Brightly colored candies, cereals, and drinks have been staples of the modern industrial food landscape for decades, but the artificial dyes responsible for the intense colors are under increasing scrutiny. In early 2025, American regulators finally moved to ban Red Dye No. 3 in foods and oral medications. And in response to growing consumer concerns, many U.S. companies are shifting away from artificial dyes and replacing them with natural sources.
So, are food dyes bad for you, and how does the U.S. compare to other countries in regulating artificial colors? Let’s break it down.
Health Concerns of Synthetic Dyes
Hyperactivity in Kids
One of the biggest concerns with synthetic dyes is their link to hyperactivity and ADHD-like symptoms in children.
- A 2007 British study (the “Southampton study”) found that certain food dyes worsened hyperactive behavior in kids. This led the European Union to require warning labels on products containing these dyes.1
- A 2021 scientific review from California’s Environmental Protection Agency concluded that synthetic dyes can trigger hyperactivity and other behavioral issues in sensitive children.2
- A recent analysis found that commonly consumed doses of food colorings in processed food probably have a negative effect on behavior in children.3
The takeaway? Some kids, with or without ADHD, react poorly to artificial dyes.
Cancer Risks in Animal Studies
Red 3 isn’t the only food dye with a questionable safety profile. Several synthetic dyes have been linked to tumors in animal studies:
- Red 40 – Possible immune system tumors in mice
- Yellow 6 – Linked to adrenal and kidney tumors in animal tests
- Green 3 – Possible bladder and testes tumors in male rats
Personally, I don’t find the studies very convincing because the doses used are almost always extremely high and unrealistic. The FDA maintains that approved dyes pose no significant cancer risk to humans at typical exposure. Many consumers nevertheless remain wary.
Allergic Reactions
Certain dyes—especially Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)—can cause allergic reactions like itching or hives, particularly in people sensitive to aspirin.4 Red 40 has also been linked to “allergy-like” symptoms in some individuals. These are still quite rare.
Gut Health
Newer research suggests that some dyes might disrupt gut health.5 A 2022 animal study found that long-term consumption of Red 40 damaged the gut barrier, caused inflammation, and increased colitis in colitis-susceptible mice, raising concerns about potential effects on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, intermittent exposure did not worsen gut inflammation or trigger colitis.6
So if you are going to give your kids dyed food, don’t give them a constant drip of it. Break it up. They’re treats, remember?
How the U.S. Compares to Europe
The U.S. has been slow to act on food dyes, while European countries have taken a much more precautionary approach. Since 2010, the EU has required warning labels on foods with artificial dyes, stating they “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.” Many European companies have reformulated to avoid having to carry the label.
This explains why the same brands often have different formulations in the U.S. vs. Europe. For example, Haribo gummy bears produced in Germany use natural colors like spirulina extract and actual fruit juices, while the U.S. version still relies on synthetic dyes.
The Shift Toward Natural Colors
Faced with consumer concerns and the threat of looming regulations, many food companies are voluntarily pivoting away from artificial dyes in the U.S.
- Mars, Inc. has pledged to remove artificial colors from all M&M’s and Skittles.
- Kraft removed food dyes from its Mac & Cheese in 2016. It gets its hue from paprika and turmeric.
- Panera Bread and Chipotle have removed artificial additives, including colors.
There’s also a huge industry of “healthier” snacks, treats, and candy that proudly use natural dyes instead of artificial ones. I expect this trend will continue as companies realize that a growing portion of the market no longer wants artificial dyes—and that people who don’t care wouldn’t notice if they switched.
Final Thoughts: Should You Avoid Artificial Dyes?
From my reading, the biggest reason to avoid artificial dye is the effect they can have on behavior in children—possibly even in normal amounts. If your child struggles with focus or hyperactivity, it might be worth experimenting with a dye-free diet, especially since we don’t know who is going to be sensitive.
If you’re an adult, the occasional artificially colored treat isn’t going to kill you. But you shouldn’t really be eating brightly colored processed foods anyway, other than as an occasional treat.
The good news? More companies are shifting to natural alternatives due to widespread demand from consumers, and with the FDA finally banning Red 3, momentum is building toward more real food ingredients.
