Synthetic Dyes Found In 20% Of U.S. Products
A new study reveals that synthetic food dyes are present in about 20% of packaged foods and beverages made by leading U.S. food manufacturers. Red 40 emerged as the most frequently used dye, found in approximately 14% of all products reviewed. Researchers also noted that items containing synthetic dyes typically had significantly higher sugar content, suggesting that these dyes may be used to enhance the appeal of sugary products.
The research, published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, analyzed nearly 39,800 items produced by the 25 largest food companies in the U.S. Products marketed to children were particularly likely to contain artificial dyes, especially in categories like candy, sweetened drinks, breakfast cereals, and ready-to-eat meals. Nearly 28% of child-targeted foods included synthetic dyes, compared to 11% in other products.
Beverages such as sports drinks and flavored drinks from concentrates were among the most likely to contain artificial coloring, with usage rates of 79% and 71%, respectively. Confections also showed high levels of dye use at 54%. Meanwhile, categories like sodas, candies, and sports drinks accounted for the bulk of dye-containing products purchased by American consumers.
The study emphasized the importance of considering sales data when assessing potential dye exposure. Even if some food categories include fewer artificially colored items, high purchase rates could still result in significant overall consumption of synthetic dyes. On average, products with dyes had 141% more sugar but less sodium and saturated fat.
Government and health advocates are now pushing for action. U.S. health officials have proposed phasing out several dyes—including Red 40 and Yellow 5—by the end of 2026. Experts suggest that companies could voluntarily reduce or eliminate artificial colors, and the study’s findings indicate that doing so is feasible across various food categories.
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