Red, White & Blue - This 4th of July, Don't Pay to Eat Insects and Toxins

Independence Day brings out the best in festive colors—whether it’s blueberry pies, strawberry desserts, or red, white, and blue popsicles. But many companies take advantage of patriotic fervor to sell Americans bugs and toxins disguised as food. 

In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common color additives used in red, white, and blue products, their potential health effects, and simple, natural alternatives that support your well-being and keep your family safe.

 

Red Dyes: Red 40 and Carmine

Red 40 (Allura Red) is one of the most widely used synthetic dyes in the U.S., showing up in drinks, desserts, yogurts, cereals, and candies. It’s petroleum-derived and has been studied for potential links to:

• Hyperactivity and attention concerns in children¹
• Immune and gut effects in animal studies²
• Possible genotoxicity (DNA interaction)³

Another red dye, carmine (or cochineal extract), is derived from insects. While natural, it’s a known allergen for some and is often used in pink or strawberry-flavored foods and drinks without being clearly labeled⁴.

Carmine: Made from crushed Cochineal insects

Titanium Dioxide: The “White” Additive

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is an industrial chemical used in paint, is also used to create a bright white appearance in gum, candy coatings, powdered sugar toppings, and even some dairy products. While it has been considered safe in the past, newer research suggests:

• Potential DNA-damaging properties⁵
• Changes to gut microbiota⁶
• Ongoing review for carcinogenic potential by international agencies⁷

It’s banned in food products in countries like France, but remains in use in the U.S.

Titanium Dioxide: Who knew an industrial chemical could help sell "food"?

Blue 1: More Than Just a Color

Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) is often used to achieve that bold, electric blue hue in drinks, frosting, candy, and frozen treats. Though it’s FDA-approved, research has raised a few concerns:

• Possible allergic reactions⁸
• Increased absorption through the blood-brain barrier in some cases⁹
• Potential behavior impacts (ADHD, autism), especially when combined with other dyes¹⁰

There’s also Blue 2 (Indigo Carmine), which is used in similar foods and is being reviewed for long-term safety as well.

"Let's give children synthetic industrial chemicals in foods targeting kids (popsicles, cakes, candy, drinks) so they develop neurological illness" - said no-one ever.

Other Additives to Keep in Mind

In addition to red, white, and blue dyes, there are a few other common additives that appear in summer foods:

• Yellow 5 & 6: Found in chips, lemonade powders, processed cheese, and more. These have been studied for potential links to hyperactivity and allergic reactions¹¹.
• Confectioner’s glaze (also known as shellac): Used to give a shiny coating to candies and pills. It’s derived from insects and may contain residual solvents from processing¹².

 The Lac insect - used to create "Confectioner's Glaze"

• Carrageenan: A thickener often added to dairy alternatives like almond milk and coconut yogurt. Some studies link it to intestinal irritation in sensitive individuals¹³.

Carrageenan (from seaweed) has no nutritional value, but is used to improve desirability and therefore sales of processed foods

These ingredients aren’t inherently harmful for everyone, but if you’re working to reduce exposure to synthetic additives, they’re good ones to be aware of.

Natural Swaps for a Healthier Celebration

Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to enjoy vibrant, festive colors from real food:

• Red: Strawberries, cherries, raspberries, pomegranate
• White: Coconut cream, bananas, jicama, white beans
• Blue: Wild blueberries, blackberries, blue spirulina, butterfly pea flower

Natural coloring powders like beetroot, turmeric, or spirulina can also be used in baking, drinks, or homemade treats.

Some creative July 4th ideas:

• Berry parfaits with coconut yogurt and granola
• Fruit kabobs arranged in flag patterns
• Blue spirulina lemonade for a fun, antioxidant-rich drink

Summary Table: Common Color Additives & Health Notes

Always check labels. Even Organic foods have additives like "Natural Flavors"

How You Can Celebrate While Respecting Your Health

The spirit of July 4th is about freedom—and for many of us, that now includes freedom from unnecessary chemicals in our food, from food companies that know exactly what they're doing.

By choosing real, whole-food colors and reading ingredient labels, you can enjoy the holiday without compromising your health goals. It’s not about restriction—it’s about intention.

This year, celebrate with confidence—knowing your red, white, and blue reflect not only the colors of the flag, but your values around wellness, awareness, and self-stewardship.

References

1. Nigg, J. T., et al. (2012). Meta-analysis of ADHD and artificial food dyes. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry
2. Tanaka, T. (2006). Effects of food dyes on immune response in mice. Toxicology Letters
3. Elhkim, M. O., et al. (2007). Safety assessment of synthetic food dyes. Food Chem Toxicol
4. Kuehn, B. M. (2006). Hidden allergens in foods. JAMA
5. Bettini, S., et al. (2017). Food-grade TiO₂ impairs immune homeostasis. Scientific Reports
6. Urrutia-Ortega, I. M., et al. (2016). TiO₂ nanoparticles and colitis. Toxicol Lett
7. IARC Monographs (2010). Titanium Dioxide - Possible Carcinogenicity
8. Stevenson, D. D., et al. (2002). Adverse reactions to dyes. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol
9. Sharma, A., et al. (2017). Blue 1 effects on brain and behavior. Toxicol Int
10. McCann, D., et al. (2007). Food additives and hyperactive behavior. The Lancet
11. Arnold, L. E., et al. (2012). Yellow 5 behavioral effects. Neurotherapeutics
12. USDA Food Additive Status List (2023)
13. Weiner, M. L. (2014). Carrageenan gastrointestinal effects. Crit Rev Toxicol