Red Dye 3 is a synthetic food coloring that has been linked to cancer and other health problems. Despite this, it is still used in many packaged foods, including candies. A search of Food Scores, a database maintained by the Environmental Working Group, generated 2,876 brand-name food products that contain Red 3, including hundreds of foods made by the country’s biggest food companies. Candy company Brach’s alone sells more than 100 different candies with the dye. Some of the candies that contain Red Dye 3 include:
- Brachs candies (more than 100 different types)
- Peeps
- Betty Crocker’s Fruit by the Foot
- Dubble Bubble chewing gum
- Entenmann’s Little Bites
- Hostess’ Ding Dongs
- Skittles
- Nerds candies
- Trolli gummies
It is important to check the ingredient list of packaged foods to avoid Red Dye 3 and other harmful additives.
