Confectioneries
Red Vines Twists Original Red
4 oz/113 g
Score
- Dye with an EU warning label
- Contains synthetic dyes
- Ultra-processed
- High in sugar
- Contains added sugars
- Contains artificial flavors
Why it scores 21
Red Vines Twists Original Red scores 21 out of 100 (Poor) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 20 points Corn syrup: An added sugar. Strong
- minus 20 points Red 40: In the EU and UK, foods with this color must state that it "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children". Regulatory
- minus 18 points Ultra-processed (NOVA 4): Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. Strong
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
Better gummy and chewy candy
-
Red Vines Mini Bites Red Vines · 4.8 oz/136 g No EU warning-label dyes · No synthetic dyes Score 62 out of 100 , 41 points higher -
Sugar free vines black licorice Black Licorice · 5 oz No EU warning-label dyes · No synthetic dyes Score 93 out of 100 , 72 points higher -
Red Licorice Classics Heritage Candy Co. · 7 oz No EU warning-label dyes · No synthetic dyes Score 43 out of 100 , 22 points higher -
Red raspberry Sour Scouts Shameless Snacks No EU warning-label dyes · No synthetic dyes Score 50 out of 100 , 29 points higher -
Red, White & Poppin’ Lemon Lowfat Greek Yogurt with Red, White & Blue Popping Candy Chobani flip No EU warning-label dyes · No synthetic dyes Score 48 out of 100 , 27 points higher
The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.
The Receipt
Red Vines Twists Original Red
Ingredients
- Corn syrup minus 20 points
- Red 40 minus 20 points
- Artificial flavors minus 2.5 points
Processing
- Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) minus 18 points
- 3 kinds of ultra-processing markers minus 3 points
Nutrition per 100 g
- Sugars 40 g / 100 g minus 14 points
- Energy 350 kcal / 100 g minus 2 points
100 − 79.5 = 20.5 → 21
Can’t score above 79. Contains corn syrup, an ingredient of high concern. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]
Can’t score above 79. High in sugars (above the front-of-pack "high" level). [12]
Nutrition per 100 g
| Energy | 350 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated fat | 0 g |
| Trans fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 85 g |
| Sugars | 40 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
| Salt | 0.1 g |
Serving: 4 twists (30 g)
Ingredients
Label text, as published
CORN SYRUP, WHEAT FLOUR, CITRIC ACID, ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, RED 40.
Allergens and diets
Contains: Wheat, Gluten
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
- Not gluten-free
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
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Mixed Fruit Snacks Good & Gather · 17.6 oz/499 g Ultra-processedHigh in sugarContains added sugarsNo synthetic dyes Score 10 out of 100 Bad -
Hawaiian Sea Salt in Strong Dark Chocolate Chocolove · 3 oz/85 g Ultra-processedHigh in sugarHigh in saturated fatContains added sugars Score 25 out of 100 Poor -
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Sources
-
Guideline: sugars intake for adults and children
“In both adults and children, WHO recommends reducing the intake of free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake”
who.int
-
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov
-
Added and free sugars should be as low as possible
“Sugar consumption is a known cause of dental caries.”
efsa.europa.eu
-
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of 16 December 2008 on food additives
“may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.”
eur-lex.europa.eu
-
“may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.”
legislation.gov.uk
-
“Artificial colours or a sodium benzoate preservative (or both) in the diet result in increased hyperactivity in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the general population.”
doi.org
-
Tracking Food Industry Pledges to Remove Petroleum Based Food Dyes
“FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 1, and FD&C Blue No. 2—by the end of 2027.”
fda.gov
-
California AB 2316 (2024), Pupil nutrition: substances: prohibition
“beginning December 31, 2027, would prohibit a school district, county superintendent of schools, or charter school”
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
-
List of Select Chemicals in the Food Supply Under FDA Review
“The table below includes select food ingredients (including food and color additives), food contact substances, and contaminants under FDA review as of May 12, 2026 .”
fda.gov
-
“Table 3: Criteria for drinks (per 100ml)”
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
-
HHS, FDA to Phase Out Petroleum-Based Synthetic Dyes in Nation’s Food Supply (press release)
“Initiating the process to revoke authorization for two synthetic food colorings—Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B—within the coming months.”
fda.gov
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“Greater exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, common mental disorder, and mortality outcomes.”
doi.org