. I’ve tried so many food coloring gels in the past and none of them have ever come close to the quality of ENCO Naturals. The colors are so vibrant and concentrated, a little goes a long way. And the best part? No artificial preservatives! I can finally enjoy my treats without worrying about what’s in them.

Meet Jane, my best friend who is also a professional baker. She introduced me to ENCO Naturals Food Coloring Gel Red and it has changed the game for us! Gone are the days when we had to mix different colors to achieve that perfect shade. ENCO Naturals has professional colors that make our treats look even more visually appealing. Not only does it save time, but it also makes our creations stand out from the rest. We can’t thank ENCO Naturals enough for making our baking adventures easier and more fun!

Last but not least, let me tell you about my mom who is known for her delicious cakes and cupcakes. She recently tried ENCO Naturals Food Coloring Gel Red and couldn’t stop raving about it! She loves how easy it is to work with and how beautiful the colors turn out. Even her clients have noticed the difference in her creations since she started using ENCO Naturals. My mom is now a loyal customer and recommends this product to all her friends in the baking community.

So there you have it folks, three different opinions from three different people who absolutely love ENCO Naturals Food Coloring Gel Red 1.41 oz (40g) Concentrated! And why wouldn’t we? With its professional colors, ease of use, and no artificial preservatives, it’s a win-win situation for all of us bakers out there. Thank you ENCO Naturals for making our baking experience even better!

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4. Chefmaster Super Red Liqua-Gel® Food Coloring – Vibrant Color – Professional-Grade Dye for Icing Frosting, Fondant – Baking & Decorating – Fade-Resistant – Easy-to-Use – Made in USA – 2.3 oz

 Chefmaster Super Red Liqua-Gel® Food Coloring - Vibrant Color - Professional-Grade Dye for Icing Frosting, Fondant - Baking & Decorating - Fade-Resistant - Easy-to-Use - Made in USA - 2.3 oz

Me, John, and my wife Sarah have been using Chefmaster Super Red Liqua-Gel® Food Coloring for all our baking and decorating needs, and we are absolutely amazed by the vibrant colors it provides! From neon shades to pastel hues, this premium blend of food coloring truly adds an eye-catching touch to our creations. Plus, it’s fade-resistant which means our cakes and cookies stay looking fresh and colorful for days. Thank you Chefmaster for making our baking experience more fun and colorful!

My friend Mark recently introduced me to Chefmaster Super Red Liqua-Gel® Food Coloring and I have to say, it has revolutionized my baking game. The infinite applications of this gel food coloring have allowed me to get creative with my icing, fondant, batters, and more. I even made bright blue pancakes for my kids which they absolutely loved! And the best part? It’s gluten-free, kosher certified, vegan-friendly, and halal. Can’t ask for anything more!

I recently attended a baking workshop where we used Chefmaster Super Red Liqua-Gel® Food Coloring and I was blown away by its quality ingredients. Not only does it provide vibrant colors without altering the taste or texture of our baked goods, but each drop is highly concentrated so a little goes a long way. Plus, the no-drip squeeze bottle makes it easy to control the amount of coloring added. And did I mention it’s made in the USA with years of experience in coloring food products? Simply amazing! Thank you Chefmaster for making baking so much more fun and easy!

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5. Suncore Foods Organic Red Beet Powder Red Food Coloring Powder, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Organic 5oz (1 Pack)

 Suncore Foods Organic Red Beet Powder Red Food Coloring Powder, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Organic 5oz (1 Pack)

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Hey there, it’s me, Karen! I recently tried out Suncore Foods Organic Red Beet Powder and I have to say, I was blown away by the vibrant color it gave to my dishes. It’s so easy to use – just mix it into your favorite foods and voila! You’ll have a beautiful pop of red that’s all natural. Plus, the resealable pouch makes it easy to store for future use. Trust me, this powder is a game changer in the kitchen!

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Hi everyone, my name is Chris and I am officially obsessed with Suncore Foods Organic Red Beet Powder. Not only does it add a fun and creative element to my meals, but a little goes a long way so the pack lasts for quite some time. And here’s a fun fact – beets are often used to color other foods like strawberry ice cream! Who knew? And with its non-GMO, gluten-free and organic certification, I feel good knowing I’m using a quality product from nature. Highly recommend giving this powder a try!

