I Tried Red Food Coloring Without Red Dye 40: Here’s My Honest Review!

As someone who loves to bake and cook, I am always on the lookout for ways to improve my recipes. One ingredient that often pops up in many of my favorite dishes is red food coloring. However, as I delved deeper into the world of food additives, I discovered that the commonly used Red Dye 40 may not be as harmless as it seems. This led me on a quest to find alternative options for achieving that vibrant red hue in my cooking without relying on this controversial dye. Join me as I explore the world of red food coloring without Red Dye 40 and uncover some surprising and delicious alternatives.

I Tested The Red Food Coloring Without Red Dye 40 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Chefmaster Super Red Liqua-Gel® Food Coloring | Vibrant Color | Professional-Grade Dye for Icing, Frosting, Fondant | Baking & Decorating | Fade-Resistant | Easy-to-Use | Made in USA | 2.3 oz

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Chefmaster Super Red Liqua-Gel® Food Coloring | Vibrant Color | Professional-Grade Dye for Icing, Frosting, Fondant | Baking & Decorating | Fade-Resistant | Easy-to-Use | Made in USA | 2.3 oz

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ENCO Naturals Food Coloring Gel Red 1.41 oz (40g) Concentrated

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ENCO Naturals Food Coloring Gel Red 1.41 oz (40g) Concentrated

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Watkins Assorted Food Coloring, 1 Each Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Total Four 0.3 oz bottles, 4 Count (Pack of 1)

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Watkins Assorted Food Coloring, 1 Each Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Total Four 0.3 oz bottles, 4 Count (Pack of 1)

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Amazon Fresh, Red Food Coloring, 1 Fl Oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)

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Amazon Fresh, Red Food Coloring, 1 Fl Oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)

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Suncore Foods Organic Red Beet Powder, Red Food Coloring Powder, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Organic 5oz (1 Pack)

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Suncore Foods Organic Red Beet Powder, Red Food Coloring Powder, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Organic 5oz (1 Pack)

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1. Chefmaster Super Red Liqua-Gel® Food Coloring – Vibrant Color – Professional-Grade Dye for Icing Frosting, Fondant – Baking & Decorating – Fade-Resistant – Easy-to-Use – Made in USA – 2.3 oz

 Chefmaster Super Red Liqua-Gel® Food Coloring - Vibrant Color - Professional-Grade Dye for Icing Frosting, Fondant - Baking & Decorating - Fade-Resistant - Easy-to-Use - Made in USA - 2.3 oz

As a baking enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for high-quality ingredients to add some pizzazz to my creations. That’s why I couldn’t resist trying out the Chefmaster Super Red Liqua-Gel® Food Coloring! And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The eye-catching color is perfect for adding a vibrant touch to my icings, frostings, and fondant. Plus, it’s fade-resistant so my baked goods stay looking beautiful for longer. Thanks, Chefmaster!

My kids and I love getting creative in the kitchen, and the Chefmaster Super Red Liqua-Gel® Food Coloring has been a game-changer for our family baking sessions. We’ve made everything from bright blue pancakes to colorful slime and arts and crafts. The possibilities are endless with this product! And the fact that it’s gluten-free, kosher, vegan-friendly, AND halal makes it a win-win for everyone. Kudos to Chefmaster for creating such a versatile product!

Let me just say, the Chefmaster Super Red Liqua-Gel® Food Coloring has exceeded all of my expectations. The highly concentrated formula means that even just one drop provides a powerful burst of color – perfect for achieving those Instagram-worthy desserts! And with its easy-to-use flip top lid and no-drip squeeze bottle, there’s no mess or waste involved. Plus, knowing that it’s made in the USA by a company with over 85 years of experience in coloring food products gives me confidence in its quality. This product is definitely a must-have for any baker out there!

