When it comes to what we feed our children, every ingredient matters. Recent research and legislation have cast a spotlight on Red Dye 40, a synthetic food dye made from petroleum found in countless snacks, sweets and drinks. While the dye has been deemed “safe” by regulatory agencies, emerging studies suggest that it may pose risks for certain groups of sensitive children — particularly when it comes to behavior and health.
Let’s dive into what you should know about Red Dye 40 and why California banned it from school food.
What Is Red Dye 40?
Red Dye 40 is a synthetic color additive made from petroleum and is widely used to give foods a vibrant red hue. You’ll find it in everything from flavored yogurts and fruit snacks to sports drinks and baked goods. While many regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consider Red Dye 40 safe when consumed in moderation, emerging research suggests the issue may be more complicated.
The Concerns About Red Dye 40
A 2021 report by California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) identified potential links between synthetic food dyes, including Red Dye 40, and behavioral issues in some children. After two years of reviewing studies from top institutions like UC Berkeley and UC Davis, researchers concluded that synthetic dyes may contribute to neurobehavioral issues, like hyperactivity, in sensitive children.
Over the past 20 years, ADHD diagnoses in the U.S. have climbed from 6.1% to 10.2%. While there are many factors at play, researchers believe that exposure to synthetic dyes could exacerbate behavioral disorders for some children. Notably, the OEHHA report also found that federal guidelines for synthetic dye safety are outdated, relying on decades-old studies that fail to account for behavioral effects.
California Bans Red Dye 40 in School Food
In light of these findings, California became the first state to ban Red Dye 40 and other synthetic food dyes from public school food or beverages. The California School Food Safety Act, signed into law in September 2024, takes effect in December 2027 and removes six artificial dyes, including Red 40, Yellow 5 and Blue 1, from school cafeterias. This decision underscores a growing awareness of how synthetic additives can impact vulnerable populations, especially in schools where children consume multiple meals.
With this ban, schools will be required to serve food without these additives, marking a shift in how children’s diets are regulated. But while Red Dye 40 is being phased out of school meals, it’s still widely used in everyday products, including many children’s vitamins.
A Cleaner Vitamin, No Junk Included
Many children’s vitamins contain artificial dyes, added sugars and unnecessary fillers — ingredients parents often try to avoid in their kids’ diets. Many popular supplement brands include synthetic colors like Red Dye 40, sugar, corn syrup and gummy additives to enhance taste, but there are ways to make kid-friendly supplements without all the unhealthy ingredients.
Hiya’s formula is based on modern nutritional guidelines for kids, unlike many brands that still rely on outdated standards. Hiya’s multivitamin is designed to support full-body health, from immune function and cognitive development to bone strength and energy production. Each chewable includes a blend of 12 organic fruits and vegetables and delivers naturally sourced vitamins and minerals in their most bioavailable forms.
What makes Hiya different?
- 15+ Essential Vitamins & Minerals: Formulated with key nutrients that support growth, immune health, focus, energy, and bone development.
- No Artificial Dyes: Synthetic dyes are completely left out, and they use natural sources for color when needed.
- No Added Sugar: Unlike gummy vitamins, which can pack as much sugar as candy, Hiya’s chewables use a blend of monk fruit extract and mannitol, which is a natural sweetener found in strawberries and pumpkins.
- No Gummy Additives: Gummy vitamins may get stuck in kids’ teeth, contributing to cavities. They’re also more susceptible to heat and melting.
- Refillable Glass Bottle: Hiya comes in a refillable glass bottle, which helps reduce plastic waste while keeping vitamins fresh.
Hiya isn’t just another kids’ vitamin — it’s a science-backed, parent-created formula that ditches the dyes, sugar and additives and focuses on what truly supports kids’ health.
Today, parents are more informed than ever, and the conversation around Red Dye 40 reflects a broader shift toward transparency and health-conscious choices. By choosing products like Hiya, you’re not only avoiding questionable ingredients — you’re supporting a brand that prioritizes safety, wellness and whole-body nourishment.
