Craving the fiery heat and cheesy crunch of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos?
Before you dive in, you might be curious about the ingredients lurking beneath that vibrant red dust.
So, the burning question is: do Hot Cheetos have Red 40 dye?
The answer is:
Most Flamin’ Hot and Crunchy Cheetos flavors, along with some additional varieties, do contain Red 40. This includes the classics like Flamin’ Hot Crunchy and Puffs, alongside bolder options like XXTRA FLAMIN’ HOT and Buffalo. However, not all Cheetos are created equal.
Here’s a breakdown for the curious snacker:
Red 40 in Hot Cheetos:
- Flamin’ Hot: All flavors, including Popcorn, Mac ‘n Cheese, and Tangy Chili Fusion.
- Crunchy: Most flavors, including Cheddar Jalapeño Cheese and Buffalo.
- Other: Bolitas, FANTASTIX FLAMIN’ HOT, and specific limited editions.
Red 40-Free Cheetos:
- Simply Cheetos: All flavors, including Cheese Puffs and Crunchy White Cheddar.
- Some Crunchy & Puffs Flavors: Cheese Puffs (classic), Paws Cheese, and White Cheddar Bites (though artificial colors like Yellow 6 are present).
- Other: Mac ‘n Cheese Bold & Cheesy (uses Yellow 6).
Important Notes:
- Double Check: Limited editions or regional variations may use Red 40, so always check the label.
- Beyond Red 40: Even without Red 40, some Cheetos still contain other artificial colors like Yellow 5 and Yellow 6.
- Simply the Best: If avoiding artificial colors entirely is your goal, Simply Cheetos are the clear winner.
The Bottom Line:
- Red 40 is common: Most Flamin’ Hot and Crunchy flavors, along with some others, contain Red 40. This key ingredient is responsible for the signature red color of many Flamin’ Hot and Crunchy Cheetos. This dye, also known as Allura Red AC, is approved for use in food by the FDA and other regulatory bodies. However, concerns exist regarding its potential links to hyperactivity in children and other health issues.
- Alternatives exist: Several options, like Simply Cheetos and some Crunchy & Puffs flavors, are free of Red 40. While Simply Cheetos offer red dye-free options, they might not be available everywhere.
- Limited editions or regional variations of Cheetos might contain Red 40, even if the standard flavor doesn’t.
- Read the label: Always check the ingredient list for individual products to be sure.
- Explore beyond Cheetos: If artificial colors are a concern, consider red-40 or dye-free chips and corn puffs from other brands.
Remember, informed snacking is happy snacking!
So, enjoy your fiery favorites, but keep an eye on those ingredients to make informed choices that suit your preferences.
