Study reveals synthetic dyes found in nearly 20% of packaged foods and drinks in US

28% of child-targeted foods such as sweets, cereals, and fizzy drinks contained synthetic dyes (Picture Credit: Pexels)

Do you often give-in when your child falls for coloured cereals, fizzy drinks, and snacks, all designed to catch their eye? But behind that rainbow of appeal lies something far less cheerful. A recent study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has revealed that almost 20% of packaged foods and drinks in the U.S. contain synthetic food dyes, many of which are heavily marketed to children.

Researchers from The George Institute for Global Health, the University of North Carolina, and the Center for Science in the Public Interest found a disturbing trend: the more vivid the product, the higher its sugar content, and the greater the potential harm.

The team looked at nearly 40,000 packaged food items from the 25 largest U.S. manufacturers. Their findings were sobering:

- 28% of child-targeted foods such as sweets, cereals, and fizzy drinks contained synthetic dyes, compared to just 11% of other foods.

- Products with artificial colouring had 141% more sugar on average — 33.3g per 100g versus 13.8g in dye-free products.

“These companies are blending bright colours and excessive sugar to make products irresistible to children,” explained Dr Elizabeth Dunford, Research Fellow at The George Institute. “Yet both ingredients are linked to poor health outcomes, including obesity and behavioural issues.”

According to the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 28% of these items contained synthetic dyes compared to 11% of other types of fare. Some of the most familiar names in your pantry are among the highest users of synthetic dyes.

Ferrero: 60% of its products contain dyes.

Mars: 52% of its sweets use artificial colouring.

PepsiCo: Over half its energy drinks, and nearly eight in ten sports drinks, include synthetic dyes.

“These dyes are unnecessary,” said Dr Thomas Galligan, Principal Scientist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest. “The FDA has asked companies to voluntarily phase them out, but history shows that promises alone don’t always lead to change.”

He added, “If the U.S. required warning labels like the European Union has since 2010, companies would have a real incentive to reformulate — and consumers would be better informed.”

While federal policy lags behind, a wave of state-level action is emerging. Dozens of U.S. states have introduced bills to restrict or label synthetic dyes this year.

Dr Dunford believes such steps are vital but urges parents to take matters into their own hands. “Until regulations catch up with science, parents should always read the ingredient list. If you see synthetic dyes or high sugar levels, it’s best to leave that product on the shelf — especially when it’s for your children.”

Those colourful treats may look cheerful, but the studies reveal a different tale. Synthetic dyes and added sugars might make snacks sparkle, yet they also pose a risk to health.

Also read: From walking with a stick to now doing pilates at 86, know Salman Khan's step mother's fitness secret FAQs on harmful effects of synthetic dyes in packaged foods and drinks:

A: They enhance color and visual appeal to make products look more attractive.

A: Yes, excessive intake has been linked to allergies, hyperactivity, and behavioral issues.

A: Some dyes may contribute to organ stress and have potential carcinogenic effects over time.

A: Children and people with sensitivities or allergies are particularly vulnerable.

A: Choose products with natural colorings or those labeled “no artificial colors.”