Mike And Ike candies are known for their vibrant colors and assortment of fruity flavors. However, as more consumers become mindful of the ingredients in their favorite snacks, questions surface about the presence of certain additives, such as Red Dye 40, which has been a topic of concern for some health-conscious individuals.
Here you will learn if Mike and Ike candies have Red 40 or other dyes that may potentially be a concern for you.
Mike and Ike & Red 40
Original Mike and Ikes have Red Dye 40 in them. They also contain Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1.
If you’re curious about the dyes used in other varieties of this candy brand, scroll down to the next section.
Here is the full list of ingredient for Original Mike and Ike candies:
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Modified food starch
- Citric acid
- Malic acid
- Fumaric acid
- Sodium citrate
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Dextrin
- Confectioners glaze
- Carnauba wax
- Medium-chain triglycerides
- Red #40
- Yellow #6
- Yellow #5 (Tartrazine)
- Blue #1
Mike and Ike Candies & Dyes (All Varieties)
Any Mike and Ike variety with a mix of flavors contains Red 40. Furthermore, the hard to find Jolly Joes (Grape) Mike and Ikes have Red 40.
The less popular single flavors (Sour Lemon, Orange, & Sour Watermelon) are free of Red 40 but they do have other artificial dyes in them.
Here are the artificial dyes used in the various Mike and Ikes:
- Original – Red 40, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Blue 1
- Tropical Typhoon – Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1
- Berry Blast – Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5
- Mega Mix – Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 6
- Mega Mix Sour – Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1
- Sour Lemon – Yellow 5
- Orange – Yellow 6
- Sour Watermelon – Yellow 5, Blue 1 (<—-They are green candies and not red.)
- Jolly Joes – Red 40, Blue 1
- Cherry – Red 40
Be sure to read the ingredients printed on the label for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Make your buying decisions based on the ingredients printed on the box if avoid certain ingredients is important to you.
Concerns With Red 40
It’s important to note that Red 40 is a synthetic food dye that is commonly used to enhance the color of foods and beverages. This includes many types of candy like Smarties and M&Ms. Red 40 is approved for consumption when used according to regulations.
While it adds appealing colors to candies and helps sell the products, concerns have been raised regarding its potential impact on health. These are the primary potential health concerns with Red 40:
- Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to certain food dyes, including Red #40, experiencing symptoms such as hives, itching, or difficulty breathing.
- Hyperactivity: A controversial topic surrounds the potential link between artificial food dyes, including Red #40, and increased hyperactivity in children. While scientific opinions vary, some studies suggest a correlation.
- Carcinogenic Concerns: Some studies have explored the potential carcinogenic effects of certain food dyes, although regulatory agencies generally consider them safe in small quantities.
Read More: Is Red Dye 40 Safe? and Red Dye 40: Safety, Side Effects, and Food List
Final Thoughts
Mike and Ike Original and several other products within the brand do contain Red #40, which may raise concerns for people who are cautious about consuming artificial food dyes. As with any ingredient, moderation is key, and individuals with specific sensitivities or health concerns may choose to limit or avoid the intake of products containing Red #40.
It’s essential for consumers to stay informed about the ingredients in their favorite snacks and make choices that align with their health goals and dietary preferences. As research in the field of food additives continues, manufacturers may also explore alternative, natural colorings to meet the demands of an increasingly health-conscious consumer base.
