I Just Found Out Ranch Dressing Is Dyed—Here's What That Means (2024)

Don't panic, it's probably safe.

By

Isadora Baum

I Just Found Out Ranch Dressing Is Dyed—Here's What That Means (1)

Isadora Baum is a freelance writer, certified health coach and published author of three books. After graduating from Northwestern University, she moved to Chicago, where she's lived since. Her writing has been published on Allrecipes.com, LIVESTRONG.com, Well+Good, Women'sHealthMag.com, Men'sHealth.com, Self.com, POPSUGAR, health.com, as well as on CookingLight.com, EatingWell.com, Shape.com, Prevention.com and more.

Published on January 8, 2021

Reviewed by Dietitian

Lisa Valente, M.S., RD

I Just Found Out Ranch Dressing Is Dyed—Here's What That Means (2)

Reviewed by DietitianLisa Valente, M.S., RD

Lisa Valente is a registered dietitian and former senior digital nutrition editor for EatingWell. She studied at the University of Vermont, where she completed her undergraduate studies in nutrition, food science and dietetics, and attended the dietetic internship program at Massachusetts General Hospital to become a registered dietitian.

Ranch dressing tastes great on fries, veggies, chicken wings and, of course, on a bed of greens to wake up that lunchtime salad. But I just learned that some ranch dressing is actually dyed, and it made me wonder if I should swap out my favorite dressing for something that's not filled with chemicals. I asked Kelly Jones, M.S., RD, CSSD, to help ease my concerns—here's what she said.

Why Is Ranch Dressing Dyed?

"Titanium dioxide, an ingredient often used in body care items, especially sunscreen and face lotions, helps provide the white color in ranch dressing," says Jones. But is the pigment that gives ranch its classic color dangerous?

Since it's used in such small quantities in food, most scientists don't think it's inherently dangerous. The FDA allows titanium dioxide in foods, but it can't exceed 1% of the product. There is, however, some research that links it to inflammation in the gut. One study also found titanium dioxide particles to generate free radicals, but more research is needed to better determine whether there might be any long-term health risks.

Some brands of ranch dressing (and other white-hued dressings like Caesar) still contain titanium dioxide, but the good news is that you can check the back of your label to see if it's listed.

The Bottom Line

Not enough is known to be too crazed about the use of dye in ranch dressing. So, as long as you enjoy it in moderation, you should be fine. "I recommend avoiding regular intake of additives like titanium dioxide, but it isn't worth obsessing over the small amounts you may get while dining out or other less common occasions," explains Jones.

If you're still concerned, you could switch to a bottled dressing that's free of titanium dioxide. Jones says, "While [some brands] may include titanium dioxide, there are just as many natural products on the market that may give you the ranch you crave without the additives." Or you could always make your own healthier DIY ranch dressings and dips at home.

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I Just Found Out Ranch Dressing Is Dyed—Here's What That Means (2024)

FAQs

I Just Found Out Ranch Dressing Is Dyed—Here's What That Means? ›

"Titanium dioxide, an ingredient often used in body care items, especially sunscreen and face lotions, helps provide the white color in ranch dressing," says Jones. But is the pigment that gives ranch its classic color dangerous?

Does Hidden Valley Ranch have artificial dyes? ›

WATER, BUTTERMILK*, CORN SYRUP, MALTODEXTRIN, SUGAR, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, SALT, LESS THAN 2% OF: SPICES, ONION, GARLIC, SOUR CREAM (CREAM, NONFAT MILK, CULTURES)*, NATURAL FLAVORS, EGG YOLK*, SOY LECITHIN*, MONOGLYCERIDES*, ARTIFICIAL COLOR, MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, LACTIC ACID, PHOSPHORIC ACID, DISODIUM PHOSPHATE, WITH ...

Does Hidden Valley Ranch have titanium dioxide? ›

Not every ranch purveyor adds titanium dioxide (or Ti02) to their dressing (Hidden Valley and Newman's Own are both Ti02-free), but the ones that do are usually bright-white in color.

Does Catalina dressing have red dye 40? ›

TOMATO PUREE (WATER, TOMATO PASTE), VINEGAR, WATER, SOYBEAN OIL, SUGAR, FRUCTOSE, SALT, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, PHOSPHORIC ACID, DRIED ONION, POTASSIUM SORBATE AND CALCIUM DISODIUM EDTA (TO PROTECT FLAVOR), XANTHAN GUM, GUAR GUM, DRIED GARLIC, SUCRALOSE, RED 40, BLUE 1.

