Unfortunately, some of our favorite foods and drinks hide a sinister and sneaky ingredient, Red Dye 40 or Red 40. Here are the worst of the worst foods and drinks with it to avoid.
If you’re thinking, “why is Guilty Eats asking us to avoid some of our favorite, well, guilty eats?!” I know, I know! It’s really not like us. But hey, in order for us all to enjoy the best guilty pleasures out there, we need to stay healthy for our bodies to handle it, wouldn’t you say?
Exactly. So to do this, there are absolutely several foods we avoid. And if they’re just too good to avoid, we at least limit our intake. Gotta do what you gotta do! Red Dye 40 is just not something you want to mess around with too much.
Healthline and multiple sources agree, Red Dye 40 is “one of the most controversial” ingredients. What is Red Dye 40? The source shares that it’s a food dye made “from petroleum,” but it is approved by the FDA and EPA. Yet, it has been linked to allergies, migraines, mental disorders in children, and more.
There is a suggested “acceptable daily intake,” you can read all the details about it and more at Healthline.
Which foods and drinks with Red Dye 40 to avoid
- Sodas and soft drinks
- Energy drinks
- Sports drinks
- Jello
- Gummy snacks
- Strawberry-flavored milk
- Most cereals
- Fruit bars
- Doritos
- Hamburger Helper
- Kraft macaroni and cheese
Knowing these foods and drinks have Red Dye 40, will you still consume them? I’ll be honest, learning about this was tough! Doritos are some of my favorite chips! Giving them up won’t be easy, I may still enjoy a bag or two here and there, but they will no longer be part of my weekly grocery run.
I’m surprised to find sports drinks on the list! You would think they are a better choice since they were designed to hydrate. I guess I’ll be sticking to water or fresh lemonade!
What will you give up (if anything)?