Foods Containing E129 (Allura Red AC)
E129 (Allura Red AC) is a synthetic red dye linked to hyperactivity in children — warning-labelled in the EU but common in the US. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E129
E129 is used across sweets, soft drinks, desserts, ice cream, sauces and snacks. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Red sweets and gummies
- Soft drinks
- Breakfast cereals
- Cake mixes
- Medications
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E129 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E129" or as "Allura Red AC".
How to spot E129 on a label
In the UK and EU, additives must appear in the ingredients list with their function and either their E-number or full name — for example "food colourings: E129" or "food colourings: allura red ac". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Allura Red AC" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E129?
E129 is approved for use in the EU, UK and US at regulated levels, but some concerns or conditions apply. Allura Red AC is one of the 'Southampton Six' colours linked to hyperactivity in some children: in the EU and UK, foods containing it must carry the warning 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'. For most people, normal dietary exposure to E129 is not considered harmful.
Full guide to E129: safety, vegan and halal status →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).