What does this FDA Red Dye No. 3 ban mean?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a ban on Red Dye No. 3 in food and oral medications, citing concerns over its potential to cause cancer in rats and contribute to behavioral issues in children, such as reduced attention spans.

Food manufacturers must reformulate their products by January 15, 2027, while drug manufacturers must comply by January 18, 2028.

What products are affected?

The ban impacts a wide range of products, including:

• Popular candies, such as gummies and hard sweets

• Brightly colored beverages, including certain soft drinks and fruit juices

• Baked goods and snacks with artificially colored toppings or fillings

• Oral medications that use the dye for identification

• Chewable vitamins and supplements

If you’re wondering whether a product contains Red Dye No. 3, check the ingredient list for “Red No. 3” or “FD&C Red No. 3.” As manufacturers phase it out, you may notice changes in the appearance of red-colored products as they shift to alternatives like Red Dye No. 40, beet juice, or paprika extract.

What about other food dyes? Are they bad for me?

Synthetic food dyes, like Red 40 and Yellow 5, are still widely used in processed foods, including granola snacks, energy bars, and beverages. Some of these dyes, derived from petroleum, may contribute to hyperactivity in sensitive children.

Common synthetic dyes include:

• Blue 1

• Blue 2

• Green 3

• Red 40

• Yellow 5

• Yellow 6

If you’re looking to reduce artificial dyes in your diet, check nutrition labels carefully—even products that appear healthy can contain these ingredients.

Are there other potentially harmful ingredients we should try to avoid?

Beyond food dyes, several other additives and chemicals in processed foods raise concerns:

• Artificial Sweeteners: Ingredients like aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose often appear in keto, low-carb, and high-protein bars. While marketed as “healthier” sugar substitutes, they can have negative effects on metabolism and gut health.

• Glyphosate: This herbicide, commonly used on crops like wheat and oats, has been classified as “probably carcinogenic” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It has also been linked to potential impacts on gut health, including celiac disease. Glyphosate residues can be found in some cereals and cereal bars.

• Chlormequat: This plant growth regulator is used on oat and grain crops to prevent bending during harvesting. A recent Environmental Working Group (EWG) study found it in 12 out of 13 tested non-organic oat-based products, including cereals and granolas. Animal studies suggest chlormequat may disrupt fetal growth and harm reproductive health.

How and why are organic foods so much safer? 

The biggest takeaway from this news is that consumers can feel confident choosing USDA Certified Organic foods. These products must contain at least 95% organically produced ingredients and cannot include preservatives or pesticides.

Organic foods fuel and nourish your body with the best nature has to offer—foods you can trust. Organic manufacturers have long been ahead of the curve in reducing the number of chemicals we consume. Here’s why:

1. Organic Farming – By eliminating synthetic chemicals, organic farming supports soil health and biodiversity. Tese farming methods also ensure that organic foods are free from artificial colors.

2. USDA Certified Organic – To earn this certification, products must be at least 95% organic and free from preservatives, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Look for the USDA Organic seal to ensure you’re getting the highest-quality ingredients.

3. Nutritional Integrity – Organic foods retain their natural vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats, delivering clean, wholesome nutrition.

At The Organic Snack Company, we take this commitment seriously. Kate’s Real Food energy and protein bars are Gluten-Free Certified, Non-GMO Project Verified, and USDA Certified Organic. Our focus on real ingredients means you’ll never find artificial additives, dyes, chemicals, or processed sweeteners in our bars—just clean, nourishing fuel for your body.

Heart Health Month & Heart Healthy Organic Oats

Kate's Real Food organic snack bars can be part of a heart-healthy diet, primarily due to their use of whole, natural ingredients that support cardiovascular health. Here's why they can be beneficial for the heart:

1. Healthy Fats: Many of Kate's bars contain nuts, seeds, and coconut oil, which provide heart-healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids (found in nuts such as walnuts and seeds like chia). These fats can help reduce inflammation and support healthy cholesterol levels. (JAMA Cardiology, 2024)

2. Fiber: The oats, dried fruits, and nuts in the bars contribute to fiber content, which is important for heart health. Fiber helps reduce cholesterol levels and improve overall cardiovascular function.

3. Antioxidants: Ingredients like dark chocolate, berries, and nuts are rich in antioxidants, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body—both of which are important factors in heart disease prevention.

4. Low in Added Sugars: While they do have some natural sugars (from fruits like dates or apples), Kate's bars tend to be lower in added sugars compared to other processed snack bars. Keeping sugar intake in check is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure and reducing the risk of metabolic issues that can affect heart health.

5. Whole Food Ingredients: Since the bars focus on minimally processed, whole foods, they contain fewer unhealthy additives and preservatives that could otherwise negatively impact heart health.

Overall, the combination of healthy fats, fiber, antioxidants, and low added sugars makes Kate's Real Food bars a good snack choice for supporting heart health when eaten as part of a balanced diet.