What products include Red 3 dye? The most effective way to determine this is by examining ingredient labels.

The Food and Drug Administration is ordering food and drug makers to remove a dye called Red 3 from the products U.S. consumers eat and drink.

The colorant was banned from cosmetics and non-oral medications decades ago because a study showed it caused cancer when eaten by rats. But it kept appearing on the ingredient lists of popular snack foods and other grocery products because it remained approved for use until now.

Consumer advocates monitor manufacturers that still include the additive, and companies often switch to less notorious alternatives. Shoppers should always check food labels to see if an item they want to buy includes Red 3, which is also known as erythrosine and FD&C Red No. 3.

Here are several product categories where the dye is most commonly found.

SWEETS

Brach’s Conversation Hearts and Brach's Candy Corn both contain Red 3. But some other red candies, like Swedish Fish and Wild Cherry Lifesavers, use Red 40.

BAKERY ITEMS AND SNACKS

Certain baked treats and snacks, particularly those featuring red icing, include Red 3 as an ingredient. For instance, Betty Crocker’s Red Decorating Icing is made with Red 3. In contrast, Pillsbury’s Funfetti Valentine’s Day Vanilla Frosting, adorned with small red hearts, incorporates Red 40 instead.

DAIRY PRODUCTS AND FROZEN ITEMS

Look out for Red 3 in strawberry-flavored milk, ice cream, frozen yogurt, and popsicles. TruMoo Strawberry Whole Milk includes Red 3, whereas Edy’s Strawberry Ice Cream and Popsicle-brand fruit pops utilize beet juice for their coloring instead.

FRUIT ITEMS

Numerous maraschino cherry brands, including those sold under Walmart and Kroger labels, have transitioned to using Red 40. However, Kroger's Extra Cherry canned fruit cocktail still features Red 3.

DRINKS

Make sure that the Original Strawberry Nutrition Shake includes Red 3. However, numerous beverage brands opt for Red 40, such as Hawaiian Punch, Kool-Aid, Fanta and Jarritos strawberry sodas, as well as Faygo black cherry soda.

MEDICINES

Consumer advocates have pointed out that certain gummy vitamins and medications include Red 3. However, there are products that opt for natural colorings or different dyes. For instance, Vicks Formula 44, Luden's, and Halls cough drops all contain Red 40. Additionally, Mucinex Children’s Cough Syrup, Robitussin Adult Cough and Chest Congestion, as well as Vick’s NyQuil Cold and Flu, also utilize Red 40.

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