Artificially dyed candy swap to Dye-free treats

Why make the swap

• Why switch to dye-free treats

  Treats coloured with fruit and vegetable juice, turmeric or spirulina get their bright colours without petroleum-based dyes.

• What's the concern with artificially dyed candy

  California’s review of children’s trials found synthetic food dyes are linked to attention and activity problems in some kids. FDA’s intake limits rest on old studies that weren’t designed to spot those effects.

• General information, not medical advice. Ask your pediatrician before changing what your baby or child uses.

• Good to know before you buy

  Scan ingredients for Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 or Blue 1; some ‘no artificial dyes’ listings still show them. Gummies and hard candy, lollipops included, are choking hazards for babies and young children, says CDC. The maker says the gummy bears are for ages 2 and up.

• Sources (4)

  1. California OEHHA review (Miller et al. 2022): significant behaviour links in 13 of 25 trials (opens in a new tab)
  2. FDA 2025: Red No. 3 revoked; out of food by Jan 15, 2027 (opens in a new tab)
  3. FDA pledge tracker (Sept 2026): six remaining synthetic dyes targeted for removal by end of 2027 (opens in a new tab)
  4. CDC: round or hard candy and gummy candies are choking hazards for young children (opens in a new tab)

  Health and safety facts on this page come from these sources. What a pick is made of comes from its maker's listing or website, as stated on the date we checked.