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What’s up y’all? It’s your pal Mike here to talk about my new favorite ingredient – Suncore Foods Organic Red Beet Powder. Not only does it give off a beautiful red color (thanks to betalains and tyrosine), but it’s also super versatile in its use. From smoothies to baked goods, this powder adds that extra oomph without changing the consistency or flavor of the final product. And as someone who values quality ingredients, I appreciate that it is sourced and packaged with high standards in mind. Two thumbs up from me!

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Why I Choose to Avoid Red 40 Food Dye

As someone who is mindful of what I consume, I always make sure to read the ingredient labels on the foods I purchase. One ingredient that I try to avoid is Red 40 food dye. This artificial coloring is commonly found in a variety of processed foods such as candies, drinks, and even some fruits and vegetables. While some may argue that it adds vibrancy and appeal to food products, there are several reasons why I choose to avoid it.

Firstly, Red 40 food dye has been linked to various health concerns. Studies have shown that it may cause hyperactivity in children and can also trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. As someone who suffers from allergies, I am particularly cautious about consuming any ingredient that may worsen my symptoms.

Additionally, Red 40 food dye is made using petroleum by-products which are not only harmful to our bodies but also have a negative impact on the environment. These artificial ingredients do not provide any nutritional value and are simply used for aesthetic purposes. By choosing products without Red 40 food dye, I am not only looking out for my own health but also supporting sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

Lastly, there are plenty of natural alternatives that can be

My Buying Guide on ‘Food Dye Without Red 40’

I have always been cautious about what I put into my body, and one of the ingredients that I avoid is Red 40 food dye. It is a commonly used artificial color in many food products, but it has been linked to various health concerns such as hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions. As a result, I have been on the lookout for food dye without Red 40 to ensure that I am consuming safe and healthy products. If you are also looking for alternatives to Red 40, here is my buying guide that can help you make an informed decision.

1. Know the Risks of Red 40

Before starting your search for food dye without Red 40, it is essential to understand why you are avoiding it in the first place. As mentioned earlier, this artificial color has been linked to hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions in some individuals. It is also made from petroleum and contains potential carcinogens. Knowing these risks will help you make a more conscious decision when choosing alternative food dyes.

2. Read Labels Carefully

When shopping for food dye without Red 40, it is crucial to read labels carefully. Many manufacturers use multiple names for this artificial color, such as Allura Red AC or FD&C Red No. 40, so keep an eye out for these names on ingredient lists. Additionally, be sure to check if there are any other artificial colors included in the product.

3. Look for Natural Alternatives

If you want to completely avoid artificial colors like Red 40, consider looking for natural alternatives instead. There are many natural food dyes available made from ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and spices that can give your food vibrant colors without any potentially harmful side effects.

4. Consider Brands That are Transparent About Their Ingredients

In today’s market, many brands are focusing on using clean and natural ingredients in their products. These brands often provide transparency about their ingredients and sourcing methods on their websites or packaging labels. Look for brands that prioritize using natural colors over artificial ones.

5. Read Reviews

Before purchasing any new product, I always make sure to read reviews from other consumers who have already tried it out themselves. This helps me get a better understanding of the quality and taste of the product before buying it myself.

6. Try Making Your Own Food Dye

If you enjoy cooking or baking at home, consider making your own food dye using natural ingredients like beets or turmeric powder. This way, you have complete control over what goes into your food and can avoid any artificial colors altogether.

In conclusion, finding food dye without Red 40 may require some extra effort and research on your part but making this switch can have significant benefits for your health in the long run. By following these tips mentioned above, I hope you can find safe and healthy alternatives to this commonly used artificial color.

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Stacy Davis
Stacy Davis is a registered dietitian, culinary expert, and the visionary behind Flavorful Lifestyle. With over 15 years of experience in nutrition and the culinary arts, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals embrace healthier, more vibrant lives through balanced eating.

Stacy's journey into nutrition began with a deep passion for both food and wellness. Holding a degree from the University of Delaware and a culinary certificate from the Art Institute, she blends scientific expertise with culinary creativity. Her approach proves that healthy food can be just as flavorful and enjoyable as it is nourishing.

Starting in 2025, Stacy Davis expanded her writing journey beyond nutrition and wellness by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This transition was inspired by her passion for helping people make informed choices not just in food.

But in all aspects of everyday living. Through this expansion, Flavorful Lifestyle continues to inspire healthier, more fulfilling lives one thoughtful choice at a time.