By Clare Broderick, Founder of Greener Cleaner LIVING, LLC
When my kids were in grade school, I was packing lunchboxes one morning when I stopped mid-reach for a cherry yogurt cup. It had cartoon characters on the front, boasted “made with real fruit,” and looked like something I could toss as a “healthier option” for my picky eater. But as I turned it over to glance at the ingredients, there it was in plain sight: Red Dye No. 3.
Wait, what? Isn’t that the one they banned in the ‘90’s in makeup?
That was the moment I realized just how sneaky food additives can be. Something I assumed was a “better” choice – even marketed as kid-friendly – contained a synthetic dye linked to serious health concerns. And that wasn’t the only surprise. As I became more aware and invested in the foods my pre-teen kids were eating, I found Red 3 in cereal bars, candy hearts, popsicles, and even chewable vitamins.
It felt so frustrating. And it continues to be! We’re doing our best to make good choices – reading labels, shopping with more intention – but some of these ingredients are still hiding in plain sight.
So what is Red Dye No. 3, and why should we care?
Red Dye No. 3 (also called FD&C Red No. 3 or erythrosine) is a synthetic food coloring made from petroleum. It’s been used for decades to give foods a bright cherry-pink hue – a color that signals “fun” or “flavor” to kids (and let’s be honest, us adults too).
But here’s the issue: as far back as the 1980s, the FDA determined that Red 3 caused thyroid tumors in male rats. That finding, linking it to cancer, triggered a ban on its use in cosmetics and topical medications – yet somehow, it remained legal in food and oral drugs.
Yes, you read that right. The dye was banned for use on your skin but allowed in things you eat.
Health advocates have been pushing for a full ban for years, citing not just cancer risk but also concerns about hyperactivity and behavioral effects in children. And this year, we finally saw a breakthrough:
In January 2025, the FDA announced it is revoking approval for Red Dye No. 3 in foods and ingested medications.
Companies have until early 2027 to reformulate, and some states – like California – are taking action even sooner. Still, products currently on shelves can legally contain the dye until then, which means we need to stay informed.
Where Red 3 is hiding (and how to spot it)
You might expect to find artificial dyes in candies or neon-colored frosting, but Red 3 can also be found in more “everyday” items:
Maraschino cherries
Strawberry, cherry, berry yogurt
Fruit snacks
Chewing gum
Flavored applesauce
Children’s vitamins and medications
Frosted toaster pastries
Flavored milk
Drinks & mixes.
It may also appear under its formal name (FD&C Red No. 3) or listed simply as “artificial color.”
If you’re trying to avoid it, here are a few tips:
1. Shop organic first. Organic standards do not allow synthetic dyes, so this is an easy way to skip them entirely.
2. Read ingredient labels, even on “healthy” items. Just because it has fruit on the front or says “natural” doesn’t mean it’s free from additives.
3. Watch your vitamins and over-the-counter meds. Many chewables and gummies use artificial dyes to appear more appealing, especially to kids.
Why this matters for our families
As a parent, community member, and health advocate, I know how overwhelming it can feel to manage it all – to keep your home, meals, and routines healthier without driving yourself crazy. But knowledge really is power here.
Small changes add up. Swapping your yogurt brand, skipping the neon vitamins, choosing popsicles made with fruit juice – these are choices that reduce your family’s exposure to unnecessary chemicals.
And the best part is, companies are listening. As awareness grows, cleaner options are showing up on shelves. Our dollars and voices matter.
Moving forward: what’s next?
The FDA’s decision to revoke Red 3 is a big step, but it’s part of a bigger picture. There are still other dyes and additives under scrutiny. Now is a great time to become a more conscious consumer and support companies that prioritize safer ingredients.
Let’s keep asking questions. Let’s keep learning. And let’s keep showing up for our families’ health, one lunchbox and label at a time.
Clare Broderick is the Director of Partnership Development at the WEforum Group and is the founder of Greener Cleaner LIVING, LLC, and a wellness educator and advocate for clean, low-tox living. Through her platform she helps women make simple, impactful swaps to reduce toxic load and support whole-body health. Want to create a healthier kitchen with sustainable swaps? Download my Healthy Kitchen Guide here.
