Trying to avoid synthetic dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Red 3? You don't have to give up your favorites — many brands now make dye-free versions, and naturally colored alternatives are easy to find.
Simple swaps
- Choose candies and snacks colored with fruit/vegetable juice or beta-carotene instead of synthetic dyes.
- Look for "no artificial colors" on the label — then still check the ingredients, since rules vary by product.
- For baking, color with natural sources (beet, turmeric, spirulina) instead of synthetic food coloring.
Not sure if a product is dye-free? Run it through the checker first.
Informational only.