The Dangers of Food Dye Allergies & Better Alternatives

Did you know food dye intolerance symptoms can include headaches, hyperactivity, skin rashes, and digestive issues—especially in sensitive children? As more families notice these reactions, interest in cutting out artificial dyes has grown.

While concerns about food dyes and hyperactivity have circulated for decades, newer research points to the potential for dye-related allergic responses and sensitivities. That’s why many parents are rethinking what's in their pantry. And their kid’s vitamins.

This article will walk you through the latest on food dye allergies, how to spot potential symptoms, and what safer, dye-free alternatives are available for families who want to make the switch.

What Is a Food Dye Allergy?

Reactions to food dyes typically fall into two categories: allergies and sensitivities (or intolerances). While they’re often grouped together, they involve different body system responses.

A food dye allergy triggers the immune system. Though rare, these reactions can be serious and even life-threatening. In severe cases, food dye allergies may lead to anaphylaxis, which can cause hives, difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, and a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

By contrast, a food dye sensitivity or intolerance doesn’t involve the immune system. They’re more common and usually lead to short-term discomfort rather than medical emergencies.

While researchers question the safety of food dyes, artificial colorants like Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 are FDA approved and widely used in processed foods—everything from candy and drinks to condiments and vitamins. It’s easy to miss these additives since they’re often tucked away at the bottom of ingredient lists.

That’s why many parents are now paying closer attention—and opting for products made without artificial colorants altogether.

Could My Child Have a Food Dye Allergy? 

If you suspect your child is currently experiencing an allergic reaction, go to the emergency room immediately. Food dye allergy symptoms can escalate quickly, and it's never worth waiting to see if they pass.

Signs & Symptoms 

Food dye intolerance symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to more serious reactions. Here are some signs that may indicate your child is reacting to artificial colorings:

• Skin rashes or hives

• Headaches or migraines

• Digestive issues (bloating, cramps, gas)

• Hyperactivity or sudden mood changes

• Runny nose or congestion

• Itchy or watery eyes

• Behavioral changes, restlessness, or trouble sleeping after consuming dyed foods

If your child has difficulty breathing, swelling, or signs of anaphylaxis, seek emergency care immediately—these could signal a serious allergy.

For ongoing or unclear symptoms, talk to your pediatrician. They can help determine whether your child is dealing with a true food dye allergy, a sensitivity, or another underlying health issue. In the meantime, avoid any suspected foods.

Keep in mind that young kids may not always connect their symptoms to what they ate. Explain the importance of being honest about the foods they eat—especially if they snuck a colorful treat. Knowing what foods contain dyes and keeping them out of reach can help prevent unexpected reactions.

Are Food Dyes Dangerous?

Your child doesn’t need to have an allergy or sensitivity to be affected by food dyes. Many families choose to avoid them simply because of the potential long-term health concerns and because they offer no nutritional benefit.

Some synthetic dyes contain or are processed with chemicals like benzene, a known carcinogen (aka cancer causing chemical) recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and American Cancer Society (ACS). While benzene is widely used in manufacturing, research has linked its ingestion and inhalation to serious health risks, including cancer in animal studies.

Despite these risks, artificial food dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 are still commonly used in foods, drinks, and even children’s health products.

The good news? Avoiding artificial dyes is easier than ever. Choosing artificial dye-free products doesn’t require a total lifestyle overhaul—just a closer look at labels. Every small swap you make is a meaningful step toward reducing your child’s exposure to unnecessary chemicals.

A Closer Look at Red 3 

Red No. 3 (also known as erythrosine) is a synthetic dye used to give foods, drinks, and even some medications a bright, cherry-red color. You’ll often find it in products like gummies, baked goods, and frostings—especially those marketed to kids.

But this food dye has raised serious concerns over the years. Back in the 1980s, studies linked high doses of Red No. 3 to thyroid tumors in lab animals. Since then, health experts have questioned why the dye is still used in foods.

