Popular Easter Candy Sold in Colorado May Cause Cancer

We're almost finished with the worst part of winter in Colorado. In just a few weeks, everyone will be on the lookout for the first day of spring on March 19th, followed by Easter's arrival on March 31st.

You probably already see Easter candy lining store shelves around Grand Junction as Coloradans get ready to fill Easter baskets with lots of sweet treats. One popular Easter treat is catching heat over an ingredient after a concerning review from Consumer Reports.

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What Popular Easter Candy Could Cause Cancer?

I have seen Peeps Easter Candy around every Easter holiday as far back as I can remember. There is always a friend or coworker who has a stockpile of brightly colored marshmallow candies nearby once the first day of spring arrives. Did you know that most marshmallow peeps contain an ingredient that is a known cancer-causing carcinogen?

What Ingredient Could Cause Cancer?

The cancer-causing ingredient in Peeps is Red Dye Number 3. Multiple studies have shown this ingredient causes cancer in animals. According to Consumer Reports, Peeps products that contain Red Dye Number 3 include Pink Marshmallow Chicks, Peeps Pink Marshmallow Bunnies, Peeps Lavender Marshmallow Chicks, and Peeps Lavender Marshmallow Bunnies.

This Ingredient Has Been Banned Before

Red Dye Number 3 was banned by the FDA for use in cosmetics way back in 1990. Doesn't it seem strange that some companies are still allowed to use this ingredient? In 2024, Peeps and thousands of other products, still use Red Dye Number 3 as an ingredient in food. The FDA requires this ingredient to be printed on product labels.

Peep's parent company responded to the article from Consumer Reports. You can find it here.