Jelly beans are about to look a whole lot different. On Jan. 15, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially revoked its authorization of Red Dye No. 3 in food due to its potential cancer risk. “The ban was influenced by studies indicating that high doses of Red No. 3 caused cancer in lab rats,” says Julie Chapon, CEO of French food app, Yuka. Now that the US has finally put its foot down on the controversial food dye, what changes should we (actually) expect to see?
Despite the recent ban, Red No. 3 has been on the chopping block for years. It was originally banned from cosmetics in 1990 due to similar health concerns, and other countries (like Australia) have also banned it in its entirety. “While the science around its impact on humans remains debated, the Delaney Clause mandates action when any additive is shown to cause cancer in animals,” explains dietitian Melanie Murphy Richter, MS, RDN. In fact, this exact clause proved to be the ultimate tipping point in the FDA’s final decision.
As for what comes next, prepare for your groceries to look a lot less artificial (although that’s not necessarily a bad thing). For more information about the ban on Red Dye No. 3, read on to find everything from safer alternatives to expert predictions about the future of food.
Experts Featured in This Article:
Julie Chapon is the co-founder and CEO of French food app, Yuka.
Melanie Murphy Richter, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist and director of communications at L-Nutra, Inc.
What Foods Contain Red Dye No.3?
Red No. 3 is primarily used for artificial coloring in candy and pastries. Think cake (including mixes like Pillsbury Funfetti Strawberry Cake), cupcakes, and candies (like Brach’s candy corn and Jelly Belly). You should also watch out for certain strawberry-flavored milks, protein shakes, puddings, frostings, maraschino cherries, and fruit cocktails. Red Dye No. 3 is also commonly used in Pez, strawberry ice cream, toaster pastries, marshmallows, and even medication like gummy vitamins.
Why Was Red Dye No. 3 Banned?
Contrary to popular belief, Red Dye No. 3 (also known as erythrosine or FD&C Red No. 3) has not been proven to cause cancer in humans. Still, multiple studies have linked high doses of Red No. 3 to cancer in lab rats. And according to the Delaney Clause — a piece of legislation enacted in 1960 — the FDA is prohibited from authorizing any food or color additives if they’ve been found to cause cancer in humans or animals.
To this point, Chapon says in 2022, experts and public health organizations petitioned for the removal of Red Dye No. 3, arguing that its approval violated the Delaney Clause. The FDA cites this same petition in its announcement, but it clarifies that humans are typically exposed to much lower levels of Red Dye No. 3 than the lab rats studied by researchers. “The way that FD&C Red No. 3 causes cancer in male rats does not occur in humans,” the FDA wrote. “Studies in other animals and in humans did not show these effects; claims that the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and in ingested drugs puts people at risk are not supported by the available scientific information.” While it’s good to understand the full context, it’s still unlikely we’ll be stocking up on strawberry milk anytime soon.
Is Red Dye No. 3 Actually Dangerous?
“Red Dye No. 3 has raised concerns for years, as it’s been shown to cause cancer in animals at high doses,” Richter says. With that in mind, the risk to humans remains heavily debated. “The main reason for the ban of Red Dye No. 3 is the suspected risk of cancer, particularly thyroid tumors identified in animal studies,” Chapon explains. “In addition to the suspected risk of cancer, this dye is suspected of contributing to hyperactivity and behavioral disorders in children.” The dye may also contribute to issues with testicular function and fertility.
In the long run, Chapon is encouraged by the Red No. 3 ban. “It may set a precedent for further regulations on food ingredients and encourage manufacturers to adopt safer, natural options,” she explains. “The result could be a long-term reduction in consumer exposure to potentially harmful substances in processed foods.”
Safer Food Dye Alternatives
“Safer alternatives do exist, but it’s important to look beyond just swapping one artificial dye for another,” Richter says. That includes Red Dye No. 40, which she says has its own set of controversies (spoiler: that’s the dye that makes Doritos and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos so impossibly vibrant). Generally speaking, Richter recommends natural colorants like beetroot, hibiscus, or spirulina — many of which contain added nutrients and antioxidants, even if they don’t provide the same vivid red coloring. Chapon agrees that foods with natural dyes, such as beet extract or fruit-based anthocyanins, can provide similar coloring without the associated health concerns (just don’t expect the exact same intensity).
What Will Food Look Like Now?
We know you’re thinking it. Now that Red No. 3 is banned, what will our pantries look like without it? “We’ll likely see fewer foods with that eye-popping, artificial cherry red — something I don’t think many will miss,” Richter says. According to the FDA, companies have until 2028 to re-formulate their products without Red No. 3, so don’t expect everything to change right away. “Food products like candies and baked goods will likely transition to natural colorants, leading to softer, less vibrant hues,” Chapon says.
Even if you do have some deep nostalgic ties to your brightly-colored snacks, there’s no need to panic. “These changes in appearance reflect a broader industry shift toward safety and transparency,” Chapon explains. “While some adjustments may be noticeable to consumers, the re-formulation aims to improve trust and health standards in the food supply.” And that’s something we can get behind . . . even if we have to sacrifice a few colorful cupcakes in the process.
Chandler Plante (she/her) is an assistant health and fitness editor for PS. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group.