In January 2025, the FDA made headlines by banning Red Dye No. 3—a synthetic food coloring long used to create vibrant red colors in everything from candies to baked goods. This decision came after studies revealed potential health risks, including its link to cancer in animal testing. While companies have been given a grace period to reformulate their products, the news has left many consumers wondering about the everyday foods affected. Let’s check out some popular products that currently rely on this dye and what the ban could mean for them.
Brach’s Conversation Hearts
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Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be the same without these pastel-colored candies bearing tiny love notes like "Be Mine" and "Call Me." But what you might not realize is that their soft pinks and vibrant reds come courtesy of Red Dye No. 3. Reformulating these candies will be a challenge, as their color palette plays a central role in their appeal.
Brach's Candy Corn
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Candy corn has a surprisingly long history, dating back to the late 19th century when it was hand-poured into molds. Brach’s version is one of the most popular in the U.S., with its tricolor design—yellow, orange, and red—symbolizing fall. Now, it’s been revealed that Red Dye No. 3 is used in the orange and red sections to brighten its autumnal tones.
PEZ Candies
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PEZ candies originated in Austria in the 1920s as a peppermint-flavored alternative to smoking. Over time, they evolved into fruit-flavored varieties, paired with whimsical dispensers that have become collectibles. The cherry and strawberry flavors in PEZ owe their bright hues to Red Dye No. 3.
AMOS Lollipop Finger Rings
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These playful lollipops also double as wearable candy, which made them a hit at kids’ parties and events. Their bright reds and pinks, achieved with Red Dye No. 3, are part of their appeal. The lollipops’ design encourages interaction but with the dye ban, these eye-catching treats may lose some of their signature vibrancy.
Jelly Belly’s Gourmet Candy Corn
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Jelly Belly doesn’t do basic, even when it comes to candy corn. Their gourmet version is richer in flavor and more vibrant, thanks to Red Dye No. 3. By positioning their candy corn as a gourmet product, Jelly Belly has attracted a niche market of candy enthusiasts.
Entenmann's Little Bites Party Cake Mini Muffins
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Entenmann’s began as a family-run bakery in New York in 1898 and has since grown into a household name. Their Party Cake Mini Muffins feature colorful sprinkles baked into soft, moist muffins and are a favorite for school lunchboxes and celebrations. Red Dye No. 3 plays a key role in creating the red sprinkles on these treats.
Publix Canned Mixed Fruit
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We’re all too familiar with the bright-colored red cherries found in mixed fruit cans. In Publix’s version, the cherries aim to bring a burst of color to the peaches and pears. These cherries are tinted with Red Dye No. 3 to make them stand out in the mix
Kellanova Confetti Cake Pop-Tart Bites
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These bite-sized snacks are a spin-off of the classic Pop-Tart, designed for on-the-go snacking. The confetti-style icing and colorful sprinkles contain Red Dye No. 3 to create their bold reds and pinks. Luckily, the ban will only bring about subtle changes in this classic treat.
MorningStar Farms Veggie Bacon Strips
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MorningStar Farms’ veggie bacon strips aim to deliver the look and feel of traditional bacon. The reddish streaks running through these plant-based strips come from Red Dye No. 3 and help them mimic the appearance of cured meat. Their color isn’t essential to the taste, but it’s played a significant role in helping these strips visually resemble their meat counterpart.
Vigo Saffron Yellow Rice
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You might not expect a dish like saffron rice to use artificial coloring, but Red Dye No. 3 has been known to play a supporting role in giving it a golden color. The color also aims to make it standout alongside grilled meats or vegetables.
Betty Crocker Loaded Mashed Potatoes: A Comfort Food Favorite
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Even comfort food isn’t immune to this dye. Betty Crocker–a trusted name in American households since the 1920s–offers Loaded Mashed Potatoes that have used Red Dye No. 3 to enhance certain visual elements like the delicious bacon bits or seasoning specks.
Nesquik Strawberry Milk
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Nesquik’s strawberry-flavored milk dates back to the 1950s, when it was introduced alongside its popular chocolate variety. The drink’s rosy pink shade comes from Red Dye No. 3, which has become as much a part of the brand’s identity as its iconic bunny mascot. Reformulating such an iconic drink will require careful attention to its branding and visual appeal.
Nerds Bomb Pop Popsicles
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Bomb Pops have been an iconic frozen. The Nerds collaboration has brought a tangy, candy-coated twist to the classic red, white, and blue design. It’s become a favorite for its bold flavors and playful design, but the bright red stripe relies on Red Dye No. 3 for its striking appearance.
Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Bars
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Good Humor’s Strawberry Shortcake Bars feature a crumb coating with a pinkish-red tint from Red Dye No. 3. These frozen treats, popular since the mid-20th century, are a top seller for the brand. They’re known for their combination of crunchy exterior and creamy center and have a dedicated following that spans generations.
