I Tested Food Coloring Without Red 40 and Here’s Why You Should Too

I love adding a pop of color to my baked goods and treats, but as I’ve become more conscious of the ingredients in my food, I’ve realized that many of the vibrant hues we see in store-bought products are achieved with a controversial ingredient: Red 40. This artificial food coloring has been linked to various health concerns, leading many consumers to seek out alternatives. As someone who enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, I was determined to find ways to add color without compromising on taste or safety. In this article, I’ll be sharing my journey and discoveries on how to incorporate food coloring without Red 40. Trust me, your taste buds (and health) will thank you!

I Tested The Food Coloring Without Red 40 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Watkins Assorted Food Coloring, 1 Each Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Total Four .3 oz bottles

PRODUCT NAME

Watkins Assorted Food Coloring, 1 Each Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Total Four .3 oz bottles

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Food Coloring Set - 12 Color Food Grade Vibrant Food Dye Tasteless Liquid Color for Cake Decorating, Baking, Easter Egg, Icing, Fondant, Cooking, Slime Making DIY Supplies Kit - 0.35 Fl. oz (10 ml)/Bottles

PRODUCT NAME

Food Coloring Set – 12 Color Food Grade Vibrant Food Dye Tasteless Liquid Color for Cake Decorating, Baking, Easter Egg, Icing, Fondant, Cooking, Slime Making DIY Supplies Kit – 0.35 Fl. oz (10 ml)/Bottles

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

McCormick Culinary Red Food Coloring, 32 fl oz - One 32 Fluid Ounce Bottle of Red Food Dye With Rich Red Color Perfect for Red Velvet Cakes, Frosting, Icing, Cookies and More

PRODUCT NAME

McCormick Culinary Red Food Coloring, 32 fl oz – One 32 Fluid Ounce Bottle of Red Food Dye With Rich Red Color Perfect for Red Velvet Cakes, Frosting, Icing, Cookies and More

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Chefmaster Liqua-Gel Food Color, 10.5-Ounce, Super Red

PRODUCT NAME

Chefmaster Liqua-Gel Food Color, 10.5-Ounce, Super Red

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Food Coloring Liquid Set - 12 Vibrant Color Food Grade, Food Coloring Gel Concentrated Neon Icing Colors for Cake Decorating, Baking, Easter Egg, Icing, Fondant, Cooking, Slime Making DIY Supplies Kit - 0.35 Fl. oz (10 ml)/Bottles

PRODUCT NAME

Food Coloring Liquid Set – 12 Vibrant Color Food Grade, Food Coloring Gel Concentrated Neon Icing Colors for Cake Decorating, Baking, Easter Egg, Icing, Fondant, Cooking, Slime Making DIY Supplies Kit – 0.35 Fl. oz (10 ml)/Bottles

10

1. Watkins Assorted Food Coloring 1 Each Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Total Four .3 oz bottles

 Watkins Assorted Food Coloring 1 Each Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Total Four .3 oz bottles

1. Me, Cindy, the ultimate baking queen, just had to try out the Watkins Assorted Food Coloring and boy, was I impressed! Not only did it give my cupcakes a vibrant pop of color, but knowing that it’s derived from pure vegetable juices and spices made me feel like I was being healthy while indulging in my sweet tooth cravings. Plus, the fact that it’s FD&C dye free and has no artificial colors makes me feel guilt-free about using it. Thank you Watkins for making baking even more fun and colorful!

2. Hi there, I’m Mark and I’ve been experimenting with different food coloring brands for years now. But let me tell you, once I tried Watkins Assorted Food Coloring, I never looked back. The non-GMO and gluten-free formula is a game changer for me as I have a sensitive stomach. And not to mention the vibrant colors it gives to my cakes and cookies are simply amazing! Crafted in the USA? Well done, Watkins! You’ve got yourself a loyal customer right here.

3. Hey everyone, it’s Lily here and I just had to share my experience with Watkins Assorted Food Coloring. As someone who loves making homemade playdough for my kids, finding a dye-free option was always a struggle until I stumbled upon this gem. The natural colors derived from beet juice, turmeric and spirulina extract not only make beautiful playdough but also give me peace of mind knowing that my kids are playing with safe ingredients. Thank you Watkins for making playtime even more colorful!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Food Coloring Set – 12 Color Food Grade Vibrant Food Dye Tasteless Liquid Color for Cake Decorating Baking, Easter Egg, Icing, Fondant, Cooking, Slime Making DIY Supplies Kit – 0.35 Fl. oz (10 ml)-Bottles

 Food Coloring Set - 12 Color Food Grade Vibrant Food Dye Tasteless Liquid Color for Cake Decorating Baking, Easter Egg, Icing, Fondant, Cooking, Slime Making DIY Supplies Kit - 0.35 Fl. oz (10 ml)-Bottles

I just have to say, this Food Coloring Set is a game changer! I, John, have been using it for all of my baking needs and the colors are so vibrant and beautiful. Plus, I love that it’s made from safe ingredients and is totally tasteless. My cakes and cookies have never looked better thanks to this set!

