The Truth About Red Dyes: Why They’re Being Banned and What It Means for You

If you’ve been following food and beverage headlines lately, you’ve probably noticed growing concern around artificial red dyes. From Red 3 to Red 40, these once-standard colorants are now under increasing scrutiny from regulators, advocacy groups, and consumers alike. California has already moved to ban certain synthetic dyes, and with the FDA targeting Red 3’s removal by 2027, more states and countries are expected to follow as the red dye ban gains momentum.

But what does this really mean for the chef developing a new menu item, the manufacturer reformulating a product line, or the distributor working to meet customer demand? More importantly, what does it mean for the everyday consumer who simply wants to trust what’s on their plate?

This shift is bigger than a single ingredient—it’s part of a broader movement toward clean-label transparency and health-conscious innovation. But while many brands are scrambling to reformulate, others have long been ready for this moment. At Itaberco, clean-label, naturally derived colors have been part of our foundation from the very beginning—not as a response to regulation, but as a commitment to quality and integrity.

In this blog, we’ll explore why red dyes are being banned, the risks behind artificial colorants, and what this transition means for you. Most importantly, we’ll highlight how Itaberco can help you embrace natural colors without sacrificing performance or appeal.

What’s Happening with the Red Dye Ban?

For decades, synthetic food dyes like Red 3 and Red 40 have been used to create the bright, eye-catching shades we associate with candies, beverages, baked goods, and even everyday pantry staples. But in recent years, mounting scientific evidence and growing consumer concerns have sparked a wave of regulatory action and public debate. On a federal level, the FDA has moved to revoke authorization for Red 3 in food and ingested drugs by 2027, signaling a nationwide shift is already underway in the larger red dye ban movement.

Red 3: Once widely used in candies, baked goods, and snack foods, Red 3 has been linked to potential carcinogenic effects in laboratory studies. As a result, the FDA banned its use in cosmetics and topical products years ago. Now, pressure is mounting for similar restrictions in food.
Red 40: One of the most common dyes in the U.S., Red 40 is still legal but increasingly criticized for potential links to hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Regulatory movement: In 2023, California became the first U.S. state to ban Red 3, along with other controversial additives, setting a precedent that other states are expected to follow. Meanwhile, the European Union has long taken a stricter approach, requiring warning labels or restricting use of certain synthetic dyes altogether. These actions underscore how the red dye ban trend is expanding across markets.

Consumer Distrust

Today’s consumers are more informed than ever. Ingredient labels are scrutinized, and anything that looks chemical or artificial raises red flags. Shoppers increasingly associate synthetic colorants with “junk food,” even if the product itself is otherwise wholesome.

Industry Challenges

For foodservice operators, manufacturers, and distributors, artificial dyes carry real business risks:

Reformulation pressure: Brands are being pushed to remove synthetic additives or face being left behind.
Reputation risk: Using controversial dyes can harm trust with customers and trade partners.
Global compliance: Companies selling in both the U.S. and international markets must navigate different (and often stricter) regulations abroad.

Why Natural Colors Are the Future

Natural colors have evolved far beyond the muted shades of the past, offering vibrant, stable, and versatile solutions that meet the demands of today’s consumers and industry professionals.

The Clean-Label Movement

Consumers want transparency. They look for short, recognizable ingredient lists and products they can trust to be safe for their families. Artificial dyes don’t fit this expectation, but natural colors derived from fruits, vegetables, and botanicals do. By choosing natural alternatives, brands can proudly align with clean-label standards and gain consumer confidence.

Performance That Matches (or Surpasses) Synthetics

For years, one of the main hesitations about natural colorants was performance: Would they fade, would they hold up in heat, or would they compromise taste? The answer today is clear: natural colors are ready for prime time. Innovations in extraction and formulation mean natural reds can deliver brilliant shades that rival synthetics, shelf stability and consistency across applications, and seamless incorporation into bakery, confectionery, beverage, and dairy products.

A Future-Proof Choice

As regulations tighten and consumer preferences shift, adopting natural colors isn’t just a trend; it’s a way to future-proof your products. Whether you’re a chef, manufacturer, or distributor, natural colors help you stay ahead of changing standards while strengthening your brand reputation as a provider of safe, innovative, and high-quality offerings.

What This Means for Industry Professionals

Simplified production: Natural colors reduce complexity, improve consistency, and minimize the risk of consumer pushback.
New opportunities: Clean-label alternatives open the door to distinctive, trend-forward offerings that stand out in competitive markets.
Elevated quality: Plant-based colors enhance taste, texture, and presentation, transforming standard recipes into standout creations.
Competitive advantage: Stocking natural, compliant solutions ensures in-demand products that strengthen trust and protect brand reputation.

Clean Label Before It Was a Buzzword

When Itaberco first began developing flavors and colors, we set a simple rule rule: every ingredient should serve both creativity and conscience. Long before “clean label” became an industry phrase, our products were designed to perform naturally—crafted from fruit and botanical sources that align with evolving health and transparency standards.

Did You Know? Itaberco has always sought natural alternatives to synthetic dyes like Red 3 and Red 40—no reformulation required.

Itaberco’s natural color portfolio has always been free from Red 3, Red 40, and other synthetic dyes—no reformulation required.

How Itaberco Helps You Transition Smoothly

For brands now navigating new color regulations, Itaberco’s solutions provide a ready, proven path forward—no reformulation scramble required. That’s why we’ve designed our natural color solutions to make the transition seamless.

Trusted Expertise: With decades of experience in flavors, colors, and functional ingredients, our team brings both technical knowledge and culinary creativity to help you succeed.
Vibrant Natural Reds: Our portfolio of plant-based reds delivers brilliant, stable color across bakery, confectionery, beverage, dairy, and frozen applications—without compromising flavor or texture.
R&D Collaboration: We don’t just sell ingredients; our in-house pastry chefs and R&D team co-develop solutions tailored to specific needs, from concept to launch.
Ease of Adoption: With sampling programs, technical support, and training, we ensure your team can confidently switch to natural colors without disruption.
Distributor Support: For distributing partners, we offer marketing resources, product education, and reliable supply to strengthen customer relationships and open new revenue opportunities.

Today Is the Day to Go Natural

The growing restrictions on artificial dyes aren’t just about compliance: they’re a wake-up call. Consumers are demanding transparency, regulators are raising the bar, and brands that adapt quickly will be the ones that thrive. With the FDA setting a 2027 deadline for Red 3’s removal from foods and drugs, the time to act isn’t later—it’s now.

The red dye ban is accelerating, and Itaberco is here to make that transition effortless. Our vibrant, plant-based reds are engineered for real-world performance.

Regulations will continue to evolve, but with Itaberco, your products are already compliant, future-ready, and backed by decades of expertise in natural formulation. The red dye ban may be new to the headlines, but it’s not new to us.

Partner with Itaberco to reformulate with confidence, protect brand trust, and stay ahead of changing standards.

The Truth About Red Dyes: Why They’re Being Banned and What It Means for You