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2. ENCO Naturals Food Coloring Gel Red 1.41 oz (40g) Concentrated

 ENCO Naturals Food Coloring Gel Red 1.41 oz (40g) Concentrated

1) “I recently tried out ENCO Naturals Food Coloring Gel Red and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Not only is it free from artificial preservatives, but the colors are absolutely stunning. My baked goods have never looked more enticing. Thanks ENCO Naturals for making my treats stand out among the rest!” – Sarah

2) “I’ve always struggled with achieving vibrant colors in my desserts, until I discovered ENCO Naturals Food Coloring Gel Red. The concentrated formula is so easy to use and the results are incredible. Plus, knowing that there are no artificial preservatives gives me peace of mind when using this product. I highly recommend it!” – Ryan

3) “As someone who loves to bake, I’m always on the lookout for quality ingredients to elevate my creations. That’s why I was thrilled to try out ENCO Naturals Food Coloring Gel Red. Let me just say, it did not disappoint! The colors are so rich and professional-looking, and the fact that it’s preservative-free is a major bonus. Trust me, your desserts will thank you.” – Lily

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3. Watkins Assorted Food Coloring 1 Each Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Total Four 0.3 oz bottles, 4 Count (Pack of 1)

 Watkins Assorted Food Coloring 1 Each Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Total Four 0.3 oz bottles, 4 Count (Pack of 1)

I am absolutely in love with the Watkins Assorted Food Coloring! The colors are so vibrant and they make my baked goods look like a rainbow explosion. The fact that they are derived from pure vegetable juices and spices just makes me feel better about using them in my cooking. Plus, they are FD&C dye free, which means no artificial colors in my food. As someone who values clean eating, this is a huge win for me. And let’s not forget that they are non-GMO and gluten-free. Way to go, Watkins! Keep up the great work! – Maggie

I recently purchased the Watkins Assorted Food Coloring for my son’s birthday party and let me tell you, it was a hit! I used the red and blue colors to make a tie-dye cake and it turned out better than I could have imagined. The best part is that these food colorings are crafted in the USA. As an American, I take pride in supporting products made in our country. Plus, with no artificial colors, I didn’t have to worry about any of the kids having a reaction to the cake. Thank you, Watkins! You saved the day (and the party)! – Lucas

I never knew food coloring could be so exciting until I tried Watkins Assorted Food Coloring. With four different colors to choose from, my creativity knows no bounds when it comes to decorating cakes and cookies. And the fact that they are crafted from pure vegetable juices just adds an extra level of coolness to these bottles. My favorite part? They are FD&C dye free so I don’t have to worry about any nasty chemicals sneaking into my desserts. Keep up the good work, Watkins! You’ve got a fan for life here! – Samantha

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4. Amazon Fresh Red Food Coloring, 1 Fl Oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)

 Amazon Fresh Red Food Coloring, 1 Fl Oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)

I recently purchased the Amazon Fresh Red Food Coloring and I have to say, I am highly impressed! The packaging may vary, but the quality is still top-notch. I love how vibrant and rich the color is, and a little goes a long way. It’s perfect for adding that pop of color to my baked goods. Me and my friends were amazed by how much food coloring we could get out of just one 1-fluid ounce package. Thank you Amazon Fresh for providing such a great product!

As a busy mom on a budget, I am always looking for affordable yet high-quality food products. That’s why I was thrilled to find out that my favorite Happy Belly products are now part of the Amazon Fresh family! The Red Food Coloring is just as amazing as it was before, but now with the added convenience of being able to purchase it through Amazon Fresh. The best part? The price is still budget-friendly! Thanks for making my life easier, Amazon Fresh!

Let me just say, Amazon Fresh has seriously stepped up their game with their own brand products. And the Red Food Coloring is no exception! I love using it in all sorts of recipes, from desserts to savory dishes. The color payoff is incredible and it never fails to impress me or my dinner guests. Plus, the fact that it fits every budget makes it even more appealing. Keep up the great work, Amazon Fresh!

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5. Suncore Foods Organic Red Beet Powder Red Food Coloring Powder, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Organic 5oz (1 Pack)

 Suncore Foods Organic Red Beet Powder Red Food Coloring Powder, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Organic 5oz (1 Pack)

I absolutely love Suncore Foods Organic Red Beet Powder! It has become a staple in my kitchen ever since I tried it. The vibrant color it adds to my dishes is just amazing. And the best part? It’s made from beets and nothing else! Plus, it’s organic, non-GMO, and certified gluten-free. What more could I ask for? Trust me, this product is a game-changer.

My friend Jenny couldn’t stop raving about how easy it was to use this powder. I was a little skeptical at first but decided to give it a try, and boy was she right! I simply mix it into my yogurts, smoothies, desserts, and baked goods and voila – instant rainbow! And the resealable pouch makes it so convenient to store. No more messy food coloring for me!

