Sprinkle & Spark

Going dye-free is one of those things that sounds simple — until you try it. I didn’t expect it to pop up in toothpaste, medicine, or even vitamins. And I definitely didn’t realize how many tantrums, rashes, and sleepless nights were linked to those little colored additives.

If you’re just starting out, here are a few things I wish someone had told me at the beginning:

1. It’s in WAY more than just candy.

Red 40 and Yellow 5 might be the poster children of the dye world, but they’re lurking in so much more than candy. Think boxed macaroni and cheese, toaster pastries, yogurt tubes, sports drinks, cereal, gummy vitamins, and even medicine.

Once I started checking labels, I realized we were eating way more of it than I thought — even when I considered us a pretty “healthy” family.

2. Dye reactions don’t look the same for everyone.

We noticed eczema flare-ups and major mood swings in our daughter. Some kids experience hyperactivity, others might struggle with sleep or have behavioral challenges. You might not connect the dots at first, but once you start cutting things out, the changes can be dramatic.

Even delayed reactions are possible — some dyes may not trigger an issue immediately, which makes it even harder to identify until you start removing them.

3. You’ll find your favorites fast.

Once you discover a few go-to snacks, meals, or brands, you’ll feel way more confident. Start building a list (mental or written) of what works for your family. You’ll slowly build a toolkit of products you can trust.

Even treats become easier — we’ve found dye-free sprinkles, frostings, and gummy snacks that my daughter loves just as much as the “regular” ones. You’re not losing joy, you’re just editing it a bit.

4. It’s okay to ask for support.

I joined a few Facebook groups (like Dye-Free Kids) early on, and they were lifesavers. Whether it was finding new snack brands, asking if a medicine had dye, or just venting, it helped so much to know we weren’t the only ones doing this.

Even if your friends or family don’t fully understand, keep going. You know your kid best.

5. You don’t have to do it perfectly.

There will be slip-ups. Accidents happen. Sometimes the class treat has hidden dyes, or a family member gives your kid a bright blue popsicle. It’s frustrating — but it doesn’t undo all the good you’ve done.

Be proud of what you are doing. The fact that you care this much means you’re doing something amazing.

Going dye-free changed everything for our family — from calmer evenings to clearer skin to fewer tantrums. And while it wasn’t easy at first, it’s become second nature. If you’re new to this, just know you’re not alone. And you’re doing a great job.

Keep going. One label at a time.

*Getting Started*