While Cheez-Its are a favorite snack of many, there has been a growing trend in recent years of consumers becoming more conscious about the ingredients in their food.
Although most people might not give a second thought to the ingredients list on the box of Cheez-Its, many individuals are now taking a closer look to avoid any potentially undesirable ingredients.
One ingredient that people have started to take notice of and avoid is red dye. In this article, we will explore whether Cheez-Its contain red dye and examine the potential health risks associated with this commonly used food coloring.
Is There Red Dye in Cheez-Its?
Most Cheez-Its do not have red dye including Original Cheez-It crackers. However, there is an exception.
The table below reflects the various Cheez-It products, whether each contains red dye, and the coloring used in the products.
The common colorings most often found in Cheez-Its are annatto, paprika, and turmeric extracts. In some products, you’ll also find the synthetic food colorings, yellow 5 and yellow 6.
Grooves Scorchin’ Hot Cheddar is the Cheez-It product to stay away from if you are avoiding red dyes. These crackers contain Red 40 Lake along with other artificial and natural colorings.
| Cheez-It | Red Dye (Yes or No)? | Coloring Used |
|---|---|---|
| Original | No | Annatto Extract, Paprika Extract |
| Extra Toasty | No | Annatto Extract, Paprika Extract |
| Extra Toasty Cheddar Jack | No | Annatto Extract, Paprika Extract, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 |
| Extra Cheesy | No | Annatto Extract, Paprika Extract |
| Extra Big | No | Annatto Extract, Paprika Extract |
| White Cheddar | No | Turmeric Extract, Annatto Extract |
| Pepper Jack | No | Turmeric Extract, Annatto Extract |
| Cheddar Jack | No | Annatto Extract, Paprika Extract, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 |
| Whole Grain | No | Annatto Extract, Paprika Extract |
| Italian Four Cheese | No | Turmeric Extract, Annatto Extract |
| Hot & Spicy | No | Annatto Extract, Paprika, Paprika Extract |
| Reduced Fat | No | Annatto Extract, Paprika Extract |
| Buffalo Wing | No | Annatto Extract, Paprika, Paprika Extract |
| Classic Snack Mix | No | Annatto Extract, Paprika Extract, Caramel Color |
| Double Cheese | No | Annatto Extract, Paprika Extract, Turmeric Extract, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 |
| Puff’D Double Cheese | No | Paprika Extract |
| Puff’D White Cheddar | No | None |
| Puff’D Cheddar Jack | No | Paprika Extract |
| Snap’d Double Cheese | No | Paprika Extract, Turmeric Extract, Annatto Extract |
| Snap’d Cheddar Sour Cream & Onion | No | Paprika Extract, Turmeric Extract, Annatto Extract |
| Snap’d Jalapeno Jack | No | Turmeric Extract, Annatto Extract |
| Snap’d Parmesan Ranch | No | Paprika, Turmeric Extract, Annatto Extract |
| Grooves Bold Cheddar | No | Paprika Extract, Turmeric Extract, Annatto Extract |
| Grooves Sharp White Cheddar | No | None |
| Grooves Zesty Cheddar Ranch | No | Paprika Extract, Turmeric Extract, Annatto Extract |
| Grooves Scorchin’ Hot Cheddar | Yes | Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Turmeric Extract, Blue 1 Lake, Annatto Extract |
| Duoz Jalapeno & Cheddar Jack | No | Annatto Extract, Paprika Extract, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Turmeric Extract |
| Duoz Sharp Cheddar & Parmesan | No | Annatto Extract, Paprika Extract, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Turmeric Extract |
| Duoz Bacon & Cheddar | No | Annatto Extract, Paprika, Annatto Extract, Paprika Extract, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Turmeric Extract |
We should note that ingredients can change at any time. If you wish to avoid red dyes in foods and beverages, it is vital to read the ingredients on the label/packaging before you buy.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that manufacturers list the food colorings in the list of ingredients on the label. So, if a product like Cheez-Its has red dye, it will be listed somewhere in the list of ingredients.
The above ingredient information found in the table is for informational purposes only. Use the ingredient list on the Cheez-It packaging to make your final buying decision if you are avoiding certain ingredients.
SEE ALSO>>>Do Doritos Have Red Dye? (Answered)
Is Red Dye Safe?
Red dye is a synthetic food coloring that is widely used in the food industry to add red coloring to a variety of food products, such as candies, beverages, and processed foods. It is derived from petroleum and is often used in combination with other food dyes to create different shades of color.
While the use of red dye in food products has been deemed safe by regulatory agencies such as the FDA, there is some debate over its safety and potential health risks.
Some studies have suggested that synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, may be linked to various health issues, such as hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, and even cancer.
However, the evidence is not conclusive, and more research is needed to fully understand the potential health risks associated with the use of food dyes.
Despite the concerns surrounding red dye and other synthetic food dyes, they continue to be widely used in the food industry because they are cost-effective and provide a consistent color to food products.
To minimize your exposure to red dye and other synthetic food dyes, you can choose to avoid processed foods that contain these dyes or opt for organic and natural products that use natural colors instead.
It’s also important to read food labels carefully and be aware of the different names that synthetic food dyes may be listed under, as they can go by many different names depending on the manufacturer.