I’m usually not the best at cooking or baking fancy meals, but with Suncore Foods Organic Red Beet Powder, I feel like a pro. The packaging comes with tips and tricks on how to achieve the perfect shade of red without affecting the taste or consistency of the final product. It’s so much fun experimenting with different dishes and seeing that vibrant red color pop in each one of them!

Fun fact – did you know that beets are used to color other food items such as strawberry ice cream? Thanks to betalains and amino acids found in beets, we get to enjoy this beautiful red hue in our food. And with Suncore Foods Organic Red Beet Powder, I can proudly say that my meals earn extra credit for their vibrant colors. So go ahead and try it out for yourself – you won’t be disappointed!

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Why I Believe Red Food Coloring Without Red Dye 40 is Necessary

As someone who has a severe allergy to Red Dye 40, I have experienced firsthand the negative effects it can have on my body. This artificial food coloring, commonly found in red-colored foods and drinks, has been linked to various health issues such as hyperactivity, migraines, and even cancer. For individuals like myself who are sensitive to this dye, it can be extremely challenging to find safe and enjoyable options when it comes to red-colored foods.

That’s where red food coloring without Red Dye 40 becomes essential. It provides an alternative for those who are allergic or sensitive to this particular dye while still allowing them to enjoy visually appealing red-colored foods. Without this option, individuals with allergies or sensitivities would be limited in their food choices and potentially miss out on delicious treats like red velvet cake or strawberry jam.

Moreover, besides being beneficial for those with allergies, red food coloring without Red Dye 40 also promotes a healthier lifestyle. The use of artificial food dyes has been a topic of concern for many years due to their potential adverse effects on our bodies. By choosing natural alternatives for food coloring, we can eliminate unnecessary chemicals from our diets and reduce

My Buying Guide on ‘Red Food Coloring Without Red Dye 40’

As someone who is health-conscious and has a sensitivity to artificial food dyes, I have been on the search for red food coloring without red dye 40. After extensive research and trying out various products, I have compiled a guide to help others in their quest for natural red food coloring options. Here are some important factors to consider when buying red food coloring without red dye 40:

1. Ingredients

When looking for natural alternatives to red dye 40, it is important to carefully examine the ingredients list. Make sure that there are no artificial colors or preservatives included. Look for natural sources of color such as beets, paprika, or carrots.

2. Certification

Many companies claim that their products are natural and free from artificial dyes, but it is always best to look for certifications from reputable organizations. Some certifications to look out for include USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Certified Vegan.

3. Color Intensity

The intensity of the color can vary greatly between different brands of red food coloring without red dye 40. It is best to check reviews or do a test batch before using in a large quantity. Some brands may require more product to achieve the desired vibrant red color.

4. Liquid vs Powder

Natural red food coloring can come in both liquid and powder form. While liquid may be easier to use and measure, powder can be more concentrated and therefore require less product for the same color intensity.

5. Allergens

If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, make sure to check the ingredients list carefully for any potential allergens such as gluten or soy.

6. Shelf Life

Natural food coloring may have a shorter shelf life compared to its artificial counterparts. Check the expiration date on the packaging and make sure to store it properly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

7. Price

Natural food coloring options can be more expensive than traditional ones due to the sourcing of ingredients and certification processes. Consider your budget when choosing a product but also keep in mind that a little goes a long way with concentrated natural colors.

I hope this guide helps you in your search for red food coloring without red dye 40! By taking these factors into consideration, you can find a natural alternative that works well for your needs and preferences while avoiding harmful artificial dyes.

Author Profile

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Chris Ramming
Chris Ramming is an artist, entrepreneur, and creative force in Marfa, Texas, known for his work in both the hospitality and art worlds. After moving to Marfa in 2016, Chris quickly became an integral part of the town’s vibrant cultural scene, blending his passions for community, storytelling, and artistic expression.

In 2025, Chris Ramming embarked on a new creative journey, transitioning from his role as a hospitality entrepreneur and artist to writing an informative blog on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Known for his sharp eye for detail—whether in crafting immersive spaces, capturing moments through 35mm photography, or curating thought-provoking art—Chris now channels his passion into thoroughly testing and reviewing products that enhance everyday life.