Artificial Dyes: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Family Healthy

Hello, friends! Today, I want to share something that has become a big priority for our family: avoiding artificial dyes. We made this decision after realizing just how many of these dyes are in our everyday foods and products—and how they could be impacting our health. This journey began as I searched for ways to help manage my ADHD twins’ behaviors. I was shocked to find that these dyes are not only prevalent but also linked to various health concerns, yet are still allowed in the U.S. food supply. Let’s dig into what artificial dyes are, why they’re used, and how to spot and avoid them to keep our families healthier.

What Are Artificial Dyes?

Artificial dyes have been used in the U.S. since the early 1900s, and their presence has only grown since then. Over the past 50 years alone, synthetic dye usage has surged by 500%! You’ll find these dyes in many foods we and our kids eat daily, including candy, cereals, soda, baked goods, salad dressings, and even pickles.

According to Foodnerdinc.com, artificial dyes are “man-made, complex chemicals that were originally made from coal tar, but are now made from petroleum.” Petroleum is also used to make gasoline, diesel, asphalt, and plastics. Some of the most common dyes you might see on food labels include:

• FD&C Blue No. 1 (Brilliant blue FCF, E133)
• FD&C Blue No. 2 (Indigotine, E132)
• FD&C Green No. 3 (Fast green FCF, E143)
• FD&C Red No. 3 (Erythrosine, E127)
• FD&C Red No. 40 (Allura red AC, E129)
• FD&C Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine, E102)
• FD&C Yellow No. 6 (Sunset yellow FCF, E110)

Why Are Artificial Dyes Used in Food and Consumer Products?

Food manufacturers use artificial dyes because they’re inexpensive and provide bright, eye-catching colors that make foods, especially for kids, look more appealing. But it’s not just food where you’ll find them. Toothpaste, children’s medicines, pet food, craft supplies, textiles, inks, and cosmetics are just a few products that may contain these synthetic colors.

Health Concerns and Controversies

Research has linked artificial dyes to several serious health risks:

• Behavioral Issues: Studies suggest that certain dyes, particularly Red 40, can trigger hyperactivity and aggression in children.
• Carcinogenic Effects: Some dyes, like Red 3, have been shown to cause cancer in animal studies. Despite being banned from cosmetics in 1990, Red 3 is still allowed in foods.
• Chromosomal Damage: Dyes like Blue 1 and Blue 2 may cause chromosomal damage, potentially impacting neurodevelopment.

Natural Dye Alternatives

Thankfully, there are natural alternatives for coloring food! Natural dyes come from plants and other natural sources specifically intended for food use. Here are a few examples you might see on labels:

• Annatto (E160b): A reddish-orange dye from achiote seeds.
• Caramel Coloring (E150a-d): Made from caramelized sugar.
• Carmine (E120): A red dye derived from the cochineal insect.
• Elderberry Juice (E163), Lycopene (E160d), Paprika (E160c), and Turmeric/Curcumin (E100).

Switching entirely to natural dyes is challenging for some companies. Natural dyes often need higher quantities to match the vibrancy of artificial colors, may add unintended flavors, or might be less stable when exposed to heat, light, or oxygen.

How to Avoid Artificial Dyes in Everyday Life

To reduce your family’s exposure to artificial dyes, the best approach is to read labels closely. In the U.S., food dyes must be listed on ingredient labels, so you can spot them fairly easily. Apps like Yuka can help too—our family uses it to scan foods and check for any dyes or other harmful additives.

Many companies, like Aldi and Trader Joe’s, are now entirely dye-free, so these stores can be great resources. As more people learn about the risks of artificial dyes, brands are beginning to make positive changes.

Conclusion

Understanding the impact of artificial dyes can be eye-opening, and thankfully, small changes can lead to big health improvements for our families. I’d love to hear from you—have you found any dye-free products or alternatives your kids enjoy? Let’s keep sharing and supporting each other as we make healthier choices!

Sources:

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2957945
• https://www.cspinet.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/resource/food-dyes-rainbow-of-risks.pdf
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22176942
• https://health.clevelandclinic.org/red-dye-40
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23026007
• https://www.macsenlab.com/blog/food-dyes-an-overview/https://handletheheat.com/natural-vs-artificial-food-coloring/