Is There Red Dye in My Easter Basket?

Why you may want to think twice about eating those brightly colored treats.

From bright jelly beans and pastel marshmallow chicks to colorful eggs and festive cookies, Easter often features eye-catching goodies. But have you ever wondered what gives these treats their vibrant hues?

Many colorful processed foods contain food dyes. The food coloring used to decorate Easter eggs also relies on these dyes. Although no food dyes are considered healthy superfoods by any means, one dye in particular—Red Dye No. 3—may be especially concerning. It’s being banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) so you may want to steer clear of products that use this dye.

Here are answers to common questions about this proposed food dye ban.

What is Red Dye No. 3?

Red Dye No. 3, also known as erythrosine, is a synthetic food coloring used to give foods a bright red or pink color. It’s commonly found in candies, fruit snacks, frostings and even some medications. While it has been approved for use in food for decades, it has long been banned in cosmetics due to concerns over its safety.

Why is the dye being banned?

The FDA has decided to ban Red Dye No. 3 because studies have shown it can cause cancer in animals, even though there’s no definitive proof that it harms humans. By January 2027, food companies must remove this dye from their products. For medications, the deadline is January 2028.

Does the ban include all red dyes?

No, the ban only applies to Red Dye No. 3. Other red dyes, such as Red Dye No. 40, are still allowed in food and drinks. Red Dye No. 40 is actually the more common of the two dyes and is found in many processed foods.

Are there natural alternatives to food dyes?

Yes! Some companies are turning to natural alternatives like beet juice, paprika and turmeric for food coloring. These options can provide vibrant colors without artificial additives. When decorating Easter eggs, you may want to consider using natural dyes made from foods like blueberries, onion skins or spinach for a fun and safer approach.

Should I avoid Red Dye No. 3 now?

It’s not a bad idea to try to avoid Red Dye No. 3 before the ban goes into effect, or any artificial food dyes for that matter. Research suggests that artificial food dyes may contribute to behavioral issues in kids and some people prefer to avoid them altogether. But while the safety of food dyes has been debated for years, the amount of Red Dye No. 3 you’re consuming is likely pretty small.

Instead of stressing too much about one ingredient, you’re better off focusing on eating a balanced diet. Fill your plate with whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. Eating fewer processed foods will naturally reduce your intake of artificial dyes and preservatives. And a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber will do far more for your health than cutting out a small amount of food dye.

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^{Date Last Reviewed: February 12, 2025}

^{Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor}

^{Medical Review: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT}