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The US and international formulas are not the same— here's exactly what changed and why.
Hershey USA
| Ingredient | 🇺🇸 US Version | 🌍 International | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Dye 1 | ✅ Not present | ✅ Not present | Banned Overseas |
| Red Dye 40 | ✅ Not present | ✅ Not present | Banned Overseas |
| Yellow Dye 5 | ✅ Not present | ✅ Not present | Banned Overseas |
| Yellow Dye 6 | ✅ Not present | ✅ Not present | Banned Overseas |
The same company makes both versions — but they use different formulas depending on where the product is sold. In the EU, UK, and Canada, regulations require either banning certain additives outright or mandating warning labels (e.g., "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children" for certain synthetic dyes).
Rather than print warning labels, most manufacturers reformulate the product for international markets — using natural colorants like paprika extract, beetroot concentrate, or spirulina instead of petroleum-derived synthetic dyes.
The US FDA has a different standard: it deems additives "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) based on older safety data, while EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) applies stricter precautionary principles and requires manufacturers to prove safety rather than assume it.
Jolly Ranchers sold in the US contain up to four synthetic petroleum dyes to achieve their vivid colors. EU regulations requiring 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children' warning labels on products containing these dyes have forced confectionery brands to switch to natural alternatives. UK market candy products achieve comparable bright colors using plant-derived pigments including spirulina, anthocyanins, and curcumin.
Find clean brands without these ingredients — organized by category.