Red 40
AvoidAlso known as: Allura Red AC, E129
A synthetic petroleum-derived red food dye linked to hyperactivity in sensitive children.
Goby Ingredient ScoreAvoid
14/100
How often you'll see it
Very common
Based on how frequently red 40 appears in packaged foods scanned with Goby AI.
What is it?
Red 40 is one of the most widely used artificial food colorings, made from petroleum. It gives a bright red hue to candies, drinks and snacks.
Is Red 40 safe?
Permitted by the FDA but some studies link artificial dyes to hyperactivity in sensitive children. The EU requires a warning label on foods containing it.
Commonly Found In
- Candy
- Sports drinks
- Cereals
- Baked goods
- Flavored snacks
Key Concerns
- !Linked to hyperactivity in some children
- !Requires warning labels in the EU
- !Purely cosmetic with no nutritional value
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Related Ingredients
- Yellow 6A synthetic yellow-orange dye used in snacks and drinks, flagged for behavioral effects.
- Monosodium GlutamateA flavor enhancer that adds savory umami taste, common in processed and restaurant foods.
- AspartameA low-calorie artificial sweetener about 200x sweeter than sugar, used in diet sodas and sugar-free foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why avoid Red 40?
It offers no nutritional benefit and has been associated with behavioral effects in sensitive children.