5 Reasons Why Food Dye Is NOT A Big Deal

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So a funny thing happens every single time we post a post about rainbow-colored this or that…all these dye-hard moms come out of no where and freak out about how evil food dye is and why we should be burned at the stake for ever even suggesting we let it near our children. Seriously, it’ll be a post about how to color pasta for your kids to play with, and then all the sudden pitchforks and torches appear and the dye-hards come screaming up to us about how dye is killing our children!!! Whoa. Okay. Bring it in now, moms. The truth is, in short, it’s not. Really, it is NOT killing our kids. No single kid in the history of histories has ever been killed by food dye. Not. One.

Okay, I’ll add a little caveat to that: in 2003 the FDA did send out a warning about blue dye #1 being used in a medical procedure and how it could be linked to death…but, in this warning you literally had to be doing this specific medical procedure (an EN tube, the tube that feeds nutrients directly into a patient’s gut rather than through their mouth) in order for there to be any risk.

Still, this warning that food dye will KILL your kids is everywhere. Irresponsible, much? And honestly, it’s driving me crazy. You dye-hards are driving me crazy. So here are 5 Reasons Why Food Dye Is NOT A Big Deal.

5 Reasons Why Dye Is Not A Big Deal

5 Reasons Why Food Dye Is Not A Big Deal

1. Behavioral problems – Yes, some children experience hyperactivity after being exposed to food dye, but not every kid. And the kids who do experience it are also prone to other behavioral issues such as ADHD. So to say that no one should ever expose their children to dye because there’s an off chance they’ll be hyper is a bit of a reach. If your child is hyper, that kinda seems like a you problem and not an everyone problem.

2. Death – Again, not a single child has ever been killed by food dye. And the kids who might be undergoing the procedure that can cause issues have been protected now for twelve years, so really, you’re okay. You. Are. Okay.

3. Organic – I see this one pop up, too. Food dye isn’t organic, and therefore shouldn’t be touched by kids. Kids eat dirt. They’ll straight up lick light sockets if you let them. My brother used to paint walls with his own feces. Yes, you want to try to give your kids the best foods possible, but freaking out because someone suggested that your special little snowflake might enjoy playing with colored rice is just overboard. Your special little child eats his own boogers. Playing with colored rice is NOT going to be the end of the world.

food dye

4. Sensitivities – Just like with gluten, it’s like the internet found out that some people might be sensitive to some dyes and suddenly everyone is sensitive. Um, no. They aren’t. If you’re reading this and shaking your head like I’m an idiot, chances are you Googled the symptoms of food dye sensitivity at some point and thought to yourself, “Wow, I have trouble sleeping sometimes. Oh my gosh, my child does wet the bed. Wow, my toddler totally has mood swings.” There’s actually a completely different diagnosis for what you’re doing: hypochondriac. If you’re using the internet to self-diagnose you and your family you’re basically going to find a post somewhere that says you have everything. So stop. Get off the internet. If there’s really a problem, go see a doctor! Maybe the real problem is that or maybe it isn’t, but unless you actually went to medical school, you need to chill.

5. Natural solutions – Yes, there are natural solutions to dye. And if you want to spend hours making dye from things like beets, go ahead. But that doesn’t mean everyone wants to do that. I happen to really enjoy making my nieces and nephews cupcakes that are the color of Princess Elsa’s dress. And they love eating them. So yes, while I could go out and find a rare flower in the Himalayas somewhere that contains a pigment that might come close to matching that color, I’d much rather just go to the store and get some dye from the baking aisle.

Look. I know you freak out because you’re scared. Parenting is probably the scariest thing in the world. And with the internet constantly telling you that everything in the world has the potential to kill you and your children, it’s even worse. But you have to stop freaking out. Maybe you don’t want to make dyed pasta, cool. Whatevs. Just don’t make it. But stop going around freaking everyone else out because you’re freaked out. Dye is really NOT a big deal…for most. And if it is for you, sorry. Sorry for you and your kids. Because those Elsa cupcakes are on fleak.

UPDATE: It has been brought to my attention that both boogers and feces are organic…so I feel I should note that.

