what foods have artificial coloring

Artificial Colors Hiding in Your Food

By Daniel AndersonJanuary 5, 2026

Ever wondered why your favorite childhood candies were such vibrant colors, or how your local coffee shop achieves that mouth-watering, Instagram-worthy swirl in their latte? Artificial colors, a common additive in numerous foods, are likely to blame. But what exactly are these artificial colors, and where can you find them? Let's delve into the world of artificial food coloring and explore what foods often contain them.

Artificial colors are synthetically produced dyes used to enhance the appearance of a wide array of food products. They are typically used when natural colors are not easily accessible or do not provide the desired intensity. While some artificial colors are derived from natural sources, most are laboratory-made and have been extensively studied for safety. However, recent research has sparked conversations about potential health implications, making it essential to understand which foods might contain them.

Candy and Confections

Candies, gummies, and other sweets are notorious for their eye-catching hues. In fact, artificial colors are commonly added to create various shades, from the bright red of a candy apple to the electric blue of a sour belt.

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Commonly used artificial colors in candy include Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1. Some popular candy brands using these dyes include M&M's, Skittles, and Starburst, among many others.

Red 40

Red 40, also known as Allura Red, is one of the most widely used food dyes in the United States. It's responsible for the fiery red hues in many candies, ice creams, and even some meats.

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Examples of foods containing Red 40 include M&M's (red and green), Skittles (red and some greens), and Twizzlers (red licorice). Interestingly, many Warner Bros. branded candies use Red 40 to replicate the iconic colors of popular cartoon characters.

Yellow 5 & Blue 1

Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) and Blue 1 are two other frequently used artificial colors in candy. They are often combined to create a broad spectrum of vibrant colors, from orange to purple.

Yellow 5 is used in candy corn, Starburst's yellow and orange flavors, and many other yellow-hued sweets. Meanwhile, Blue 1 is found in Skittles (blue), M&M's (dark blue), and countless other blue and purple goodies.

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Beverages and Desserts

Artificial colors aren't confined to candy alone; they also find their way into countless beverages and desserts. From soda to ice cream, these colors are used to enhance visual appeal and intrigue consumers.

Some well-known brands using artificial colors in their beverages and desserts include Coca-Cola (Red 40 in some flavors), Ben & Jerry's (multiple colors in various flavors), and Oreo cookies (Yellow 5 and Blue 1 in some flavors).

Soda and Energy Drinks

Soda and energy drinks often utilize artificial colors to differentiate flavors and catch consumers' attention. The bright colors in these beverages can help signal specific tastes, like red for cherry or blue for berry.

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Examples of sodas containing artificial colors include Mountain Dew (Yellow 5 in most flavors), Dr Pepper (Red 40 in some flavors), and Gatorade ( various colors, depending on the flavor). Similarly, energy drinks like Red Bull (Yellow 5 in some flavors) and Monster Energy (Blue 1 in some flavors) also incorporate artificial colors.

Ice Cream and Baked Goods

Artificial colors are commonly used in ice cream to create enticing, eye-catching swirls and patterns. They are also added to many baked goods, from cakes and frostings to cookies and doughnuts, to enhance their visual appeal.

Ben & Jerry's ice cream, known for its creative flavors, uses a variety of artificial colors, such as Red 40 in their Cherry Garcia and Blue 1 in their Tolkien-inspired flavors like Mint Humbug. In baked goods, popular brands like Oreo (Yellow 5 and Blue 1 in some flavors) and Betty Crocker (Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 in various products) often incorporate artificial colors.

When seeking to avoid artificial colors in your diet, it's essential to read ingredient labels carefully, as they can often be found in unexpected places. Many food manufacturers now offer alternative, naturally colored options, so be sure to keep an eye out for those as well. By making informed choices, you can enjoy a colorful, varied diet while being mindful of the ingredients you consume. Now that you're equipped with knowledge about artificial colors, go forth and make each meal a delight for both your eyes and your taste buds!