A plain-language guide to artificial food dyes — how they're made, where they show up, and what parents should know.
Pick up almost any brightly colored candy — gummy bears, hard candies, lollipops, candy-coated chocolates — and the ingredient list will include at least one entry like "Red 40," "Yellow 5," or "Blue 1." These are synthetic dyes, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and they're responsible for the vivid, consistent colors we associate with popular sweets.
But where do these dyes actually come from? Are they safe? And what should families look for on labels? Here's a straightforward breakdown.
Where artificial dyes come from
Most synthetic food dyes used today are derived from petroleum-based organic chemistry. "Petroleum-derived" simply refers to the carbon chemistry involved — the final dye molecule is thoroughly processed and tested before it reaches food.
The FDA currently certifies nine artificial dyes for use in food in the United States. Each batch must be tested and certified before manufacturers can use it.
The nine certified dyes
Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 together account for the vast majority of artificial dye consumed in the U.S. — if you're reading a candy label, those three are the ones you're most likely to encounter.
- Red No. 40 (Allura Red) — The most widely used dye in the U.S. Found in fruit-flavored candies, sodas, and snacks.
- Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine) — The second most common. Must be declared separately on labels; linked to reactions in a small subset of aspirin-sensitive individuals.
- Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow) — Gives an orange-yellow hue. Common in butterscotch, caramel, and orange-flavored products.
- Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue) — Creates a bright blue. Often blended with Yellow No. 5 to produce greens.
- Blue No. 2 (Indigo Carmine) — A deeper navy blue. Less common in candy.
- Red No. 3 (Erythrosine) — A cherry-pink color. Under renewed FDA scrutiny as of 2024; its use in candy is being phased out by some manufacturers.
- Green No. 3 (Fast Green) — Rarely used on its own; mainly found in mint candies and some processed foods.
- Orange B — Only approved for use in hot dog and sausage casings. Not used in candy.
- Citrus Red No. 2 — Approved only to color orange skins. Not found in candy products.
What the science says about safety
The FDA considers all nine certified dyes safe for the general population at current consumption levels. Regulators in other countries agree on most, though the European Union requires a warning label on foods containing certain dyes — specifically the "Southampton six" (which includes Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40, and three others) — stating that the product "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children."
That study, and the broader question of dyes and ADHD-related behavior, remains one of the most debated topics in food science. Most major health organizations concluded the evidence does not establish a causal link. Some researchers and pediatric health advocates argue the precautionary principle should apply, particularly for young children who consume large amounts of candy.
Are natural dyes better?
Many candy manufacturers have introduced natural colorings derived from sources like beet juice (red/pink), turmeric (yellow), spirulina (blue-green), and annatto (orange). "Natural" does not automatically mean safer or allergen-free — annatto is a known allergen for some people — but it does mean the source compound exists in nature before processing.
Natural dyes generally fade faster, cost more, and behave less predictably than synthetic dyes, which is why mass-market products have been slower to make the switch. Premium brands have largely done so already.
What to look for as a parent
Reading the ingredient list is the most reliable method for reducing exposure. In the U.S., any certified color additive must be listed by its common name (e.g., "Red 40" or "FD&C Red No. 40"). Brands that avoid artificial dyes often advertise this prominently on front-of-pack.
For most children without sensitivities, occasional candy consumption with artificial dyes is unlikely to pose a measurable health risk. For children already diagnosed with ADHD or hyperactivity disorders, some clinicians recommend an elimination diet trial — though the scientific evidence for this remains inconclusive.
All Dazzler USA products are made without artificial dyes — colors come from natural plant sources only. Shop clean-label candy →
