To share my thoughts on food dyes and which ones to avoid if this is one of your goals.
Hello friends! Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Ours was good – three football games, dinner with friends, some swimming and some time to relax. I also ran some errands after being behind for a few weeks.
Today, I wanted to talk about a beefy topic: food coloring!
When browsing the aisles of your local grocery store, it’s easy to be drawn to the vibrant, colorful packaging lining the shelves. The bright hues in your favorite candies, baked goods, and even some drinks are often due to food dyes. These additives are used to improve the appearance of foods and beverages, making them more visually appealing. Unfortunately, some food dyes can have potentially harmful effects on your body. Here’s a collection of food dyes with some information so you can make more informed choices about what you and your family are eating.
I’m not dogmatic about anything in our diet – I don’t want our kids to be afraid of any food, and while they know that some foods are more nutritious than others, nothing is off limits. We focus on whole, mostly unprocessed foods here at home, but when we’re out with friends, at a party, or traveling, they order and eat whatever they feel like. I would usually encourage them to have a fruit or vegetable with everything they eat, but this is pretty much it.
At the same time, I have pretty strong feelings about food coloring. Kids know if they’re picking a candy or a drink, I’ll usually ask them to pick something else if it’s red, because I’ve seen the effects of food dye (especially red!!) on kids. It makes them hyperactive and extremely eccentric. I don’t deserve it.
6 Food Dyes to Avoid
Growing awareness of the potential dangers associated with certain food dyes has prompted many consumers to take a closer look at the ingredients in their favorite products. While food dyes may make food look more appealing, the trade-off for health risks is often not worth it. (Also, I find this debatable. I think brightly colored foods look less appetizing than foods that are their regular colors. Who decided that everything had to be bright and rainbow for me to eat?? It’s a mystery to me. ) there are so many great alternatives out there!
Today, I wanted to share some potential effects of common food dyes, the conditions they’ve been linked to, and how avoiding them can positively impact your health. I have also linked various studies below.
Is food coloring bad for you?
The short answer? It might be. Food dyes are synthetic chemicals added to foods to enhance their color. While they have been approved for use by food safety authorities in many countries, there is a growing body of research suggesting that these additives may have adverse health effects.
When you consume food dyes, your body must process these synthetic chemicals, which can sometimes lead to side effects. Studies have linked certain food dyes in hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, and even an increased risk of certain cancers in animal studies. The amount of food coloring that is considered harmful can vary, but for some people, even small amounts can cause negative reactions.
(All the green food coloring at P’s party. Look, I’m not a monster, but when we’re at home, it’s not something we keep in our daily rotation.)
Which food dyes should you avoid?
A closer look at some of the more common food dyes:
Red 40
Red 40, also known as Allura Red, is one of the most widely used food dyes. It is found in a variety of processed foods, including candy, baked goods, and snacks. Red 40 has been linked to hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions. Some studies show that it may also increase the risk of cancer.
Yellow 5
Yellow 5, or Tartrazine, is another widely used food coloring found in a wide range of products, from cereals to soft drinks. It has been linked to allergic reactions, especially in people sensitive to aspirin. There is also evidence to suggest that Yellow 5 may cause hyperactivity in children.
Yellow 6
Yellow 6, or Sunset Yellow, is used in a variety of processed foods, including sausages, baked goods and snacks. This dye has been linked to allergic reactions and may contribute to hyperactivity in children. Additionally, animal studies have raised concerns about this possible carcinogenic effects.
Blue 1
Blue 1, also known as Brilliant Blue, is found in beverages, candies and baked goods. Some animal studies have suggested that Blue 1 may pose a health risk, particularly in people with pre-existing health conditions. It has also been associated with allergic reactions and can affect cell health.
Blue 2
Blue 2, or Indigo Carmine, is another synthetic dye used in processed foods and beverages. Animal studies have suggested a link between Blue 2 and an increased risk brain tumors. It has also been associated with allergic reactions and hyperactivity in children.
Green 3
Green 3, also known as Fast Green (hate that lol), is less commonly used but still found in some processed foods like drinks and candy. This dye has been linked to a higher incidence of bladder tumors in animal studies and may endanger human health.
How to avoid food dyes
Now that you know which food dyes to watch out for, here are some tips on how to avoid them:
Read the Labels
One of the easiest ways to avoid artificial food coloring is to carefully read the labels on the foods you buy. Look for terms like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 in the ingredient list and choose products that use natural food colors.
Choose natural, unprocessed foods
Choosing whole, unprocessed foods is a surefire way to avoid artificial color additives. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins do not contain food dyes, making them a healthier choice for you and your family.
Look for natural food colors
If you’re looking for colorful foods, look for those that use natural food colors derived from fruits, vegetables, and spices. These alternatives, such as beet juice or turmeric, can provide vibrant color without the health risks associated with synthetic dyes. Whole Foods has natural Twizzlers without food coloring! It is possible to find replica candies without the dye.
Avoid artificially colored baked goods and snacks
Processed foods, especially baked goods and snacks, are often loaded with artificial colors. Instead, try making your own treats at home using natural ingredients. This way, you can control what goes into your food and avoid harmful additives. Thrive Market it also has lots of great dye-free options! This link offers you a 40% discount on your first purchase.
Final thoughts on food dyes
Food dyes may make products look more appealing, but the potential health risks associated with these additives are not worth it to me. If you’re also thinking about giving up food dyes, I recommend reading labels, choosing natural foods, and avoiding processed snacks.
Also, for a fun, dye-free treat that kids love, try these gut-healthy gelatin gums.
Do you avoid food dyes? What about your children?
This opens up a whole can of worms, but I’m also frustrated that dye-free foods are usually more expensive, especially at a time when grocery prices are absurd. It can be difficult for families to feed their kids at all, so I totally understand that many snack options are expensive when you’re looking for organic and dye-free options. Also, why can’t the US just make unpainted versions like they do in the EU? Pleeeeeease.
(Friendly reminder that there is no shame or judgment here. Live your best life. This is something I personally try to avoid and share tips for those interested in cutting back on food dyes.)
xoxo
Gina
