Why Artificial Food Dyes Should Not be Hidden in Our Everyday Foods!
Artificial Food Dyes Exposed
Artificial food dyes have no place in our pantry staples, especially in foods marketed to children. These synthetic additives, used to make processed foods look more appealing, come with a hidden cost to our health.
Studies have repeatedly shown that artificial colours are linked to behavioural issues, hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and disruptions to gut health — risks no parent wants to take. What’s even more concerning is that in Australia, these harmful dyes remain hidden in everyday foods without any mandatory warning labels, leaving parents to decipher confusing ingredient lists. In contrast, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) requires products containing certain food dyes to carry warning labels stating "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children". The U.S. FDA's emerging research has led California to propose the California Food Safety Act, which would ban several food additives, while the UK Food Standards Agency has encouraged voluntary removal of certain artificial colours since 2008.
Research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health indicates that some artificial food dyes may also impact gut microbiota composition, though more research is needed to fully understand these effects.
But here, in Australia, we are finding them in our everyday foods, from sausages to wraps, noodles to chips, artificial colours are sneaking into staple foods we buy for our families — even those we think are “healthy.” It’s time to demand better from manufacturers, hold food marketing accountable, and prioritise transparency. Our kids deserve real, nourishing food without hidden additives, and as parents, we deserve clear labelling to make informed choices.
Let’s uncover where these dyes are hiding and explore healthier alternatives that fuel our families without the hidden risks.
Four Everyday Foods Containing Artificial Colours and Better Swaps!
1. Don Skinless Footy Franks – Real Food Rating 0.5 Stars
Sausages are a common family favourite, but Don Skinless Footy Franks contain Allura Red (129). What’s surprising is that they also use red fermented rice for colouring. So why add synthetic dyes as well? Sausages should not need artificial colouring to “look” like real meat.
Healthy Swap: Choose natural, nitrate-free options such as Cleaver’s Organic Sausages or grass-fed butcher sausages with no artificial additives.
2. Wokka Egg Noodles - Real Food Rating 1.5 Stars
Noodles are a staple for many families, particularly for picky eaters. However, Wokka Egg Noodles contain Sunset Yellow (110), which is linked to behavioural and skin issues. It’s shocking to find artificial colours in a basic product like noodles.
Healthy Swap: Opt for Chang’s Authentic Egg Noodles or San Remo Vermicelli Egg Noodle Pasta, both free from synthetic colours and preservatives.
3. Mission Spinach Wraps - Real Food Rating 0 Stars
Spinach wraps often appear “healthy” at first glance, but Mission Spinach Wraps contain both Tartrazine (102) and Sunset Yellow (110). The bright green colour is misleading since there’s barely any spinach in the wraps, and the dyes pose unnecessary risks.
Healthy Swap: Choose Mountain Bread Rye Wraps or Nanna Bakery Wraps or try my homemade arrowroot wraps, which are free from artificial colours and made with simpler, cleaner ingredients.
4. Doritos Chips (Nacho Cheese) - Real Food Rating 0.5 Stars
A popular snack, Doritos Nacho Cheese Chips contain Caramel III (150c) and Sunset Yellow (110) to achieve their vibrant hue. These dyes have been tied to hyperactivity and gut health disruptions — two issues no parent wants to deal with after snack time.
Healthy Swap: Look for options like Kettle Chips Cooked In Avocado Oi or Proper Crisps, which are made with real, natural ingredients and contain no artificial colours.
Why Are These Additives Still in Our Foods?
Artificial food dyes are cheap, making them a go-to for manufacturers looking to make processed foods look more vibrant and appealing. But these additives do nothing to improve the taste or nutritional value of food — they’re purely for show.
What’s frustrating is that these colours are avoidable. There are natural alternatives — beetroot powder, turmeric, paprika, and red fermented rice — that can achieve the same effect without harming children’s health. So, why aren’t manufacturers choosing them?
Parents should not have to scrutinise every label or worry about harmful additives sneaking into family staples. If other countries can require warning labels for these dyes, why can’t Australia?
What Can We Do?
Choose Real Food: Opt for products with minimal, wholefood ingredients and no artificial colours or preservatives.
Read Labels: Familiarise yourself with artificial dye numbers like 102, 110, 129, and 150c. These are often hidden in the fine print.
Demand Change: Push for clearer labelling laws in Australia to protect families from deceptive marketing.
Make Smart Swaps: Here are some of Mandy Sacher’s Real Food Ratings and recommended swaps for popular products:
The Bottom Line
Parents should not have to choose between convenience and their children’s health. Artificial colours offer no benefits — they’re purely cosmetic — while posing real risks, especially for kids. By choosing brands that prioritise natural ingredients and by calling for better labelling laws, we can send a strong message to food manufacturers: our kids’ health comes first.
For more tips on smart shopping and healthy swaps, check out my Smart Shopping Workshop where I teach parents how to navigate the supermarket and choose real, nourishing foods their kids will love.
Join me to discover my top picks, and get exclusive tips to navigate the supermarket like a pro. Plus, every participant will receive a comprehensive shopping guide with my top picks to make your next trip a breeze. Sign up now and start making smarter choices for your family! Places are limited.