What’s in that cupcake? A pediatrician’s take on red dye & kids’ health

Photo above by luisana zerpa via Unsplash. 

Brightly colored snacks have long been a childhood rite of passage. The pink yogurt in the lunchbox, the neon cupcake at the birthday party, the crimson candy at the checkout line. But behind the hues that scream “fun” lies a quiet shift: growing concern from health experts and regulators about what these artificial colors might actually be doing inside kids’ bodies.

So what does that mean for families right now? According to Dr. Joseph Aracri, pediatrician and Chair of AHN Pediatric Institute, there’s no need to overhaul your pantry overnight. But it’s worth knowing what’s in your kids’ food, and how to make thoughtful choices going forward.

“Red Dye #3 has been widely used in a range of food products, many of which have been marketed to children. Examples include: candy corn, cupcakes, cookies, frosting/icing, yellow rice and colored drinks like strawberry milk and protein shakes,” says Dr. Aracri. 

The use of Red Dye No. 3 has been controversial for decades, but momentum against it grew rapidly in the wake of California’s landmark 2023 decision to ban the additive, citing potential links to cancer and behavioral issues in children. Now, the FDA is following suit, setting a deadline for manufacturers to remove the additive from food products by 2027, and from over-the-counter medications by 2028. 

How concerned should parents be right now?

“Previous studies have shown that Red Dye No. 3 has caused cancer in very high doses in laboratory rats,” he says, “but we have not seen that correlation for low doses that are currently in food products on the shelves.”

That’s why Dr. Aracri doesn’t advocate for panic or complete removal of red dye–containing products from the household overnight. Instead, he offers a measured, realistic approach: “If you want to be mindful of red dye in your diet, read the label on food items in question to see if it’s on the ingredients list. However, I don’t think at this point you need to get rid of them all together.”

Consumers can also check product labels for Red Dye No. 3 using the USDA’s Branded Food Products Database or the Environmental Working Group’s Food Scores database.

Dr. Aracri acknowledges that avoiding the dye entirely isn’t always possible: “You want to be mindful of food additives like Red Dye No. 3, and avoid it when possible, but I don’t think you need to be hyper-focused on it.” 

“There may be products — food or medicine — that don’t have an alternative, and that’s OK for the time being. Remember, we see the correlation with cancer at extremely high quantities, so being exposed to it here and there, while the ban continues to roll out, is fine.”

RED DYE AND HYPERACTIVITY 

Another concern that frequently bubbles up in parenting forums is the potential link between Red Dye No. 3 and hyperactivity in children, a subject that’s long been debated but remains unresolved in scientific literature.

“The link between hyperactivity in children and Red Dye No. 3 is extremely ‘soft,’” Dr. Aracri says.

“The studies which have shown a correlation between the two are loose and basically determined that more research and investigation is needed before coming to a more concrete conclusion. It has been seen in other studies to have no correlation at all.”

And while some early studies have pointed to possible impacts on the gut microbiome, the data there remains limited, as well.

“The impact of red dyes on gut health isn’t fully understood,” he explains. “Some research suggests potential disruptions to the gut microbiome, which plays a significant role in overall health and immunity. However, more research is needed to establish a direct link between regular consumption of red dyes and long-term gut health problems in children.”

What does that mean for families navigating grocery aisles or trying to plan school lunches?

“My advice is to eat as healthy as possible, and eat foods that look like the foods they are,” Dr. Aracri suggests. “Instead of an apple- or banana-flavored food, switch to eating whole fruits and vegetables like an actual apple or banana. Also, when it comes to children, it’s important to give them alternatives that they can try — don’t force food on them.”

He also cautions against assuming red dye alone is to blame for allergies or behavioral shifts.

“Several studies have investigated links between artificial food dyes, including red dyes, and hyperactivity, allergies, and other behavioral issues in children; however, the results have been mixed and often inconclusive,” he says.

For parents noticing signs of hyperactivity such as inattention, restlessness, or impulsivity, the best course of action is to consult a professional, he says: “If parents suspect their children may have a hyperactivity disorder, we recommend speaking directly to their pediatrician for further clinical guidance.”

And in the case of allergies?

“If a child is having an allergic reaction to a food product, it’s more than likely a reaction to other elements within the food — not a reaction to just the food additive or red dye itself,” he clarifies.

As the FDA’s phase-out clock ticks down, and as some companies continue reformulating their products to meet changing standards, think less about alarm, and more about intention: Choose whole foods when you can. Check the labels. And most of all, stay curious, not fearful, about what’s going into your child’s body.