Red 40
AvoidAlso known as: Allura Red AC, E129
A synthetic petroleum-derived red food dye linked to hyperactivity in sensitive children.
Goby Ingredient ScoreAvoid
14/100
Our rating
Avoid
Meaningful evidence of harm, or no benefit alongside a clear downside. How we rate ingredients
What is it?
Red 40 is one of the most widely used artificial food colorings, made from petroleum. It gives a bright red hue to candies, drinks and snacks.
Is Red 40 safe?
Permitted by the FDA but some studies link artificial dyes to hyperactivity in sensitive children. The EU requires a warning label on foods containing it.
Commonly Found In
- Candy
- Sports drinks
- Cereals
- Baked goods
- Flavored snacks
Key Concerns
- !Linked to hyperactivity in some children
- !Requires warning labels in the EU
- !Purely cosmetic with no nutritional value
Related Ingredients
- Yellow 6A synthetic yellow-orange dye used in snacks and drinks, flagged for behavioral effects.
- Monosodium GlutamateA flavor enhancer that adds savory umami taste, common in processed and restaurant foods.
- AspartameA low-calorie artificial sweetener about 200x sweeter than sugar, used in diet sodas and sugar-free foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why avoid Red 40?
It offers no nutritional benefit and has been associated with behavioral effects in sensitive children.