Those bright red maraschino cherries that topped your childhood sundaes look great, but their eye-catching colour came from Red Dye 3. The controversy around synthetic food dyes has been unfolding for a while now, and the recent ban on Red 3 marks a turning point in how we think about food additives and artificial ingredients.
At Pure Plant Protein, we've always known better than to use synthetic dyes like Red 3 in our products. We don't think that our protein powder needs artificial colours to be appealing (like some of our competitors do).
So why is Red 3 finally being shown the door, and why should you aim for protein products with minimal ingredients? We've made it as simple as we can so you can be informed about what you fuel your day with.

The shift in how we approach artificial additives
The recent FDA ban on Red Dye 3 comes after decades of scientific research highlighting its potential dangers. Back in 1990, the FDA prohibited Red 3 in cosmetics after studies linked it to thyroid tumours in lab animals. Yet remarkably, the dye continued to be permitted in food products for another 35 years. California took the lead by announcing a state-wide ban in 2023 which pushed federal action along.
What's particularly striking about the Red 3 saga is how it highlights the gap between scientific knowledge and regulatory action. The evidence against this dye has been mounting since the 1980s, with research suggesting it may affect thyroid function and potentially contribute to neurological issues. The European Union recognised these concerns early, restricting Red 3's use to just processed cherries back in 1994 - which still kinda makes no sense.
Concerning yourself with the ingredient lists
A chemistry textbook is tricky for most of us to understand, and we find a similar confusion in ingredient lists that sound like one. Pure Plant Protein takes pride in keeping things simple. Our flavoured formula contains just four ingredients: Australian-grown faba bean isolate, natural flavours, and natural sweetener (968, 960). That's it. No artificial colours, no suspicious additives, and definitely no Red Dye 3.
This minimalist approach is possible thanks to the remarkable nutritional profile of our star ingredient. Faba beans naturally pack a powerful protein punch – delivering 88% protein content per serving while keeping calories surprisingly low at just 115 per scoop. These humble legumes are complete protein powerhouses, containing all nine essential amino acids your body needs for muscle growth and recovery.
The beauty of our three-ingredient formula is found in what it leaves out. While other brands might rely on synthetic dyes, artificial sweeteners, or questionable fillers to make their products more appealing, we let nature do the heavy lifting. You get a smooth taste and pleasant appearance naturally, proving that clean nutrition doesn't have to compromise on flavour or function.
Putting our faith in the faba
Faba beans are our protein source of choice, all grown right here in Australian soil. They are the perfect intersection of nutrition, sustainability, and digestibility: a uniquely smooth, creamy texture that gets rid of the dairy-related downsides.
Faba beans are one of the highest protein sources in the plant kingdom, and they offer other nutrients like folate, manganese, copper, and zinc. They're naturally gentle on the digestive system for those with a sensitive stomach, and they are a nitrogen-fixing crop, which means they actually improve soil health while growing. Environmentally conscious, healthy and delicious, it's easy to see why we've hung our hat on this particular bean!

Our food choices are investments in our long-term health and wellbeing
Just as we've grown more conscious about avoiding harmful additives like Red Dye 3, it's time to think more deeply about everything we put into our bodies.
At Pure Plant Protein, we believe that clean, simple nutrition shouldn't be complicated. That's why we've created a product that aligns with what research increasingly shows: whole, minimally processed foods provide the best foundation for our physical and mental health.
Choose products that prioritise natural ingredients and sustainable practices, take care of yourself and vote (with your dollars) for a food system that values health over shortcuts. Nature already got all of this right!