Snacks Without Red 40 or Yellow 5: A Clean Label Guide

Many popular snacks on store shelves are loaded with synthetic food dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5, which are approved by regulators but linked in some studies to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and public controversy. For families and individuals trying to reduce exposure to artificial colorants, finding dye-free snack options can feel like a scavenger hunt.

This guide highlights trustworthy brands and snack types made without Red 40, Yellow 5, or other synthetic dyes.

✅ Clean Snack Brands to Trust

• Simple Mills – Crackers, cookies, and baking mixes made with recognizable, dye-free ingredients.
• Annie’s Homegrown – Organic fruit snacks, cheddar bunnies, and cereals colored with vegetable and fruit extracts.
• MadeGood – Granola bars and minis with no artificial colors, top-allergen friendly.
• LÄRABAR – Minimal-ingredient fruit and nut bars in naturally colored flavors.
• Bear Fruit Rolls – Rolled fruit snacks using fruit purées and juice only.

🍬 Dye-Free Candy Alternatives

• YumEarth – Lollipops, gummies, and sour beans colored with turmeric, carrot, and beet juice.
• SmartSweets – Low-sugar gummies made without synthetic dyes.
• Unreal – Chocolate snacks made with beet juice, spirulina, and other real food colorants.

🍿 Savory Snacks & Popcorn Picks

• LesserEvil – Organic popcorn with clean seasonings, dye-free.
• Hippeas – Chickpea puffs colored with turmeric or paprika.
• Jackson’s Chips – Sweet potato chips made with avocado or coconut oil.

🧠 Smart Shopping Tips

• Read ingredient labels carefully: avoid Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, and lake dyes.
• Watch for ambiguous terms like “artificial colors” or “color added.”
• Look for packaging that states:
  • “No artificial colors or flavors”
  • “Colored with vegetable juice or turmeric”
  • “Certified organic” (which prohibits synthetic dyes)

🌟 Conclusion

Choosing snacks without Red 40 or Yellow 5 doesn’t mean sacrificing fun or flavor. Plenty of brands use colors from real fruits, vegetables, and spices. As demand grows, so does the variety of clean-label snacks.

🖼️ Infographic Summary

• Avoided Dyes: Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, lake dyes
• Recommended Brands: Simple Mills, Annie’s, MadeGood, LÄRABAR, YumEarth, SmartSweets, Unreal, LesserEvil
• Color Sources Used: Beet juice, carrot, paprika, turmeric, fruit/vegetable juice concentrates
• Label Tips: Look for "No artificial colors," natural sources, and organic certification

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or dietary advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for any health-related decisions.