An independent label guide for parents
Is it dye-free?
A calm, practical guide for parents who want to know whether kids’ medicines, vitamins and gummies, and snacks contain artificial dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1, and how to check the label themselves in under a minute.
No medical advice. No paid ratings. Just the label, read carefully.
Scan the ingredient list for
- Red 40
- Yellow 5
- Yellow 6
- Blue 1
- Blue 2
- Green 3
- Red 3
Also watch for the word “Lake” (same dye, insoluble form) and, in medicines, any “D&C ___ No. __” color.
Every alias and E-numberWhat we cover
Start with the products kids use most
Each guide shows you where colors tend to appear and exactly which part of the label to read.
Kids’ medicines
Where colors show up in liquid medicines, chewables, and dissolving tablets, and how to read the “Inactive ingredients” line.
Read the guideVitamins & gummies
How to find colors in the “Other ingredients” list on a Supplement Facts label.
Read the guideSnacks
Lunchbox, party, and school snacks, and the label wording that tells you what is coloring them.
Read the guideHow it works
How we check a label
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We read the current label.
We look at the ingredient list, Drug Facts, or Supplement Facts panel for the product as sold now.
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We date it and name the source.
Every check shows when it was done and where the ingredient information came from (package, manufacturer page, or a public database).
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We keep it up to date.
Formulas change. If a label changes, or you spot a mistake, tell us and we will re-check it.
The current label we checked lists no certified color additives.
The current label lists one or more certified color additives. We name each one.
We couldn’t confirm. For example, the ingredient list wasn’t available, flavors or sizes differ, or sources disagreed.
These labels describe what an ingredient list says. They are not a safety rating, a health claim, or a recommendation to use or avoid any product. Read our full methodology.
Dye guide
Know the names, spot them fast
A plain-English list of common synthetic dyes and every name they appear under on labels, from “FD&C Red No. 40” to “Allura Red AC” and E129.
- Red 40
- Yellow 5
- Yellow 6
- Blue 1
- Blue 2
- Green 3
- Red 3
Dye law tracker
Federal and state rules, with dates
Federal and state rules on food dyes, with dates and source links.
- Jan 1, 2027California’s statewide ban on Red No. 3 in food (AB 418)
- Jan 15, 2027FDA revocation of Red No. 3 in food, including dietary supplements, takes effect
- Jan 18, 2028FDA revocation of Red No. 3 in ingested drugs takes effect
Why parents check
Whatever your reason, the label is the place to start
Families avoid artificial dyes for lots of reasons: a doctor’s advice, a known sensitivity, a school or camp rule, or simple personal preference. Whatever your reason, the label is the place to start. US rules require certified (synthetic) colors in foods to be named in the ingredient list (with a narrow exception for some colorings added to butter, cheese, and ice cream), so once you know the names, you can spot them quickly. The FDA’s color additive Q&A explains how these colors are approved and labeled.
We do not give medical advice, and we never tell you to stop or switch a medicine. Questions about a specific medicine are best answered by your pharmacist or your child’s doctor. Read our medical disclaimer.
Practical guides
Read before your next store run
Our promises
Independent by design
Brands cannot pay for a rating. Sponsorships and affiliate links never change what we say about an ingredient list.
Affiliate links are always labeled. Read our affiliate disclosure.
We show our sources and dates, and we fix mistakes in public. See how we rate.