If you’ve walked down a candy aisle recently, you’ve probably seen colors so bright they practically glow. That electric pink and deep, ruby red? A lot of the time, that’s Red 3. Honestly, most of us don’t even look at the back of the package. We just grab the bag of candy corn or the jar of maraschino cherries and move on.
But things are changing fast.
As of early 2026, the conversation around what food has red 3 has shifted from a niche health concern to a major regulatory overhaul. For decades, this dye—also known as erythrosine—was stuck in a weird legal loophole. It was banned in cosmetics back in 1990 because it was linked to cancer in lab rats, yet it remained perfectly legal to put in your snacks.
Kinda crazy, right?
That paradox is finally ending. With the FDA’s nationwide ban officially set in motion and California’s strict laws looming, food manufacturers are scrambling to pull it from their recipes. But until the 2027 deadline hits, it’s still lurking in thousands of products on grocery store shelves today.
Why Red 3 Is Suddenly a Huge Deal
You might be wondering why everyone is panicking about a dye that’s been around since 1907. It basically comes down to the Delaney Clause. This is a federal rule that says the FDA can’t approve any food additive if it’s been shown to cause cancer in animals or humans.
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Back in the 80s, studies showed that high doses of Red 3 caused thyroid tumors in male rats. The FDA banned it for lipsticks and skin creams but let the food industry keep using it. They figured people weren’t eating enough of it for it to matter.
Fast forward to now.
Advocacy groups like the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) pushed back hard. They argued that if you can't put it on your face, you definitely shouldn't be swallowing it. Plus, there’s the whole issue of kids. Research, including a major 2021 report from California’s OEHHA, suggests these synthetic dyes can mess with a child’s behavior, causing hyperactivity or irritability.
What Food Has Red 3 Right Now?
Finding what food has red 3 is harder than you’d think because it’s not just in "red" foods. It’s used to adjust the shade of everything from breakfast sausage to yellow rice.
Here is the reality of where it’s still hiding.
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The Candy and Sweets Danger Zone
This is the biggest category. Red 3 is prized by confectioners because it doesn't bleed or fade like natural dyes (which often turn a sad brownish-purple).
- Brach’s Candy Corn: This is the poster child for Red 3. That orange and white look relies on it.
- Seasonal Treats: Think those little pink marshmallow Peeps or Valentine’s Day conversation hearts. (Note: Some brands like Just Born have already started removing it, but older stock or generic brands might still have it).
- Fruit Snacks and Gums: Dubble Bubble and certain Trolli sour crawlers have traditionally used it to get that neon pop.
The "Healthy" Stuff You Wouldn't Suspect
You expect red dye in a lollipop. You don't necessarily expect it in your protein shake.
- Ensure Strawberry Shakes: Surprisingly, some versions of these nutritional drinks use Red 3 to look more "berry-like."
- Strawberry Milk and Yogurt: Nesquik and certain store-brand strawberry milks have used it.
- Vigo Saffron Yellow Rice: Why is there red dye in yellow rice? To give it a warm, golden-orange glow that looks "authentic."
The Maraschino Cherry Problem
This was the industry that fought the hardest to keep the dye. Without Red 3, maraschino cherries can look a bit dull. While giants like Walmart and Kroger have moved many of their store brands to Red 40, some "extra cherry" canned fruit cocktails and specialty cocktail cherries still cling to the old formula.
Processed Meats and Savory Items
This is the one that usually shocks people.
- Sausage and Bacon Bits: Some brands of smoked pork sausage use it to make the meat look "fresh" and pink rather than gray.
- Imitation Bacon Bits: Check the label on those crunchy bits you sprinkle on salads. Several brands use Red 3 to mimic the color of real bacon.
How to Spot It on the Label
You have to be a bit of a detective. It won’t always say "Red 3." Look for these aliases:
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- FD&C Red No. 3
- Erythrosine
- E127 (if you’re looking at imported goods)
- Red 3 Lake (this is a version used for coatings)
If a label says "Artificial Color" without a number, or lists "Natural Flavors," it’s probably not Red 3, but it might be something else. Generally, the more processed and "neon" the food looks, the higher the chance it’s in there.
Is Red 40 Any Better?
This is a common question. As companies phase out Red 3, they often just swap it for Red 40.
Honestly? It's a mixed bag.
Red 40 doesn't have the same clear "cancer link" in animal studies that Red 3 does, which is why it isn't being banned right now. However, it’s still a petroleum-based dye. Many parents swear that Red 40 triggers "The Meltdown" in their kids. The science on this is still a bit debated—it seems to affect a specific subgroup of sensitive children rather than everyone—but the FDA is actually looking into phasing out all synthetic dyes by the end of 2026.
Actionable Steps for Your Kitchen
If you want to clear Red 3 out of your life before the government does it for you, here is how to handle it:
- The 2-Second Rule: Before you toss a red or pink item in your cart, flip it over. Scan for the word "Red." If you see "Red 3," put it back.
- Switch to "Natural" Alternatives: Look for brands that use beet juice, purple carrot, or annatto for color. Brands like Annie’s or Whole Foods' 365 line usually skip the synthetics.
- Check Your Medicine Cabinet: This is huge. Red 3 is in a ton of pills. Vyvanse (for ADHD) and Gabapentin (for pain) have used it in their capsules. Even some liquid Tylenol or cough syrups have it. Talk to your pharmacist if you’re concerned about a specific medication.
- Watch the "Yellow" Foods: Don't assume that because it’s not red, it’s safe. Check those yellow rices, orange sodas, and "golden" snacks.
We’re in a transition period. For the next year or two, you’re going to see a "dual market" where some states have the old stuff and others have the reformulated versions. Being your own advocate is the only way to be 100% sure what’s ending up on your plate.
Check the ingredient lists of any "bright" condiments or toppings you currently have in your pantry, specifically maraschino cherries, sprinkles, and red icings, to see if they contain Red 3 before your next grocery trip.