You know Doritos as the classic triangular-shaped corn chips that are known for their flavorful taste and wide range of flavors. Given the enormous popularity of these tortilla chips, there are many questions about them. One common question is whether Doritos have red dye.
This article will specifically inform you of the dyes used in Doritos, including any red dyes. Here is what you need to know about the dyes in Doritos…
Is There Red Dye in Doritos?
You can determine if a packaged food, such as Doritos, contains red dye by reviewing its ingredients. The manufacturer is required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to list the dyes used in Doritos in the ingredients found on the packaging.
Most Doritos products contain red and other artificial dyes. This includes favorites like classic Nacho Cheese and Cool Ranch flavors. The dyes are used as an ingredient to make the chips more appealing and appetizing to consumers.
However, you certainly have a few options if you do not wish to consume red dye but still want to enjoy Doritos. Spicy Sweet Chili, Simply Organic White Cheddar, and 3D Crunch Spicy Ranch contain no dyes. Furthermore, Doritos 3D Crunch Chili Cheese Nacho have no red dye but they do contain other synthetic colors of dye.
The table below shows the dyes used in each Doritos product, if any. However, we strongly recommend referring to the ingredients listed on the product label for the most accurate and up-to-date information. This is particularly crucial since ingredient composition may change without prior notice. By referring to the label, you can make informed buying decisions based on your ingredient preferences.
| Doritos Product | Red Dye (Yes or No)? | Artificial Coloring Used |
|---|---|---|
| Nacho Cheese | Yes | Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 |
| Cool Ranch | Yes | Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5 |
| Spicy Nacho | Yes | Red 40 Lake, Red 40, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Blue 1 |
| Spicy Sweet Chili | No | None |
| Flamas | Yes | Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake |
| Flamin’ Hot Cool Ranch | Yes | Red 40 Lake, Red 40, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Blue 1 |
| Flamin’ Hot Nacho | Yes | Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 6, Yellow 5 |
| Flamin’ Hot Limon | Yes | Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake |
| Salsa Verde | Yes | Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Blue 1 Lake |
| Tapatio | Yes | Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 5, Blue 2 Lake |
| Dinamita Chile Limon | Yes | Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake |
| Simply Organic White Cheddar | No | None |
| Sweet & Tangy BBQ | Yes | Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Blue 2 Lake |
| 3D Crunch Chili Cheese Nacho | No | Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 Lake, Blue 2 Lake |
| 3D Crunch Spicy Ranch | No | None |
SEE ALSO>>>Do Cheetos Have Red Dye? (Answered)
Final Thoughts
Many Doritos products contain red dye as listed in their ingredients. If you are concerned about consuming red dye, it is always a good idea to check the ingredients list on the actual packaged foods prior to buying the product.
Keep in mind that any dyes used in Doritos have been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In other words, the manufacturer is required to only use approved artificial dyes and they are limited in the amount that can be used.
However, if you are reading this article, you are likely aware of the debate surrounding the use of red dyes in foods and beverages. If not, here are a few articles you may wish to read as a starting point to learn about red dyes in foods:
