Which Products Contain Red 3 Dye? Check Ingredient Labels to Stay Informed

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially ordered food and drug manufacturers to eliminate Red 3, a synthetic dye, from products consumed by Americans. While the dye had been banned from cosmetics and topical medications for years due to its cancer-causing effects in lab rats, it remained in many foods and beverages until now.

For decades, consumer advocacy groups have scrutinized companies that continued to use Red 3, pushing for safer alternatives. As manufacturers reformulate their products, shoppers are encouraged to read ingredient labels carefully, as Red 3 may still appear in certain grocery items under names like erythrosine or FD&C Red No. 3.

Here’s a look at some of the most common products that have historically contained Red 3 and how brands are making the switch.

Candy

Red 3 has long been a staple in many popular sweets. Brach’s Conversation Hearts and Brach’s Candy Corn both contain the dye. However, some red-colored candies, such as Swedish Fish and Wild Cherry Lifesavers, opt for Red 40 instead.

Baked Goods and Snacks

If you enjoy baked treats with red frosting, there’s a chance they contain Red 3. For example, Betty Crocker Red Decorating Icing includes the dye. However, alternatives like Pillsbury’s Funfetti Valentine’s Day Vanilla Frosting—which features tiny red hearts—rely on Red 40 instead.

Dairy and Frozen Treats

Consumers should be cautious when purchasing strawberry-flavored dairy and frozen items, as they often contain artificial dyes. TruMoo Strawberry Whole Milk is one such product that uses Red 3. On the other hand, brands like Edy’s Strawberry Ice Cream and Popsicle-brand fruit pops have turned to beet juice for natural coloring.

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Fruit Products

Maraschino cherries have historically been colored with artificial dyes, but many brands have switched to Red 40 instead. However, Kroger’s Extra Cherry canned fruit cocktail still contains Red 3.

Beverages

Some drink manufacturers have used Red 3 in fruit-flavored beverages, including Ensure Original Strawberry Nutrition Shake. Meanwhile, popular brands such as Hawaiian Punch, Kool-Aid, Fanta, Jarritos strawberry soda, and Faygo black cherry soda use Red 40 instead.

Medications and Supplements

Certain gummy vitamins and over-the-counter medicines continue to contain Red 3, but some brands have already switched to alternative dyes or natural colorants. Products like Vicks Formula 44, Luden’s cough drops, Halls cough drops, Mucinex Children’s Cough Syrup, Robitussin Adult Cough and Chest Congestion, and Vicks NyQuil Cold & Flu all use Red 40 instead of Red 3.

Final Takeaway

With the FDA’s decision to ban Red 3, food and drug companies are expected to reformulate products using alternative dyes or natural ingredients. Consumers should remain vigilant when checking labels to ensure their favorite foods, drinks, and medications no longer contain the now-prohibited colorant.

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keelee-mccain

Keelee McCain is a junior at Weber High School. This is her second year on staff, this year as Assistant to the Chief. She does have a life (probably) but she can't think of anything to write in here, so she's probably just going to ramble now. She has an orange cat who she likes better than any human. If you see her being quiet or not sitting on top of a desk, there is something very wrong. In her free time she enjoys harassing her favorite teachers and sleeping. Her life plans include making it through high school and leaving. Happy lifeing.

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