Red dye 3 food list​: What products have red 3 food dye ?

January 17, 2025
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Studies

Red dye 3 food list

The FDA has officially banned Red 3, a synthetic dye known for its vibrant cherry-red hue, commonly found in foods and beverages. Also known as erythrosine or FD&C Red No. 3, this dye has been linked to cancer in male laboratory rats—a compelling reason for its removal from our food supply.

But manufacturers have until 2027 to reformulate their products.

At GoCoCo, we analyzed over 430,000 items from the USDA database to uncover the impact of this additive. Here’s what we found:

  • Red 3 is in approximately 9,000 products in the USDA database.
  • And it disproportionately affects items loved by children:
    • 26% Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings
    • 16% Chewing Gum & Mints
    • 13% Candy
    • 11% Cookies & Biscuits

Think about it: these are staples at birthday parties, school lunches, and holiday celebrations—moments we cherish but might unknowingly expose kids to those unnecessary synthetic dyes

Curious about which products contain Red 3?

We’ve prepared a searchable list of all 9,000 affected products. The list works best on desktop.
Scroll through or use the search bar to see if your favorite items made the list!

Let’s work together to make healthier choices for the next generation.

Download GoCoCo and easily identify all banned additives.

Disclaimer: This list of products containing Red 3 has been compiled using data from the USDA database and other reliable sources. While we strive for accuracy, errors or omissions may occur due to the complexity and variability of product formulations. The presence of Red 3 in any product listed here is based on the best available information at the time of publication and may not reflect recent changes or reformulations by manufacturers.

GoCoCo assumes no liability for any inaccuracies or for decisions made based on this information. We encourage consumers to verify ingredient labels directly on product packaging for the most up-to-date and accurate details.

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