What Is Actually in Doritos, Cheetos, and Goldfish?
Banned Ingredients in Popular Kids Snacks
| Product | Banned Ingredients | Banned In | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doritos Nacho Cheese | Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40, MSG | EU warning label required for all 3 dyes | AVOID |
| Cheetos Original | Yellow 5, Yellow 6 | EU warning label required | CAUTION |
| Goldfish Colors | Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2, TBHQ | EU dye warnings; TBHQ not permitted | AVOID |
| Froot Loops | Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, BHT | EU dye warnings; BHT restricted | AVOID |
| Lucky Charms | Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1 (6 dye forms) | EU dye warnings required | AVOID |
| Pop-Tarts Strawberry | Red 40, Yellow 5, TBHQ | EU dye warnings; TBHQ not permitted | AVOID |
The EU requires warning labels on Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 because of the 2007 Lancet study (McCann et al. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61306-3) showing statistically significant hyperactivity increases in children. Rather than print warnings, manufacturers reformulate for EU markets.
20 Kid-Approved Clean Snack Swaps
Instead of Doritos
- Siete Nacho Flavored Tortilla Chips: natural colors from paprika. No Red 40, Yellow 5. At Target, Walmart.
- Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs Nacho Vibes: certified organic, no synthetic dyes, no MSG.
- Late July Organic Multigrain Tortilla Chips: USDA organic. No artificial dyes.
Instead of Cheetos
- LesserEvil Paleo Puffs: no synthetic dyes. Colored with organic turmeric and paprika.
- Pirates Booty Aged White Cheddar: no artificial dyes, no MSG.
- Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs: multiple flavors all without synthetic dyes.
Instead of Goldfish
- Annies Organic Cheddar Bunnies: certified organic. Uses paprika for color. No TBHQ, no Red 40.
- Simple Mills Farmhouse Cheddar Crackers: almond flour, no artificial anything.
Instead of Froot Loops
- Natures Path Organic Sunrise Cereal: USDA Organic. No synthetic dyes or BHT.
- Three Wishes Grain-Free Cereal: no synthetic dyes, no glyphosate residue concerns.
The Budget Reality
Budget strategy: replace the highest-score AVOID products first. Goldfish Colors and Lucky Charms are the most flagged. Keep CAUTION-only products as occasional treats. Siete chips are at Walmart. Annies Cheddar Bunnies at Costco. Use BannedPantry scanner at the store before buying.