What Are Artificial Food Dyes? What Moms Need to Know

Being a mom of 4, and a health advocate, I try to be aware of what I am feeding my family. Recently there has been big news around artificial dyes and colors and if they should be used in our foods. There’s a lot of research that shows the potential effects dyes can have. Especially in children. This is why I have removed many of the foods that contain dyes and created this article. I wanted to know more and understand what artificial food dyes are.

What are artificial food dyes?

As a mom, I’ve learned that artificial food dyes—those bright colors in snacks, cereals, and drinks—aren’t just harmless fun. They’re synthetic chemicals made from petroleum, and studies have linked them to hyperactivity, behavioral issues, and even allergic reactions in some kids. It’s so important we read labels and know what’s going into our children’s bodies.

Here’s a list of dyes and official names

If you are just now learning about artificial food dyes and how they can affect human health this list will be a helpful tool on your journey. This list contains artificial dyes and the names they go by. Artificial dyes are somewhat easy to find on an ingredient list. They are usually listed by their color and then a number. But they have official names too. So, it can get confusing. Below is a list of dyes with all of their potential names in parenthesis.

• Allura Red Ac (Aka Red40, E129)
• Tartrazine (Aka Yellow 5, E102, Yellow 5 Lake)
• Brilliant Blue FCF (Aka Blue No.1, Blue1, E133, acid blue 9, patent blue AR)
• Sunset Yellow (Aka FD&C Yellow No.6, E110)
• Carmoisine (Aka azorubine, red3, E122)
• Citrus red (Aka C.1, Red80, C.1 12156)
• Erythrosine (Aka Red3)
• Blue #2 ( Indigo Carmine)
• fast Green FCF (Green No.3, E143, Solid Green FCF, C.1. 42053)

According to Healthline the FDA and the EFSA approve of Red No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No.6, Blue No.1, and Blue No.2 in the use of foods in the U.S. The use of food dyes is very controversial because it is said that children will react differently when they consume food dyes.

It is still of concern because multiple studies are stating that the dye could cause hyperactivity in children. If you want to go into depth here are two places you can start: Science Direct and Children’s Environmental Health Center. Here is another article that is more up to date with information about food dyes and adverse effects and is a shorter read. Medpagetoday.

What are artificial food dyes and what are the potential effects on health

When I went to Google to type in, “What effects do food dyes have on the body?” It said it could increase inflammation and disrupt the immune system. That could cause problems in children such as allergies, hyperactivity, learning impairment, irritability, and aggressiveness. All those problems but there is still controversy.

What are the reasons for food dyes?

So, if you’re like me, you’re probably wondering why they are putting this in our food anyway. If there’s potential risks in ingesting it what’s the point. A reason they use food dye in our food is to make it more appealing. To make it so appetizing to the eye that you’ll just have to buy it. It’s to make colorless food more fun! Sounds ridiculous right? I thought so too. Read on to find out alternatives and where these dyes could mostly be found.

Where are dyes mostly found in our food?

These dyes are found mostly in processed foods such as, cereals, Nutri grain bars, ice-cream, soda, candy, and so much more. It’s actually quite unbelievable how much dye is in food. Another concern is that other countries such as the UK and Norway are not using food dyes in their foods. They are actually banned and if they are being used, a warning label is required on the package.

Is there an alternative?

Yes! Thankfully there are alternatives. There are lots of companies coming out now that have candy and other foods without the artificial coloring. Did you know you can use real food to add color to foods? Yes! You can use purple cabbage for purple, turmeric for yellow, and carrots for orange. Check out these other articles for more in-depth info on how to color your food. DIY natural dyes. Here is also a video from YouTube that is talking about what veggies you can use. Dye from real food.

Just leave it

In all honesty, ever since I found out this information, I have been steering clear of all dyes the best that I can. I have not tried substituting any of the dyes for more natural ways yet, but I will eventually. Right now, it’s easier for me to just remove it from our diet all together. At first it can seem daunting and like there is nothing available, but it gets easier. The more you keep researching and removing from your diet the more you will add to your diet.

Everyone’s journey is different. If I can help bring awareness to others, I will do the best I can. I am no expert. Just a mom trying to be the healthiest I can be, while helping to lead a family. Don’t let it stress you out because it’s going to seem like a lot. Continue to eliminate slowly and not all at once, if you aren’t good at quitting cold turkey. Good luck, hope this helps.

Check out this post about staying away from two known brands Poptart and Lunchables.

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