Do Fruit Roll-Ups Contain Red 40 Dye? A Detailed Look

Do Fruit Roll-Ups Contain Red 40?

Fruit roll-ups are a popular snack among kids and adults alike. These sweet, fruity treats are made from fruit purees and fruit juices that have been concentrated and then dried into thin, flat sheets. But some people wonder if these colorful snacks contain artificial dyes like Red 40.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the ingredients in fruit roll-ups and find out if Red 40 is used to give them their vibrant colors. We'll also discuss what Red 40 is, whether it's safe, and some alternatives for people looking to avoid artificial dyes.

What is Red 40?

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic red food coloring approved by the FDA for use in foods, drugs, and cosmetics. It's one of the most widely used food dyes and gets its vibrant red hue from petroleum.

Red 40 is commonly found in candy, soda, popsicles, cereals, snack foods, and other brightly colored edibles. It's also used in some medications like chewable tablets. The dye must be listed by name on ingredient labels.

While still considered safe by most food safety organizations, some research has linked Red 40 to hyperactivity in children. For this reason, many parents prefer to avoid artificial dyes.

Common Ingredients in Fruit Roll-Ups

The main ingredients in fruit roll ups are fruit purees, sugar, corn syrup, various natural and artificial flavors, citric acid, and food starch. Here's a closer look at what you'll typically find in these fruit leathers:

• Fruit Purees - Fruit roll-ups get their flavor from fruit purees, which are made by mashing fresh or frozen fruits into a smooth, pulpy juice. Common fruits used include strawberries, cherries, apples, grapes, oranges, and lemons.
• Sugar - Granulated cane sugar or brown rice syrup adds sweetness.
• Corn Syrup - Corn syrup acts as a humectant to keep the treats soft and chewy.
• Natural and Artificial Flavors - Both natural and artificial fruit flavors replicate the taste of different fruits.
• Citric Acid - Citric acid provides tartness similar to real fruit.
• Food Starch - Starches made from corn, potatoes, rice, or wheat help bind the ingredients.

Artificial colors are conspicuously absent from most standard ingredient lists for major fruit roll-up brands. So it appears that synthetic dyes like Red 40 are not used to create the bright colors.

How Are Fruit Roll-Ups Colored?

If artificial dyes aren't used, how do fruit roll-ups get their vibrant reds, oranges, purples, greens, and other fun colors? It turns out the secrets are all-natural!

Here are some of the ways fruit roll-up manufacturers give their products such eye-catching hues:

• Fruit Purees - The natural colors of strawberry, cherry, grape, and other fruit purees used in the recipes provide rich red, purple, and orange tones.
• Fruit and Vegetable Juices - Small amounts of juices from fruits and veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach add bursts of color.
• Turmeric - This bright yellow spice is sometimes used to give a golden color.
• Annatto - Made from the seeds of the achiote tree, annatto extract lends a reddish-orange color.
• Paprika - In small amounts, paprika powder contributes a reddish hue.
• Beta Carotene - A naturally-occurring red-orange pigment abundant in fruits and vegetables.

Thanks to the colorful phytonutrients naturally present in fruits and spices, synthetic dyes aren't needed to give fruit roll-ups their fun, vibrant appearance.

Do Major Brands Use Red 40?

An inspection of fruit roll-up ingredients lists from major brands confirms that Red 40 and other artificial colors are typically not used.

For example, here are the ingredients lists from two leading fruit roll-up products:

• Betty Crocker Fruit Roll-Ups - Sugar, corn syrup, modified corn starch, contains 2% or less of: citric acid, natural and artificial flavors, coconut oil, red 40, yellow 6, blue 1, vitamin c (ascorbic acid).
• Fruit by the Foot - Pears from concentrate, sugar, corn syrup, dried corn syrup, citric acid, natural and artificial flavors, palm oil. Colored with fruit and vegetable juice, turmeric extract (color), annatto extract (color).

As you can see, popular picks like Fruit by the Foot mention fruit and vegetable juices for color while Betty Crocker's Fruit Roll-Ups do contain Red 40. But the Betty Crocker version seems to be an outlier - most major brands opt for natural coloring.

Should You Avoid Foods with Red 40?

While considered safe by the FDA, some health-conscious consumers prefer to avoid Red 40. Here's an overview of the potential pros and cons of this artificial dye:

Potential Benefits of Avoiding Red 40

• May reduce hyperactivity in sensitive children
• Avoid exposure to petroleum-derived ingredients
• Prefer foods colored with natural ingredients

Things to Consider

• Small amounts are likely safe for most people
• No major risks identified in FDA reviews
• May be difficult to entirely avoid

Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about artificial dyes like Red 40 and whether avoiding them could be beneficial for you or your family.

Alternatives If Avoiding Red 40

Luckily, it's easy to find fruit roll-ups and similar snacks without artificial dyes, including Red 40. Here are some great options:

• Stonyfield Organic Fruit Snacks - Made with fruit juices and organic ingredients.
• Annie's Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks - Organic snacks colored with vegetable juices.
• Trader Joe's Fruit Wraps/Roll-Ups - Free of artificial ingredients.
• Stretch Island Fruit Co. Leather Rolls - Colored with fruit and veggie juices.
• Made in Nature Fruit Leathers - Contain only natural colors.

You can also make homemade fruit leather by pureeing fresh fruit and drying it. This lets you control exactly what goes into it.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to fruit roll-ups, most major brands rely on natural colors from fruit and plant extracts rather than artificial dyes like Red 40. A few exceptions like Betty Crocker do contain Red 40, so check the label if you wish to avoid it.

However, there are plenty of delicious options colored only with natural fruit and veggie juices if you're looking to steer clear of synthetic dyes. With a little label reading, you can find fruit snacks that fit your preferences and diet.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.