Candy is notorious for containing Red 40 and other synthetic food colorings.
One of the main reasons to add it is to enhance its appearance and make it more attractive to consumers. Bright and vibrant colors can make candy more visually appealing, especially for children.
Another reason for adding food coloring to candy is to differentiate flavors or types of candy. For example, red coloring is often used for strawberry-flavored candy, while green coloring may be used for apple-flavored candy.
The above being said, many people wonder if Red Vines have Red Dye 40 similar to many other candies? To answer the question, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients of each Red Vines product.
Is There Red 40 in Red Vines?
Some Red Vines products contain Red Dye 40. As you can see in the table below, the candies with Red 40 are Original Red, Red Ropes, SuperStrings, Mixed Bites, and Strawberry Twists (Sugar-Free). Additionally, Grape has Red 3 and Blue 1 to produce its purple color.
If you’re looking to avoid Red 40, Red Vines Black Licorice, Made Simple Mixed Berry Twists, and Made Simple Black Licorice Twists are all free of synthetic food colorings.
| Red Vines Product | Red 40 (Yes or No)? | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Original Red | Yes | Corn Syrup, Wheat Flour, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Artificial Flavor, Red 40. |
| Black Licorice | No | Wheat Flour, Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Powder (Added For Color), Salt, Anise Flavor, Licorice Extract |
| Grape | No, but contains Red 3 & Blue 1 | Corn Syrup, Wheat Flour, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Artificial Flavor, Red 3, Blue 1. |
| Made Simple – Mixed Berry Twists | No | Cane Sugar, Wheat Flour, Citric Acid, Natural Berry Flavor With Other Natural Flavors, Radish Extract (Added For Color). |
| Made Simple – Black Licorice Twists | No | Cane Sugar, Wheat Flour, Tapioca Syrup, Cocoa Powder (Added For Color), Vinegar, Salt, Natural Anise Flavor, Natural Licorice Extract. |
| Red Ropes | Yes | Corn Syrup, Wheat Flour, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Artificial Flavor, Red 40. |
| SuperStrings | Yes | Corn Syrup, Wheat Flour, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Artificial Flavor, Red 40. |
| Mixed Bites | Yes | Corn Syrup, Wheat Flour, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Powder (Added For Color), Vinegar, Citric Acid, Natural And Artificial Flavor, Salt, Licorice Extract, Red 40. |
| Strawberry Twists – Sugar-Free | Yes | Maltitol Syrup, Wheat Flour, Artificial Flavor, Citric Acid, Red 40. |
| Black Licorice Twists – Sugar-Free | No | Maltitol Syrup, Wheat Flour, Vinegar, Cocoa Powder (For Color), Licorice Extract, Anise Flavor, Potassium Sorbate (A Preservative). |
In case you were wondering, many Twizzlers products also contain Red 40. Check out our article on Twizzlers vs Red Vines if you are curious about the differences between these candies.
Is Red 40 Safe?
Red dye 40 has been approved by regulatory agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as safe for consumption in the amounts used in food products.
However, some studies have suggested that red dye 40 may cause hyperactivity and other behavioral issues in children, particularly those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While the evidence is not conclusive, some experts recommend caution when consuming products that contain red dye 40, especially in children who may be more sensitive to its effects.
Other potential side effects for some people may include skin irritation, headaches/migraines, hives, asthma, allergic reaction, irritability, and depression. Red dye 40 also contains benzene, a known cancer-causing substance, and some studies have shown that it can cause tumor growth in animals that consume high doses of food dyes.
While red dye 40 is approved by the FDA, it’s essential to understand the potential risks associated with it, especially for children with ADHD and allergies. Reading food labels and choosing natural food coloring alternatives can help minimize the potential risks and promote a healthy diet for your family.
Final Thoughts
Red Vines products do contain Red 40 in some flavors, while others are free of synthetic food colorings altogether. If you have concerns about food dyes or any other ingredients in Red Vines, it’s always a good idea to read the ingredient list carefully and consult with a healthcare professional if necessary.
Sources:
americanlicorice.com
Geng, C. (n.d.). Red Dye 40 and ADHD: List of foods, symptoms, and more. Medical News Today. Retrieved April 18, 2023, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/red-dye-40-adhd#:~:text=Red%20dye%2040%20is%20a%20synthetic%20food%20dye%20made%20from,wish%20to%20limit%20their%20intake.
Cleveland Clinic. (2023, April 6). Is Red Dye 40 safe? Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved April 18, 2023, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/red-dye-40/
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