In 2024, the FDA announced plans to ban Red No. 3 from foods and ingested medications due to its potential cancer risk. Manufacturers will be required to remove it from food products by January 15, 2027, and from ingested medications by January 18, 2028.

If your child has a red dye allergy or sensitivity—or you simply prefer to avoid unnecessary chemicals—this is a good time to check labels and choose products made with safer, naturally colored alternatives like beet juice or turmeric.

The bottom line? Red No. 3 is on its way out. And for many parents, this change can’t come soon enough!

There’s No Reason To Use Artificial Food Dyes. Period. 

Artificial food dyes don’t serve a nutritional or functional purpose. They’re simply added to make products look more appealing, especially to kids. But a bright color doesn’t mean better taste or higher quality. That neon green “kiwi” drink? It likely contains more sugar and chemicals than real fruit.

The truth is, food dye is all about appearance—not health. And while those bright colors may be fun, they’re not necessary in food, candy, toothpaste, or even multivitamins.

What’s more, artificial dyes come at a cost. Most are made in large factories that use significant energy and resources to produce something our bodies don’t need. In some cases, these manufacturing processes may even contribute to environmental pollution, impacting the air, water, and ecosystems around us.

Choosing products made without artificial colors is a simple way to support your child’s health—and the health of the planet, too.

How To Avoid Food Dyes at the Grocery Store

Avoiding artificial dyes is easier when you know what to look for on food labels. Dyes are typically listed toward the bottom of the ingredient list, often under names that reflect their color, like Red 40 or Yellow 5. 

For a faster shopping trip, choose products that clearly state “no artificial colors or flavors” on the front of the package. This can help you make quick, confident choices in the grocery aisle when your little one is reaching for every snack in sight.

When checking ingredient labels, keep an eye out for these common dye-related terms:

• Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2

• FD&C colors (e.g., FD&C Red No. 3)

• Artificial colors or color added

• Synthetic food dyes

• Lake dyes (e.g., Yellow 5 Lake)
  
  

Many better-for-you brands are now making it easy by skipping dyes altogether so you can feel good about what’s going in your child’s body.

Healthy Alternatives to Food Dyes 

There's no need to color foods artificially to make them appealing. Nature already offers plenty of vibrant, kid-friendly options! Still, many companies use dyes to make products look more uniform or visually “fun,” especially in processed snacks or drinks.

If a product truly needs a pop of color, there are safe, natural alternatives that come from fruits, vegetables, and spices. These not only bring rich, beautiful hues, but also add trace nutrients and flavor.

Here are a few examples of natural food colorings and how they compare to synthetic dyes:

• Beet juice or beet powder – Creates red or pink tones; rich in antioxidants

• Turmeric – Produces yellow or golden hues; naturally anti-inflammatory

• Spirulina – A blue-green algae that offers a vibrant blue and nutrient boost

• Paprika or annatto – Adds warm orange or reddish tones from spices

• Purple sweet potato or blueberry extract – Yields natural purples; packed with polyphenols

• Carrot juice or pumpkin – Soft orange tones with added beta-carotene

Unlike synthetic dyes, natural colorants don’t rely on petrochemicals or synthetic compounds.

Want to dive deeper? Check out our post on Natural Food Coloring: A Guide to Healthier Alternatives for more ways to go dye-free without giving up color.

Hiya Is Free From Artificial Colors and Flavors

At Hiya, we believe the vitamins you give your child should be as clean and safe as the food you serve them.

That’s why our products are free from artificial dyes, added sugar, and unnecessary fillers. Instead, we use a naturally colorful blend of organic fruits and vegetables for both flavor and appearance. And we sweeten our vitamins with monk fruit, not sugar.

Every vitamin is:

• Non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free

• Made in the USA

• Delivered in a refillable, eco-friendly glass bottle

• Designed with pediatrician-recommended dosing in mind

With Hiya, there’s no guesswork. Just real ingredients, thoughtfully sourced, and intentionally crafted to support your child’s health.