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26 Comments

  1. So who do I call about removing food dyes from EVERYTHING. You want to know why people buy organic and avoid artificial colors? Because of the psychological manipulation in advertising. People know that the 500 dollars I’m going to spend to remove a white powder that has red dye number 40 shouldn’t be a thing I must deal with. The hours of stress and worry. Yeah, give kids a black marker, smart. Give poor children stupid products that enslave their parents to advertising executives. People know it’s hacking into their psyche, so they become paranoid and promote pseudoscience. Maybe those advertising executives haven’t spent enough time learning science, people rebel toward deception. I don’t care about the hidden effects, I’m more concerned about the obvious effects of stress, worry, time spent wondering why we must make life harder. I bought a products for ten dollars that caused 500 dollars in damage. That’s the dumbest thing ever. And it’s easily solvable, if people stopped using science to make money, but rather promoted needed products to survive life, this wouldn’t be an issue. This is why I buy natural, and will continue to buy products without food dye.

  2. Loving everything about this! I have two kids who are the pickiest eaters on the planet and if all I can get them to eat is Lucky Charms one day, I consider that a win. They are 9 and 11, both in gifted classes, straight As, athletic, perfectly normal weight/height, no behavioral issues, no allergies to anything, and haven’t even had a slight cold in over two years (even when over half the school was out with the flu this year). They love processed foods, don’t like veggies (nor do I, so no biggie), dyes don’t seem to have any effect on them, and fast food is quite common around here. I feel terrible for parents who have to deal with food sensitivities, but don’t shame those of us who choose to let our kiddos eat brightly colored cereals and get irritated when we have to change how we feel to accommodate you. If my kid wants some crazy rainbow cake for their birthday, I will bake it happily. You don’t like that? Pack something for your kids to eat. Just something to think about though…if you choose to eliminate dyes just because and not an allergy issue (allergies are a totally different thing and I understand that), your kids WILL eat them when they go to a friends house…in fact, they will probably binge on Trix as soon as they can because, let’s face it, it’s awesome. I find that my kid’s friends who are limited on sugar/dyes at home go crazy at my house with our fun food whereas my kids (who have full access to candy at all times), haven’t even opened their Easter candy (it’s almost August) because it’s just not that exciting to them. Parenting is hard, so you do what works for you and I’ll do what works for me and then lets support each other. If you think controlling their food choices is tough, how are you ever going to handle teenage years (think sex, drugs, alcohol)? I’ve said my piece…now time for my nightly bowl of cereal!

  3. Have you actually researched this because google disagrees with this. I googled food dye deaths and it has come up with a lot of results.

  4. I thought this article was great! My grandaons are nit sensitive to food dyes and we love to color their pancakes! It is super fun! For some reason in todays society people think if they have issues that it is all of our problem. And if we do not adhere to their sons or daughters allergies that we are being ignorant and insensitive. If my grandsons had a food allergy I would go to great lengths to make sure he had a treat so he did nit feel left out. However I would not expect the rest of his friends or clasmates to forego treats that he could not eat. While I do have compassion for children wih food allergies blasting a blogger for making dyed spaghetti noodles (which I am totally going to make) or dyed pancakes, or dyed cupcake icing is beyond ridiculous. If you cant make her priject just don’t. It is as simple as that! Btw, I think these things are totallythebomb! And I bet my grandsons do actually make it to adulthood even though they are occasionally served foods with dye.

  5. Food dyes can be a big deal – for people allergic to them. My first experience with this allergy occurred when I was 17 – my eyes so swollen it was a week before I could take out my contacts – worse the tracheotomy tray by the bed in the emergency room because my throat was swollen to the point I could barely breathe – I am lucky I guess because I was old enough to read labels and listen to my body if I was having a reaction. My first allergenic response occurred over 40 years ago – long before internet scares or crazes. Testing could be done – at tremendous expense and nothing definitely proven. Why ?? Because those tests were done with allergens known to be allergens (and natural – meaning peanuts, eggs, dander, plant spores, shellfish,etc – free to cultivate and inject-could be tested for) but synthetic or patented allergens weren’t available to test. However every allergic reaction I’ve had in subsequent years has been with a # something Food dye. Has always been worse when ingested but cannot wear makeup – launder with dyed detergents – or be around some airborne scents – particularly in candles or”febreze” propellants.I cannot imagine how a parent can control the items I have a problem with – and particularly frustrating – those things that have no value or sense – really is that “hottest” pink cupcake necessary?