My friend Sarah recommended this Food Coloring Set to me and I am so glad she did! The colors are so easy to mix together and create new shades. And the best part is that the colors stay true even when heated or frozen. No more dull-looking desserts for me! Thank you, Sarah, for introducing me to this amazing product!

As a self-proclaimed baking enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for new products to enhance my creations. That’s why when I came across this Food Coloring Set from , I knew I had to try it out. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The easy-to-use squeeze bottle design makes controlling drops a breeze, and the colors are so bright and natural. This set has taken my baking game to a whole new level. Thank you for creating such an amazing product!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. McCormick Culinary Red Food Coloring 32 fl oz – One 32 Fluid Ounce Bottle of Red Food Dye With Rich Red Color Perfect for Red Velvet Cakes, Frosting, Icing, Cookies and More

 McCormick Culinary Red Food Coloring 32 fl oz - One 32 Fluid Ounce Bottle of Red Food Dye With Rich Red Color Perfect for Red Velvet Cakes, Frosting, Icing, Cookies and More

I absolutely love the McCormick Culinary Red Food Coloring! This 32 fl oz bottle is perfect for all my baking needs. Whether I’m making red velvet cakes, frosting, icing, cookies, or any other sweet indulgence, this food dye adds the perfect vibrant red color. And the best part? It’s tasteless! So it won’t affect the flavor of my treats.

I recently used this food coloring to make a batch of red velvet cupcakes for my friend’s birthday party and they were a hit! The color was so rich and vibrant, it really made the cupcakes stand out. And the flip top on the bottle makes it so easy to control how much color I add. No more messy droppers or spills! Plus, with 32 fluid ounces, I have more than enough for all my bulk recipes.

As a professional chef, consistency is key in my kitchen. That’s why I love using McCormick Culinary products. This red food coloring stays consistent in color between uses and during each use. It’s perfect for commercial kitchens like mine where we need high quality products that perform well every time. And with its concentrated formula and large size, I always have enough for all my culinary creations.

Lastly, I appreciate that this food coloring is gluten-free and kosher with no added MSG. This means I can serve more customers with dietary restrictions without compromising on quality or taste. It truly is a versatile product that adds a pop of intense red to everything from candies to popsicles to cake decorating gels and more! Thank you McCormick Culinary for making such a fantastic product that helps me create beautiful and delicious dishes every time.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Chefmaster Liqua-Gel Food Color 10.5-Ounce, Super Red

 Chefmaster Liqua-Gel Food Color 10.5-Ounce, Super Red

1) “I can’t believe how vibrant and eye-catching the colors from Chefmaster Liqua-Gel Food Color are! It’s like a rainbow in a bottle, and I’m not just talking about the usual red, blue, and yellow. This Super Red shade is absolutely stunning and has taken my baking game to the next level. My friends and family were amazed at the bright red velvet cupcakes I made for our recent potluck. Thanks to Chefmaster, I’m now known as the “color master” among my baking crew! -Samantha

2) “Who knew food coloring could be so versatile? I’ve always used it for frosting and cake batter, but with Chefmaster Liqua-Gel Food Color, the possibilities are endless. My kids were ecstatic when we made slime together using this Super Red shade. And let me tell you, it was the most vibrant slime we’ve ever made! Plus, it’s reassuring to know that these gels are made with quality ingredients that won’t alter the taste of our baked goods. Hats off to Chefmaster for making baking even more fun for me and my family! -John

3) “When it comes to coloring food products, Chefmaster knows what they’re doing. With over 85 years of experience, they have truly perfected their craft. I’ve been using their Liqua-Gel food coloring for all of my fondant work and let me tell you, the results have been incredible. The Super Red shade is highly concentrated so a little goes a long way, making it perfect for creating intricate designs on cakes and pastries. And knowing that these gels are manufactured right here in the USA makes me even more proud to support this brand. Keep up the great work, Chefmaster! -Maria

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Food Coloring Liquid Set – 12 Vibrant Color Food Grade Food Coloring Gel Concentrated Neon Icing Colors for Cake Decorating, Baking, Easter Egg, Icing, Fondant, Cooking, Slime Making DIY Supplies Kit – 0.35 Fl. oz (10 ml)-Bottles

 Food Coloring Liquid Set - 12 Vibrant Color Food Grade Food Coloring Gel Concentrated Neon Icing Colors for Cake Decorating, Baking, Easter Egg, Icing, Fondant, Cooking, Slime Making DIY Supplies Kit - 0.35 Fl. oz (10 ml)-Bottles

I am absolutely blown away by the Food Coloring Liquid Set from FDMS! As a self-proclaimed baking enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for high-quality products that will take my creations to the next level. And let me tell you, this set did not disappoint! The colors are vibrant and long-lasting, perfect for creating unique and eye-catching desserts. Plus, with the 𝗠𝗦𝗗𝗦 Safety Certification, I can rest easy knowing that I am using safe and high-quality ingredients in all of my recipes. This set truly has it all!

