In a bold move, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently urged the food industry to phase out artificial dyes, citing growing concerns over potential health impacts, particularly on children’s behavior and long-term wellness. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wants companies to voluntarily remove or replace commonly used synthetic colors before the end of 2026. Research has long shown that artificial dyes can be harmful, especially for .
Three dyes — Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 — account for 90% of all food coloring used in the U.S., with Red 40 alone appearing in more than 36,000 food products, according to the Department of Agriculture’s branded foods database. The FDA’s move is urgent for good reason — children are especially sensitive to the dangers of these chemicals. A 2021 California agency report found artificial food dyes can trigger behavioral issues and impair memory and learning in kids.
While many consumers associate bright, neon colors with candies and sodas, the truth is that artificial dyes are lurking in far more foods than most people realize, including many that don’t even look colorful.
Here’s a closer look at some surprising foods where artificial coloring still hides:
Breakfast Cereals
It’s probably not surprising to hear that breakfast cereals can contain artificial food coloring, especially the childhood favorites Lucky Charms and Froot Loops. There’s a reason your milk was colored after you finished eating it! According to a study at , the cereal with the most artificial dyes was Cap’n Crunch’s Oops! All Berries with 41 mg. Trix cereal contains 36.4 mg and Fruity Cheerios has 31 mg. Even some that claim to be healthy can contain artificial dyes, so be sure to check the label.
Pickles
Yes, even that innocent green crunch might not be as natural as it seems. Many commercial pickle brands use Yellow 5 and Blue 1 to give pickles a more vibrant, “fresh” green hue. For example, Vlasic Sweet Pickle Relish contains Yellow 5, and Heinz Sweet Relish contains Yellow 5 and Blue 1. Be sure to check the jar before putting it in your cart.
Beverages
Several popular beverages — including flavors of Gatorade, Powerade, and Pedialyte — list dyes like Red 40 and Blue 1 among their ingredients. But what you might not realize is that many water-soluble drink powders, such as Sunkist, Country Time, 4C, Kool-Aid, and Crystal Light, also rely on artificial coloring to enhance the look of your drink.
Salad Dressings
Bright, creamy salad dressings, especially French, Thousand Island, or even some ranch dressings, often include Red 40, Yellow 5, or Yellow 6 to maintain consistent, appealing coloring that stands out on the shelf. Kraft Creamy French Dressing contains Yellow 5 and 6, while Hidden Valley Avocado Ranch contains Blue 1, Yellow 5, and 6. Try making your own dressing, similar to the one used in this .
Smoked Meats and Sausages
When it comes to smoked meats like turkey, ham, and sausages, the rich brown or deep reddish color you see isn’t always a result of natural smoking alone. Certain brands enhance these tones by adding caramel coloring, sometimes made through artificial chemical processes and even synthetic dyes, such as Red 40. These additives help create the uniform, appealing look that consumers associate with freshness and flavor, even though the actual color of the meat without them might be far less vibrant.
Yogurt
Especially in “kids'” yogurts or fruit-flavored varieties, color consistency matters, and brands often add Blue 1 and Red 40 to maintain an appetizing appearance, even if real fruit is also present. But the more adult-branded yogurts like Dannon Light & Fit and Yoplait often contain Red 40, Blue 1, or Yellow 6. Try buying and adding your fresh fruit.
How to reduce exposure to artificial dyes
The best way to reduce your exposure to artificial dyes is by carefully reading ingredient labels. often come with lengthy, complicated lists, which can make it challenging to spot additives. Once you identify a few trusted brands, it becomes easier to stick with safer options. Choosing fresh, whole foods like fruits and vegetables is one of the most effective ways to avoid dyes altogether. Opting for water as your primary beverage can also significantly reduce your intake.