5 Foods that Surprisingly Have Artificial Dyes

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Too many foods on market shelves and in our grocery delivery baskets are filled with artificial food dyes—and we don't even realize it. Take Red 40, the most used food coloring: The Department of Agriculture estimates more than 36,000 foods sold in the U.S. contain this dye. This is disturbing, not only because research links this and other food colorings to serious health implications (particularly in children), but also because there is no law requiring companies to disclose how much food dye they add to a product. So, our children are munching on snacks with sickening amounts of harmful chemicals.

This issue is on our minds. We believe it's on yours, too. When we dived deep into the impact of food dyes with Dr. Tanya Dempsey in 2022, our story exploded in popularity and remains one of our most popular. Over the last decades, immense movements on the individual, state, and federal levels have been attempting to thwart the use of food dyes. In early 2024, California introduced Bill 2316, which would protect children from six artificial dyes by banning them from foods served in public schools during school hours. This state has been bullish on the anti-dye front, as a 2021 report found synthetic food dyes potentially contribute to hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems in some children "and that children vary in their sensitivity to synthetic food dyes." Thankfully, other states are doing their parts, as well.

 
 

The advocacy for ridding food dyes from foods is out there, which is heartening. Still, these chemicals are permeating the food aisles often in ways that go by the most discerning eyes. As we've continued to dig into this topic, we've been utterly shocked by how food dyes are in the most unsuspecting foods. It's evident that Twin Pops have a rainbow of dyes, but a salmon salad? Must a salmon salad have Red. No. 40 and 3 and Yellow No. 5 and 6? We say no.

We also say no to all these other foods, which often contain cryptic food colorings we would never have suspected. So the next time you pick up one of the below, read the ingredients label closely (as we always suggest).

Consider this another cautionary list to keep you on your food-additive-aware toes.

5 Unexpected Foods That Contain Artificial Food Coloring

Romesco Sauce

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Romesco sauce is a versatile staple to keep on hand. The red bell pepper, garlic, almonds, and cayenne marry together to create a rich, layered flavor. It adds a brightness to vegetables and meats, and also makes for a hearty pizza sauce.

This recipe yields 8oz

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 medium red bell pepper
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • ½ cup Primal Kitchen Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • ½ cup almonds
  • ¼ cup crushed canned or fresh tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons parsley
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 medium red bell pepper
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 120 ml Primal Kitchen Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 64 g almonds
  • 32 g crushed canned or fresh tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons parsley
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Add all ingredients into a high-power food processor. 

  2. Blend and add additional olive oil as necessary until the sauce is smooth.

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BBQ Sauce

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Sweet (thanks to honey and molasses), savory (with the kick of tamari), and smoky (hello paprika and chili powder!). This versatile kid-friendly BBQ Sauce is a scene-stealer. 

This recipe yields 24 ounces of BBQ Sauce.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2-½ cups strained tomatoes (about 24 ounces)
  • ¾ cup tomato paste (7 ounces)
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 2 tablespoons tamari
  • 2 tablespoons Primal Kitchen Organic Dijon Mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 teaspoons chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 600 ml strained tomatoes (about 24 ounces)
  • 100 g tomato paste (7 ounces)
  • 120 ml apple cider vinegar
  • 120 ml honey
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 2 tablespoons tamari
  • 2 tablespoons Primal Kitchen Organic Dijon Mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 teaspoons chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt

Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients into a large stock pot over medium-high heat. 

  2. When liquid begins to bubble turn down to a simmer and let thicken for approximately 15-20 minutes. 

  3. Remove from heat and serve on top of ribs or as a dip for sweet potato fries. 

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Tzatziki

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I love traditional tzatziki for its creamy-yet-light texture that is as tasty as it is versatile. I have been dairy-free for a long time, so I use coconut yogurt for a non-dairy version, but it can easily be swapped out with greek yogurt. When a summer trip to Greece isn’t in the cards, at least I can take my taste buds there.

This recipe yields 2 1/2 cups

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cucumber
  • 1-1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup dairy-free coconut yogurt
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon dill
  • 1-½ tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon mint
  • 1 cucumber
  • 1-1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 130 g dairy-free coconut yogurt
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon dill
  • 1-½ tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon mint

Directions

  1. Grate cucumber using a large-toothed grater. Once grated, place cucumber in a bowl with 1 teaspoon sea salt. Over time, the cucumber will release its water. 

  2. After at least 30 minutes, strain the cucumber and place on a paper towel. 

  3. Combine yogurt, lemon zest, dill, remaining salt, lemon juice, olive oil, and mint in a bowl and stir.

  4. When cucumber is dry, add it to the yogurt mixture. 

  5. Serve with chips or drizzle over Moroccan Vegetable Kabobs.

Tips

**The cucumber should be as dry as possible to keep your sauce from being runny.

 
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