Jul 09, 2026 — Digital Edition
George Ideas
Independent Journalism & Insight
Feature

Skittles with Red Dye 40: Which Colors to Avoid

Ever wondered which Skittles contain Red Dye 40? You're not alone. With a wide array of colors and flavors, Skittles have become a favorite among candy lovers. But for those watching their intake of Red Dye 40, it's important to know which Skittles to avoid.

Skittle game
Skittle game

Red Dye 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food coloring used extensively in the food industry. It's approved by the FDA, but some consumers prefer to limit their intake due to potential health concerns. So, let's dive into the world of Skittles to find out which ones contain Red Dye 40.

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Original Skittles

Original Skittles come in five colors: red, orange, yellow, green, and purple. Each color corresponds to a specific flavor.

an info sheet describing how to use red food colorings for halloween costumes and more
an info sheet describing how to use red food colorings for halloween costumes and more

Red Skittles, which have a strawberry flavor, contain Red Dye 40. So, if you're trying to avoid this dye, you might want to skip the red ones.

Red Skittles

the skittles game is shown with different colors
the skittles game is shown with different colors

Red Skittles are the most iconic and the first flavor that comes to mind when thinking about Skittles. They have a distinct strawberry flavor that many people enjoy.

However, it's the red color that's of interest here. The vibrant red hue comes from Red Dye 40, which is added to give the Skittles their characteristic color.

Other Original Skittles

Can You Spot The M&M Among The Skittles?
Can You Spot The M&M Among The Skittles?

The other flavors in the original Skittles pack - orange (lemon), yellow (lime), green (grape), and purple (strawberry) - do not contain Red Dye 40. They use other food coloring agents to achieve their respective colors.

So, if you're avoiding Red Dye 40, you can still enjoy these flavors without worrying about the dye.

Other Skittles Varieties

How Do Red Skittles Get Their Color? FDA-Approved!
How Do Red Skittles Get Their Color? FDA-Approved!

Skittles come in many varieties these days, from Sour to Tropical to Wild Berry. Let's take a look at a few to see if they contain Red Dye 40.

Remember, the presence of Red Dye 40 can vary depending on the flavor and variety, so it's always a good idea to check the ingredient list on the packaging.

Truths About Red Dye 40 You Might Not Know
Truths About Red Dye 40 You Might Not Know
an advertisement for skittles with the names and colors on it's side
an advertisement for skittles with the names and colors on it's side
Red 40 food dye in Skittles, Doritos and more trigger bowel diseases: study
Red 40 food dye in Skittles, Doritos and more trigger bowel diseases: study
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How Popular Are Your Candy Flavor Opinions?
Chart Loreal Hicolor Red Shades, Red Dye Box, Shades Of Red Hair Color, Red Hair Chart, Red Hair Shades Chart, Loreal Hicolor Red Color Chart, Red Hair Colour Shades, Warm Cherry Red, Different Red Shades Of Hair
Chart Loreal Hicolor Red Shades, Red Dye Box, Shades Of Red Hair Color, Red Hair Chart, Red Hair Shades Chart, Loreal Hicolor Red Color Chart, Red Hair Colour Shades, Warm Cherry Red, Different Red Shades Of Hair
several bags of candy sitting on top of a plastic bag
several bags of candy sitting on top of a plastic bag
Skittle games
Skittle games
skittles war
skittles war
Ion Color Chart, Ion Hair Dye Chart, Ion Red Hair Color Chart, Ion Semi Permanent Hair Color Chart, Red Hair Dye Names, Red Hair Dye Color Names, Red Hair Dye Chart, Ion Hair Dye Medium Red Brown, Red Hair Dye Numbers
Ion Color Chart, Ion Hair Dye Chart, Ion Red Hair Color Chart, Ion Semi Permanent Hair Color Chart, Red Hair Dye Names, Red Hair Dye Color Names, Red Hair Dye Chart, Ion Hair Dye Medium Red Brown, Red Hair Dye Numbers
a white plate topped with lots of gummy bears
a white plate topped with lots of gummy bears
Which one are you
Which one are you
four different colored candies with the words skittles game written on them
four different colored candies with the words skittles game written on them
the menu for skittle's game
the menu for skittle's game
an advertisement for skittles with different colors
an advertisement for skittles with different colors
Skittles Trick with Hot Water – A Rainbow You Can Make at Home
Skittles Trick with Hot Water – A Rainbow You Can Make at Home
Easter egg dye with Skittles candies
Easter egg dye with Skittles candies
CandyNana - Etsy
CandyNana - Etsy
the skittles game is shown with different candies
the skittles game is shown with different candies
Skittles - Don’t take this as a sign Green Apple is coming back or anything.
Skittles - Don’t take this as a sign Green Apple is coming back or anything.
Skittle game!
Skittle game!

Sour Skittles

Sour Skittles have a tangy twist on the original flavors. The red Skittles in this variety also contain Red Dye 40, just like the originals.

However, the other flavors in Sour Skittles - orange, yellow, green, and purple - do not contain Red Dye 40. They use other food coloring agents to achieve their sour, fruity flavors.

Tropical Skittles

Tropical Skittles come in five tropical fruit flavors: pineapple, coconut, banana, melon, and passion fruit. None of these flavors contain Red Dye 40.

Instead, they use other food coloring agents to achieve their vibrant tropical colors. So, if you're avoiding Red Dye 40, you can enjoy these tropical flavors without worry.

In the end, it's always a good idea to check the ingredient list on the packaging if you're trying to avoid Red Dye 40. Skittles offer a wide variety of flavors, so there's plenty to enjoy even if you're avoiding the red ones. Happy snacking!