  6. I think I’m definitely going to get hate for this comment after reading the others but here I go anyways…

    While I do understand there are kids with dye allergies/sensitivities I think this blog came from a place of frustration. She probably got bashed but an unknown amount of moms for using something that’s not organic or has any nutritional value, dangerous or whatever else there might be..its pretty simple, if your kid has a sensitivity or allergy don’t use dye. Understand that it’s unfortunate that some of your kids can’t partake in classroom treats but they’re going to be doing that their whole life. I don’t expect everybody to conform to issues my kids have and I don’t think it’s fair for anybody to think other people should conform to what their kids have issues with. My son has a sensory processing disorder (lights, sounds, smells etc.). Should I go in his kindergarten class and tell everybody they have to be quiet because it bothers him? Tell the teacher not to wear perfumes because even if it’s a faint smell it’ll irritate him? No, I should however give him techniques to help him cope. Now I’m not saying I agree with this blog I felt like it was pretty informed and it was probably written very hastily but honestly she would have never wrote it if people weren’t bashing her. Just saying ?‍♀️

  7. Not a big deal to you because it doesn’t effect your family. It’s always a good time every school party while I have to explain to my son why he can’t eat the nut free gluten free cupcake because of the bright red frosting, or that he can’t have the skittles or fun colored marshmallows his classmates are enjoying. Doesn’t matter that the teacher sends out an email asking for dye free items because on the other end there is the parent like you who says “hmmmm….it’s not like anyone is going to die from it” and adds another drop of food dye to the frosting for good measure. Thanks for sharing your opinion on something you really know nothing about because again, it doesn’t effect you.

    1. Something my friend does with her son (who has severe food allergies) is she packs a treat for him. That way if his classmates are celebrating, he can celebrate right along with them while enjoying a treat he (and his mama) knows won’t hurt him.

  8. Hi Mary. Just wanted to make a brief comment about the food dyes. I agree to a certain extent. At this late stage in the game we in the U.S.A are inundated with food dyes so much so that it is literally impossible to avoid. I was just wondering though if you have given any thought to the damage done by the build up of these toxins in the body seeing as it is in just about everything we consume from the minute we get up and brush our teeth until we go to bed. I’m too lazy to do the research myself but one day I may get my face out of my toyblast game and trace a timelime between the use of food dye additives and the rise of early onset dementia and ADHD.(maybe) ? Have a great day. Happy blogging.

  9. Do you know that food dye can cause asthma attacks? My son does thanks to many visits to the ER before the trigger was figured out. I don’t preach to people about food dye. Why are you?

  10. While I disagree with what you said here (since I have a child that I could prove to you in one meal was harmed by dyes and other items in even seemingly healthy foods), I take issue with the fact that you presented your opinion as fact. I hope people reading this really realize this is one woman’s poorly researched opinion on foods and they will do some serious research of their own, ask their doctors for guidance, and speak to professionals who know factual information on foods.

    While we don’t need food coloring at all, for any reason, it’s your choice to use it. I used it and other items for a long time before our doctor (mainstream pediatrician mind you) suggested our sons HEART problems might be food related. These were heart issues that the cardiologist was looking at and uttering words like heart surgery. Yep, food reactions (not to peanuts or anaphylactic but to items commonly found in many foods, even things like apples) mimicked a severe and serious heart issue. So, pardon me if I take exception with your idea that food dyes and other things in our foods aren’t harmful. They very much can be and are often the culprit behind many issues that we are medicating for in this nation. There are far too many actual scientific studies done (peer reviewed, journal published, you know the drill) that prove your opinion above is not fact.

  11. Opinions aside, our bodies are designed to eat whole foods. Yes, we can put all kinds of fake stuff in it and it will still work, for the most part. We may even feel pretty okay. Not as good/great as we would if we were eating whole foods though. Continue to eat artificial foods (and by that I mean anything plant/grain/meat/legume, etc.) and it will gunk you up. Cancer, free radicals, blocking of the arteries, headaches, stomach problems, obesity…. There’s a long list of bad possibilities.

    Yes, our bodies are ours to do with as we wish but if we all looked at our body as the fine piece of machinery that it is, and we cared about ourselves and making sure that we were giving it the fuel we need, not the stuff that the media and corporate America is pushing on us as being “good” we would all be a lot healthier and our health insurance costs wouldn’t be spiraling out of control.

    I am a mom. I am a vigilant mom. I take my job seriously and I have a responsibility to do what’s best for my kids – not what’s easiest, not what the media says I should do – but what I know are good, sound, healthy choices for my kids. Dyes don’t add any health aspect to the food, and I can make an Elsa cupcake that looks and tastes phenomenal without them and so I choose to disagree. To me, it just sounds like you’ve been brainwashed to think that artificial food is good and that natural can’t look or taste good and that my dear, is where you are wrong and I even dare say a bit lazy.

    Signed,
    Full-Time working mom who makes most things from scratch and yes, it is possible

    1. Sorry, I meant “and by that I mean anything NOT plant/grain/meat/legume, etc” – those foods falling outside of this realm I consider artificial unless it was made from a combination of any of those items without added artificial ingredients.

