A new study has revealed that nearly one in five packaged foods and drinks in the United States contain synthetic food dyes.
Researchers analyzed almost 40,000 grocery store products and found that these artificial colors are still widely used, despite growing concerns about their health effects.
The research, published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, highlights how food companies continue to rely on dyes to make products look more appealing—especially those aimed at children.
Synthetic food dyes are chemicals added to enhance a product’s color and appearance. They’re commonly found in candies, soft drinks, cereals, and baked goods. While they can make foods look more fun or tasty, especially to kids, scientists have long questioned their safety.
Studies suggest that some synthetic dyes may be linked to behavioral issues such as hyperactivity and difficulty focusing in children. Despite these warnings, many U.S. manufacturers continue to use them.
The study was conducted by researchers from The George Institute for Global Health, the University of North Carolina, and the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
They looked at ingredient lists for foods and drinks made by the 25 largest U.S. food manufacturers, focusing on five popular product categories for children—candies, sugar-sweetened drinks, ready meals, breakfast cereals, and baked snacks like cookies and pastries.
The results were concerning. Products marketed to children were far more likely to contain synthetic dyes. About 28% of foods aimed at kids included artificial coloring, compared with only 11% of other products.
These brightly colored foods were also loaded with sugar—on average, they had more than double the sugar content of dye-free foods. In fact, products with synthetic dyes contained 141% more sugar (33.3 grams per 100 grams versus 13.8 grams in products without dyes).
Dr. Elizabeth Dunford, one of the study’s authors, said it was disappointing to see synthetic dyes remain so common in the U.S. food supply, especially in products designed for children.
She noted that the combination of high sugar and bright colors was particularly worrying. “Companies are using synthetic dyes to market sweet foods and drinks, but both ingredients are linked to poor health outcomes,” she said.
The study also named major brands that rely heavily on artificial colors. Confectionery giants like Ferrero and Mars topped the list, with 60% and 52% of their products containing dyes.
PepsiCo’s energy drinks weren’t far behind—about half contained synthetic colors. The problem extended to sports drinks as well, with nearly 80% of them containing artificial dyes, no matter the brand.
Dr. Thomas Galligan from the Center for Science in the Public Interest emphasized that these additives are unnecessary and that removing them has been too slow. “The FDA has asked companies to voluntarily phase out synthetic dyes, but many made similar promises years ago and didn’t follow through,” he said.
He added that the U.S. could take a page from the European Union, where foods with synthetic dyes must carry a warning label since 2010. “If the FDA required similar labels, companies would have a stronger reason to change, and consumers would be better informed.”
Some U.S. states are already moving in that direction. Dozens have introduced bills this year to regulate or ban synthetic dyes in foods marketed to children. While these changes may take time, experts recommend that consumers stay alert in the meantime.
Dr. Dunford advised parents and health-conscious shoppers to always read ingredient labels carefully. “If a product contains synthetic dyes or high levels of added sugar,” she said, “you’re better off leaving it on the shelf—especially when shopping for kids.”
Overall, the study shines a light on a troubling trend in the modern food industry: the continued use of artificial additives that offer no real benefit to health.
While the colors might make products more eye-catching, the cost may be far greater—especially for children. With more evidence linking synthetic dyes and sugar to health problems, consumers and policymakers alike may soon demand stronger action from the food industry.
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The study is published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
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