What salad dressings have titanium dioxide? ›

Instead of Ranch, Caesar, or Blue Cheese dressing, go with Italian and Vinaigrette dressings, which do not contain titanium dioxide. These white options also contain more calories because they are cream-based.

Does Chick Fil A use artificial dyes? ›

From introducing menu items like the Kale Crunch Side to evolving ingredients in old favorites, like removing artificial colors from many of our dressings and sauces, we've been working to serve food you can feel better about eating. Our customers trust us to serve their families, and we take that trust seriously.

What does titanium dioxide to your body? ›

Health effects

After considering more studies, EFSA concluded that nanoparticle-size titanium dioxide can accumulate in the body, break DNA strands and cause chromosomal damage. European food safety regulators have since labeled titanium dioxide as no longer safe for human consumption, due to its potential toxicity.

Does Coca Cola have titanium dioxide? ›

Earlier this week both The Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo denied using titanium dioxide in the drinks​, and expressed puzzlement at the Friends of the Earth (FOE) report. "We clearly differentiated products that contained TiO2 nano particles from those that contain Ti,"​ he added.

Is titanium dioxide safe food? ›

Safety. In 2023, the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) re-evaluated the safety of titanium dioxide. In its summary report , JECFA concluded that TiO2 added to food is safe.

Is red dye 40 in ketchup? ›

For example, Red Dye 40 can be added to ketchup, yogurt, dips, and other foods to give them a more vibrant color. It can also be mixed with other dyes to get a certain color. The ingredients and additives, including Red Dye 40, are usually listed on the packages of the foods and other products that you buy.

What does red 40 food dye do to you? ›

Red dye 40, made from petroleum, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in foods and drinks. But some studies have linked artificial food dyes like red dye 40 to hyperactivity, including ADHD. Some studies show a link between dyes and increased ADHD or hyperactivity in children.

Does Kraft macaroni and cheese have red dye 40? ›

In 2015, Kraft stopped using synthetic dyes in its mac and cheese products. One of the controversial food additives that is permitted in the U.S. is artificial coloring, in particular red dye No. 40.

Which candy has titanium dioxide? ›

Titanium dioxide gives some types of candy their smooth texture and bright color. It's used in Skittles, Starburst, Sour Patch Kids, Swedish Fish and Trolli gummies.

Does mayonnaise contain titanium dioxide? ›

Titanium Dioxide is used as a coloring agent. It works as a pigment and gives a smooth white appearance to a range of food products, including confectionery, pastries, chewing gums, yogurt, ice cream, mayonnaise, and more.

Does ice cream have titanium dioxide? ›

Titanium dioxide

It's frequently found in candies and other sweets, including ice cream and popsicles.

Does Hidden Valley Ranch contain bioengineered ingredients? ›

This product contains bioengineered ingredients, also known as GMOs or Genetically Modified Organisms, and has been labeled in accordance with the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard. Bioengineered foods or ingredients have changes introduced into their DNA through genetic engineering.

Does ranch have Red 40? ›

Whole Corn, Corn, Vegetable Oil (Corn, Canola, and/or Sunflower Oil), Buttermilk, Salt, Corn Dextrin, Tomato Powder, Corn Starch, Whey, Corn Syrup Solids, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Monosodium Glutamate, Cheddar Cheese (Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Skim Milk, Sugar, Dextrose, Malic Acid, Sodium Acetate, ...

Does ranch dressing have dye? ›

Yes!! One ingredient in ranch is titanium dioxide which is used to make it look whiter. It's the same ingredient that is used in sunscreen and paint for coloring.

What are the ingredients in Hidden Valley Ranch dressing? ›

Ingredients: Vegetable Oil (Soybean and/or Canola), Water, Buttermilk, Sugar, Salt, Egg Yolk, Less Than 1% of: Spices, Garlic*, Onion*, Vinegar, Phosphoric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Modified Food Starch, Monosodium Glutamate, Natural Flavors, Artificial Flavors, Disodium Phosphate, Sorbic Acid and Calcium Disodium EDTA Added ...

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