  12. You are entitled to your opinion, but maybe when you write about something, you could at least try to educate yourself about it first? I don’t know you, but based on this post you come across as very foolish. Good luck to you if you ever actually ever have your children one day. Just bc you can write a blog doesn’t make you an expert on things you havent lived.

  13. Wow, first and last time here. This is the most idiotic blog post I have ever read. Good for you, I would love to know what rock you live under and where you get your information. So sad, keep up what you are doing and leave the rest of us that give a shit alone.

  14. This is the most idiotic article I have ever read!

  15. I think what you are leaving out is everything is okay in moderation. But, what you fail to realize, is that many dyes can be contaminated with other harmful ingredients. Dyes do hurt some people. Not all food dyes biodegrade either. They are harmful and not necessary. I make cakes for others (with dyes) and, yes, that is a choice they make.

    Unfortunately, I find your article harmful and inflammatory. While we don’t need to cater to everyone or PC about everything, we should be a bit compassionate and not express our opinions as fact. There is a lot you could do research on about food dyes and the things in our food that are harmful. We don’t always know they are harmful to the general public until years or even decades later. Why shame people for looking out for others?

  16. Artificial dye IS a big deal when you are 6 and it causes multiple episodes of projectile vomiting for hours resulting in dehydration and trips to the ER for IV fluids. And when you are 6 and can’t eat the cake and candy at your friend’s birthday party. And when you are 6 through 13 and can’t take certain medications – like Tylenol and antibiotics – because they have artificial dyes. So, yeah, artificial dye is a big deal!

  17. Enough whining. Were is the recipe for that colored pasta?

  18. I usually don’t put my opinion out there because I wish others wouldn’t more often. And this is one of those situations. Thank you very much for putting your opinion out there as fact. It’s so very helpful to those of us who have to fight ignorance on this situation. I’m glad that your children don’t have an allergy to food coloring. Good for you, and anyone else lucking enough to not have to worry about every bite their children take. But then there is my family and MANY others, who have gone through years of testing and scary nights worrying about their kid’s breathing because they might have eaten something with the certain food die that they are HIGHLY allergic to. Because my daughter will never get to have the candy, or drinks or snacks that are brought to the school. Just because her allergy is unique I will always have to be right there supervising people like you who just don’t care because it doesn’t affect you. So again thank you for your ignorance and maybe next time you should do some research before running off at the mouth with your opinion.

    1. Thank you! You said what I was thinking but in a much nicer way!

    2. I was thinking the same thing while I was reading this article. I am an adult and have been having problems and have found out it is Red 40. This article is actually harmful for others to read if they take this as truth. And btw does this lady have a medical degree? Works both ways….if she does not have a degree then she should not be stating her article as facts and insulting others who do not have a degree either.

  19. I very seldom comment on articles because most of the time there are more than enough opinions to go around with out mine being added to the mix. This article though got to me though. I apologize in advance for my hastily written book.

    I have a child with a sensitivity to artificial color. Yes, he also has ADHD. Yes, he does get hyper. However, he also gets explosive and angry. (And yes, it CAN also cause bedwetting which is MORTIFYING for an pre-teen boy) Sometimes it only takes a very small amount of color to completely ruin a full day’s worth of family time. So yes, I am particular about his diet, it is my JOB. It is also my job to consider the emotional consequences of being the child in trouble continually because you have such difficulty controlling your impulses and feel so angry. Can you imagine the way this would affect ones self esteem?

    I do NOT expect everyone to cater to his needs and I take care to provide him with “safe” treats when necessary (birthday parties etc). I seldomly go on about the evils of artificial colors and try not to sound like a food nazi. I also encourage him to take ownership of his own diet so he is able to make choices for himself as he grows.

    This article is harshly written. I understand there ARE some very strong opinions about what is safe to eat and what isn’t. However, it isn’t necessary to go on the attack for some people caring what we feed our children. You apparently don’t live with the consequences when a child with color sensitivities is exposed. It isn’t always simply “normal” childhood hyperactivity. Sometimes the reactions can be quite challenging for the child AND everyone around them. The worst part though is how hard it is to avoid food coloring. There are colors in the most ridiculous places – white cake mix for just one example. EVERYTHING is suspect.

    I am truly happy for you that you do not have to contend with special diets and food intolerances. I truly hope that continues for you. I realize this article most likely wasn’t written with circumstances like mine in mind. I would wish though, that when you own an article with this much intensity you keep in mind that there ARE such circumstances out there.

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