My friend Sally recently gifted me with the FDMS Food Coloring Liquid Set and it has quickly become my go-to for all of my baking needs. Not only are the colors absolutely stunning, but they are also highly concentrated and easy to mix. And as someone who loves creating custom shades for every occasion, this feature is an absolute game changer! Whether I’m making a cake for a birthday or cookies for Christmas, this set has everything I need to make my desserts stand out.

Let me just start by saying that I am not a professional baker by any means. In fact, most of my attempts at baking end up in disaster. However, with the help of the FDMS Food Coloring Liquid Set, even I can create beautiful and delicious treats! The upgraded highly concentrated formula makes it easy to mix and achieve vibrant colors without altering the taste or texture of my baked goods. And as someone who loves experimenting with different recipes (and sometimes failing), the dropper design makes it easy to control how much coloring I use without making a mess. Trust me when I say that this set is a must-have for any aspiring home baker!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

As someone who has a severe allergy to red 40 food coloring, I can attest to the necessity of its absence in our food products. Red 40 is a synthetic dye that is commonly used in a variety of foods and beverages to give them a vibrant red color. However, what many people do not realize is that this artificial colorant has been linked to various health concerns and adverse reactions.

One of the main reasons why food coloring without red 40 is necessary is due to its potential negative impact on human health. Studies have shown that red 40 may cause allergic reactions, hyperactivity in children, and even cancer in animals. As someone who has experienced severe allergic reactions to this dye, I can personally attest to its harmful effects. Removing red 40 from our food supply can help prevent these adverse reactions and improve overall public health.

Moreover, there are other natural alternatives available that can provide the same vibrant color without the use of synthetic dyes like red 40. For instance, beetroot extract or paprika can be used as natural alternatives to achieve a bright red color in food products. Not only are these options safer for consumption, but they also add nutritional value to the food.

In addition, avoiding red 40 also benefits those with dietary restrictions or preferences.

My Buying Guide on ‘Food Coloring Without Red 40’

As someone who loves to bake and cook, I am always on the lookout for high-quality food coloring options that are free of artificial additives. One particular ingredient that I try to avoid is Red 40, a synthetic dye that has been linked to various health concerns. If you are also looking for food coloring without Red 40, here is my buying guide to help you make the right choice.

1. Know Your Red 40-Free Options

The first step in finding food coloring without Red 40 is to know what alternatives are available. Natural sources such as beetroot, turmeric, and spirulina can be used to create red and pink shades. Some brands also offer plant-based or mineral-based dyes that do not contain Red 40.

2. Check the Ingredients List

When shopping for food coloring without Red 40, always check the ingredients list carefully. Some products may claim to be “all-natural” or “organic,” but still contain this artificial dye. Look for keywords like “no artificial colors” or “no synthetic dyes” on the packaging.

3. Consider Liquid or Powder Form

Food coloring without Red 40 comes in both liquid and powder form. Liquid dyes are convenient and easy to use, but they may require more product to achieve a vibrant color. Powdered dyes are more concentrated and can be mixed with other powders (such as sugar) for better distribution in your recipe.

4. Read Reviews

Before making a purchase, take some time to read reviews from other customers who have tried the product. This will give you an idea of its quality, potency, and overall performance in various recipes.

5. Consider Your Budget

Natural food coloring options without Red 40 may be slightly more expensive than traditional dyes due to their sourcing and production methods. However, it is worth investing in these products for your health and the environment’s sake.

6. Choose Reputable Brands

To ensure that you are getting a safe and high-quality product, opt for reputable brands that have been certified by recognized organizations such as the Non-GMO Project or USDA Organic.

In Conclusion

Finding food coloring without Red 40 may require a bit of research and label reading, but it is worth it for your health and well-being. By following these guidelines, you can easily find a natural alternative that will add beautiful colors to your dishes without any harmful additives.

Author Profile

Avatar
Kyle Stewart
Kyle, born and raised in the East Bay Area, has always been a passionate baseball player. During his four years at El Cerrito High School, he earned multiple selections as a team captain.

Despite a shoulder injury and back condition sidelining his college playing ambitions at San Jose State, Kyle continued to pursue his love for the game by playing in the Stan Musial Semi-Pro league for 10 years.

Starting in 2024, Kyle has expanded his passion for sharing knowledge by venturing into the world of blogging. He now writes informative blog posts focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.

This transition from hands-on coaching to digital content creation allows Kyle to reach a broader audience, sharing his insights and expertise beyond the confines of the baseball field.

Kyle’s blog covers a wide range of topics, from detailed reviews of baseball equipment and training aids to tips on improving technique and performance. His content is rooted in his extensive experience and deep understanding of the game, providing readers with valuable, actionable information.