FDA Ban on Red Dye No. 3 Leads to Snack Shortages in Colorado
A major FDA ruling has led to the removal of Red Dye No. 3 from food products nationwide, leaving Colorado without some popular snacks—at least temporarily.
Red Dye No. 3 No Longer Approved for Food Use
The FDA officially revoked its authorization for Red Dye No. 3 just days before the 47th President took office, marking the end of a long-debated food additive that has been in use since 1907.
While the dye was banned in cosmetics in 1990, it continued to be allowed in foods and medicines for another three decades. Now, manufacturers have until January 15, 2027, to fully phase out the ingredient in edible products.
What Does This Mean for Colorado?
As companies work to reformulate recipes using FDA-approved alternatives like Red Dye No. 40, some snacks and drinks may temporarily disappear from store shelves.
15 Snacks Now Missing in Colorado Following the Ban
These Colorado favorites have historically contained Red Dye No. 3 and may be harder to find as manufacturers adjust their ingredients:
- Entenmann’s Little Bites Party Cake Muffins
- Strawberry Ring Pops
- Jack Link’s Beef Sticks & Cheese
- TruMoo Strawberry Milk
- Betty Crocker Red Gel
- Nesquik Strawberry
- Hot Tamales Fire & Ice Chewy Cinnamon
- Brach’s Mellowcreme Caramel Apples
- Brach’s Conversation Hearts
- Fruit By The Foot
- Red Licorice Candy
- Pez Candy
- Maraschino Cherries
- Gummy Bears
- Candy Corn
When Will These Snacks Return?
While some companies have already reformulated their products, others are still in the process of switching to new dye alternatives. The US Department of Agriculture is maintaining a list of branded foods that still contain Red Dye No. 3, tracking their progress toward compliance.
For now, Colorado snack lovers may need to wait for reformulated versions of their favorite treats, but many are expected to return soon.
