Dum Dums Double Down on Dyes

It’s no secret that more families are reading ingredient labels than ever. Whether it’s a push for cleaner living, reducing exposure to synthetic chemicals, or just wanting to feel good about what we feed our kids, the food dye conversation is heating up.

And recently, one nostalgic candy made headlines.

Dum Dums Double Down on Synthetic Dyes

In a May 2025 Bloomberg interview, the CEO of Spangler Candy Company, the makers of Dum Dums, made their stance clear:

“Artificial colors are integral to the product’s identity and appeal.”

Translation? Dum Dums has no plans to remove synthetic dyes from their products anytime soon. And they’re not alone.

Most Dum Dums and other Spangler products still contain artificial colors like Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, and Yellow 6, dyes under increasing scrutiny in the U.S. and banned or restricted in many countries abroad.

⚠️ What’s Really in a Dum Dum?

Here’s a look at some of the questionable ingredients found in a typical Dum Dums lollipop:

• Synthetic Dyes: Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1
• Linked to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and potential carcinogenic effects.
• Artificial Flavors: Chemical-based flavorings with little transparency.
• High-Fructose Corn Syrup or Processed Sugar: Often GMO-derived and linked to metabolic issues.
• Citric Acid: Typically derived from GMO corn through fermentation, not from citrus fruits.

These ingredients might seem small in one piece of candy, but when consumed regularly, they contribute to a growing concern over chemical exposure in kids. At Balanced Bayou, we are working on being better, not perfect. Reaching for one sucker after a haircut is one thing, but buying an entire bag for your home could cause many adverse health events. 

The Bigger Problem: Consumer Confusion

Right now, some brands are removing dyes and leaning into natural alternatives. Others, like Spangler, are holding tight to tradition. Meanwhile, parents are left wondering:

• Will major brands ever change voluntarily?
• Will it take more state legislation to phase out harmful dyes?
• Or will it require a full federal ban to protect families nationwide?

There Is a Better Way

At Balanced Bayou, we believe you don’t have to compromise nostalgia for wellness. There are plenty of clean candy options that are just as fun, without the synthetic additives.

If you can’t pronounce it, or your grandmother wouldn’t recognize it as food, it’s probably best left on the shelf. At Balanced Bayou, we believe in complete transparency, real ingredients, and nourishing our families with products that balance tradition and health.

Clean Candy Brands We Love:

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• YumEarth – Organic, dye-free lollipops and gummies
• Zolli Candy – Sugar-free, dye-free, dentist-approved
• Lovely Candy Co. – No HFCS, dyes, or artificial ingredients
• Torie & Howard – Organic hard candies with real fruit flavors - may not suit the youngest family members!

Want more tips and clean-living swaps? Follow along for recipes, resources, and realistic wellness guidance.