Cheetos Have Red 40 Dye, Except for a Few Flavors!

The modern-day inconclusive studies on red 40 food color and its health impacts have raised concerns about the use of artificial food colors in foods. It’s why folk’s favorite snacks like Cheetos are not exempt.

Like many other ultra-processed foods, Cheetos have red 40 food color in most flavors.

Among these, Flamin Hot Cheetos, Cheetos Crunchy, and Cheetos Bolitas contain Red 40 food dye as listed on the packaging.

However, not all flavors within these lines use it, and other Cheetos varieties like Simply Cheetos cheese flavors and specific limited editions are entirely free of Red 40.

What Cheetos Flavors have Red 40?

All flavors from Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and Crunchy Cheetos line up, and some other additional flavors have red 40. These include:

Cheetos FLAMIN’ HOT Popcorn

And additional flavors have red 40, like:

CHEETOS Puffs FLAMIN’ HOT Cheese

Note:

Not all Flamin’ Hot and Crunchy Cheetos use Red 40. Limited editions or regional varieties might need it. Consider including “most” before these categories.

What Cheetos Flavor Don’t Have Red 40?

All flavors of Simply Cheetos and some other flavors don’t have red 40. These include:

Cheetos Fantastix Chili Cheese (however, uses yellow 5 and yellow 6)
Cheetos Paws Cheese (however, uses yellow 6)

Cheetos Puffs Cheese (however, uses yellow 6)
Cheetos White Cheddar Bites (mentions artificial color but doesn’t specify it).
Cheetos Baked Crunchy Cheese (however, uses yellow 6)

Cheetos Crunchy Cheese (however, uses yellow 6)
Cheetos Mac’n Cheese Bold & Cheesy (however, uses yellow 6).

Note:

While these flavors might not have Red 40, they do contain other artificial colors like yellow 5 and yellow 6 as you mentioned. It’s important to consider this detail if avoiding all artificial colors is your goal.
Cheetos Baked Crunchy Cheese might have Red 40 in some variations, so checking the label is crucial.

What Other Food Colors Do Cheetos have?

Only Simply Cheetos: Simply Puffs White Cheddar Jalapeño Cheese, Simply Puffs White Cheddar Cheese, and Simply Crunchy White Cheddar Cheese are free from artificial food colors. You can check the ingredient list of specific flavors to confirm. However, be aware that many other Cheetos varieties still use artificial colors.

What Cheetos have no Artificial Color at all?

Only Simply Cheeto s: Simply Puffs White Cheddar Jalapeño Cheese, Simply Puffs White Cheddar Cheese, and Simply Crunchy White Cheddar Cheese are free from artificial food colors. You can check the ingredient list of specific flavors to confirm. However, be aware that many other Cheetos varieties still use artificial colors.

Bottom Line

All Familng Hot Cheetos and Crunchy Cheetos flavors and some special flavors have red 40.

Several other Cheetos flavors might not contain Red 40, but they still use other artificial colors like yellow 5 and yellow 6. Yet, all Simply Cheetos flavors are free of both Red 40 and other artificial colors.

If avoiding all artificial colors is your goal, Simply Cheetos are the best option, or you can opt for other red-40 or dye-free chips and corn puffs by extending your research.

FAQs

What Chips or Corn Puffs Don’t Have Red 40 Dye?

Several corn puff and chip options avoid Red 40 dye. Here are some to consider:

Popular brands:

Pirate’s Booty: All flavors of Pirate’s Booty puffed corn snacks and rice puffs are free of Red 40.
Fritos Original Corn Chips: This classic option doesn’t contain Red 40.
SkinnyPop Popcorn: Their microwave popcorn and popcorn bags come in various flavors without Red 40.

Terra Chips: Many of their sweet potato and veggie chip varieties lack Red 40.
Popchips: Most Popchips flavors avoid Red 40, though always check the label for specific varieties.

Other options:

Annie’s Homegrown: Many of their cheesy snacks and crackers, including Bunny Puffs and Cheddar Squares, are Red 40-free.
Barbara’s Puffins: All flavors of Barbara’s Puffins corn and rice snacks are free of Red 40.
Quinn Snacks: Their Pretzel Bites and SnapPea Crisps come in various flavors without Red 40.

Simple Mills: Their Crunchy Snacks and Sea Salt Puffs avoid Red 40.
SeaQuaker Multigrain Crisps: These whole-grain chips come in several flavors without Red 40.

What is the Safe Limit of Red 40 in the USA?

In the USA, the safe limit for Red 40 is 3.2 mg per pound of body weight. This means a 150-pound person can safely consume about 480g of Red 40 per day.

The average American consumes 5-10 mg of Red 40 daily, exceeding the safe limit for some. This raises concerns about potential health risks, though more research is needed.

It’s wise to be mindful of Red 40 intake, especially for children and people with sensitivities. Opting for natural colors or reducing brightly colored snacks can help.

Why is Red 40 Lake Food Color Bad?

Red 40, a common food dye, brightens our snacks and treats. But this vibrant color comes with whispers of health concerns.

Why?

Let’s explore…

Cancer–Red Flag

Red 40 is deemed safe by current regulations, some studies suggest high doses might promote tumor growth. More research is needed, but limiting intake as a precaution is reasonable.

Mood Changes

A report published in 2021 hints Red 40 might make them hyperactive and alter their positive neurobehavior. Another research suggests Red 40 could influence children’s mood, making them restless and irritable.

Likewise, another study has found that synthetic food colors increase symptoms in 8% of ADHD kids.

However, evidence is limited, and more studies are needed before we blame the bad mood on the red snack.

Reproductive Worries

Red 40 might affect reproductive health negatively, as an animal study concludes. It raises a red flag for those concerned about potential long-term effects.

However, human research is lacking.

Allergic Reactions

For some people, Red 40 can be a party pooper, triggering hives, asthma, or even severe allergic reactions.

Overall, red 40 might not be a villain for everyone, but for some, it raises health concerns. If you’re worried, opt for natural colors or simply try reducing your intake of brightly colored snacks. Remember, a balanced diet is always the best recipe for good health!

What are the Other Names for Red 40 on Food Packagings?

Red 40 hides with different names on your food packagings, like:

Red Dye 40

FD&C Red No. 40
FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake
Allura Red AC

CI Food Red 17
INS 129
E129

So, keep your eyes peeled!

What other Common Foods and Snacks have Red 40 Lake?

Many popular treats and snacks with red or orange color have red 40. Some of these are”

Flaming hot friends: Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Popcorn, Crunchy, and Bolitas all get their fiery glow from Red 40.

Salty snacks: Takis’ Fuego and Nitro flavors sizzle with Red 40’s heat, alongside Nacho Cheese Doritos.
Beverage buddies: Fanta, some sports drinks, and even certain protein powders have Red 40 in their party mix.
Candy cravings: Red 40 lurks in fruity treats like Skittles, M&Ms, and Swedish Fish.

Beyond the bakery: Red velvet cakes, colorful muffins, and even some fruit pies harbor this dye.
Frozen fun: Popsicles, ice cream, and even some yogurt flavors wear Red 40 like a mask.
Sports Drinks: Look out for Red 40 in some popular sports drinks, especially those with berry flavors.

Dairy: Strawberry yogurt, pink-tinted milk, flavored ice cream.