Should You Be Concerned About Food Dyes?

As a parent, there’s always something to worry about, whether it’s choosing the right school, or car seat, or just making sure your toddler doesn’t jump right off the bed. You might have recently added food dyes to this list. After all, in August 2024, the state of California banned foods and beverages containing red dye No. 40, yellow dyes Nos. 5 and 6, blue dyes Nos. 1 and 2, and green dye No. 3 in public and charter schools.

You may have also noticed that the snack aisle at the grocery store, as well as the children’s medication aisle, are suddenly offering things like dye-free sprinkles and ibuprofen. But are dyes something you need to be concerned about? The answer might surprise you.

What the science says

If you feel like your child behaves differently after eating a big slice of cake with red frosting versus a slice with white icing, you may not be imagining things. According to Dr. Taz Bhatia, Medical Advisor to clean medicine company Genexa, there is some concern from the medical community that dyes affect children and infants in various ways. These may include behaviour, attention and hyperactivity, causing or being linked to allergic reactions, or worsening sensory issues in infants.

A recent New York Times article highlighted this issue, citing studies conducted over the years. Overall, the consensus is that while more research needs to be conducted, some children may have adverse reactions to these chemical dyes. However, neither the Food and Drug Administration nor Health Canada have banned these dyes.

What to look for on ingredient lists

Want to avoid the dyes banned in California? Check product labels for these ingredients:

Red No. 40: Allura Red AC; Red 40; Red 40 Lake; FD&C Red no. 40 Aluminium Lake; FD&C Red no. 40

Yellow No. 5: FD&C yellow no. 5; tartrazine; E102

Yellow No. 6: Sunset Yellow FCF; Orange Yellow S; FD&C Yellow 6

Blue No. 1: FD&C Blue 1; Brilliant Blue

Blue No. 2: Indigo Carmine; FD&C Blue 2; Acid Blue 9

Green No. 3: Fast Green; FD&C Green No. 3

Why are dyes used?

Food dyes serve a purpose. They make food more exciting and often hint at the flavour we'll experience. When you’re trying to get your child to eat or take medication, especially if they’re too young to reason with, brightly-coloured products can help.

“Children can be picky eaters, so dyes are prevalent to promote visual appeal and flavour perception,” says Serenity Carr, co-founder and CEO of Serenity Kids, a line of organic, no-sugar-added, non-GMO baby food. “They may also be used to cover natural variances in colour or to add back colour lost in processing.”

Parents should be mindful of food dyes. Try to keep track of what your child has eaten and watch for side effects. If a food or substance causes hyperactivity or your child breaks out in hives, the best thing to do is avoid it.

Luckily avoiding food dyes isn't that difficult these days—even in fun foods like sprinkles, candy and purée pouches. Dye-free foods have become more readily available. Look for statements such as “no artificial colours or dyes” on the label.

Even if your child doesn’t need to avoid dyes entirely, you may want to limit excessive amounts of food dyes, at least until there is more conclusive information.

You can still keep foods colourful

Artificial ingredients aren't the only way to add some colour to your child's diet. Nature has given us so many foods that are both colourful and nutritious. “For dye-free snacks to make at home, consider options like homemade fruit salad, vegetable skewers with hummus dip, homemade trail mix with nuts, seeds and dried fruits, or a yogurt parfait with layers of fresh fruits and granola,” says Chanel Kenner, RD, and co-host of the Plateful Parenting Podcast. “These are not only flavourful but also provide nutrients that support growth and overall well-being.”

Balance is key

Kenner adds that just because you’re concerned about food dyes doesn’t mean your child should miss out on cupcakes at a birthday party or the occasional candy at the movies. Just make sure that the rest of their diet consists of as many whole, unprocessed foods as possible. This is important for avoiding artificial ingredients and making sure kids get all the nutrients they need.

“There are so many great dye-free options that are beautiful foods, like berries, oranges, grapes, bell peppers, carrots and kale. These foods are rich in antioxidants, fibre, and phytonutrients that support overall health and can be incorporated into a variety of meals and snacks.”