Do you ever wonder why some breakfast cereals are so brightly colored? While it may make them look more appealing to the eye, the truth is that some of these colorful cereals and cereal bars contain a controversial ingredient – Red 40. Red-40 is a synthetic food dye that has been linked to numerous health concerns, such as behavioral problems in children, cancer, and allergic reactions. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the use of Red-40 in breakfast cereals and bars, and why it’s important for health-conscious individuals to be aware of this ingredient.
While breakfast cereals and bars are not inherently unhealthy, the Red-40 food dye they contain is alarming. This ingredient has been banned in some countries, including the United Kingdom, yet is still permitted for use in the food industry in the United States. As consumers, we should be aware of what we’re putting in our bodies and seek out alternatives that do not contain synthetic food dyes.
Please be aware that the following is a compilation of some of the most prominent brands. This list does not encompass all beverages that contain Red-40, therefore, we strongly recommend you always scrutinize the labels for your safety!
Kellogg’s:
- Froot Loops
- Apple Jacks
- Corn Pops
- Rice Krispies
- Special K Red Berries
General Mills:
- Cheerios
- Lucky Charms
- Trix
- Cocoa Puffs
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Post Consumer Brands:
- Fruity Pebbles
- Honey Bunches of Oats
- Grape-Nuts
- Alpha-Bits
- Shredded Wheat
Quaker Oats:
- Cap’n Crunch
- Life Cereal
- Quaker Oatmeal Squares
- Quisp
- King Vitaman
Nestlé:
- Nesquik Cereal
- Fitness Cereal
- Cookie Crisp
- Chocapic
- Cheerios Nestlé Fitness
Malt-O-Meal:
- Frosted Mini-Spooners
- Berry Colossal Crunch
- Marshmallow Mateys
- Honey Graham Toasters
- Tootie Fruities
Kashi:
- Strawberry Fields
- Cinnamon French Toast
- Honey Almond Flax Crunch
- GOLEAN Crunch
- Autumn Wheat
Nature’s Path:
- EnviroKidz Peanut Butter Panda Puffs
- Flax Plus Red Berry Crunch
- Sunrise Crunchy Maple Cereal
- Mesa Sunrise
- Heritage Flakes
Barbara’s Bakery:
- Puffins Cereal
- Peanut Butter Puffins
- Multigrain Spoonfuls
- Shredded Oats
- Honest O’s Multigrain
Bob’s Red Mill:
- Honey Oat Granola
- Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
- Gluten-Free Brown Rice Crisps
- Honey Almond Granola
- 10 Grain Hot Cereal
Mom’s Best Cereals:
- Sweetened Wheat-Fuls
- Toasted Cinnamon Squares
- Crispy Cocoa Rice
- Honey Grahams
- Blueberry Wheat-Fuls
Back to Nature:
- Classic Granola
- Apple Blueberry Granola
- Sunflower & Pumpkin Seed Granola
- Cranberry Pecan Granola
- Maple Pecan Granola
Trader Joe’s:
- O’s Cereal
- Joe’s O’s
- High Fiber Cereal
- Honey Nut O’s
- Organic Frosted Flakes
Annie’s Homegrown:
- Organic Cocoa Bunnies Cereal
- Berry Bunnies Cereal
- Frosted Oat Flakes Cereal
- Cinnabunnies Cereal
- Classic Cereal
As a health-conscious individual, it’s essential to be aware of what we’re putting in our bodies, and that includes the food dyes that may be lurking in our breakfast cereals and bars. Red-40 is a synthetic food dye that has been linked to numerous health concerns, including cancer, behavioral problems, and allergic reactions. While it may be challenging to find breakfast cereals and bars that do not contain Red-40, it’s essential to be mindful of this ingredient and seek out natural alternatives or homemade options. By making these swaps, we can take a step towards a healthier, cleaner diet.
Further Reading:
- Cooking Oils and Sun Sensitivity: The Actual Reason Your Skin Can’t Tolerate Sun
- Detox Heavy Metals: The Ultimate Guide | Everything You Need to Know
- Unveiling the Forbidden: Foods that are Allowed in the U.S. but Banned by the E.U.
- The Shocking Truth About Endocrine Disruptors: How They are Hijacking Your Hormones
- Uncovering the Shocking Truth: Glyphosate Recalled, But Still in Our Foods
