Short answer: buy condiments labeled “no artificial colors/dyes” or “organic,” shop natural-food sections (or stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts), order from online retailers, or make your own. Read ingredient lists and avoid products listing artificial color names (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, etc.).
Where to look
- Grocery natural/organic aisle — many mainstream supermarkets now have an “organic / natural” section with dye-free options.
- Natural-food stores: Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts (stock varies by location).
- Big-box supermarkets: look for brands in the organic/natural aisle or refrigerated specialty condiments.
- Online retailers: Amazon, Thrive Market, Instacart, or store websites (good for filtering by “no artificial colors”).
- Farmers markets or local producers — small-batch brands often avoid additives.
How to identify dye-free products
- Label language: “No artificial colors,” “No artificial flavors,” or “USDA Organic” are good indicators.
- Ingredient panel: avoid any of these artificial dye names — Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5 (Tartrazine), Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3 — and watch for generic “artificial color,” “color added,” or “caramel color” if you’re avoiding added colors.
- For ketchup: color should come from tomatoes/tomato paste; acceptable natural additives include onion, garlic, vinegar, sugar, spices.
- For mustard: classic yellow color usually comes from mustard seed and turmeric (a natural spice). Avoid “artificial color” listings.
- For mayo: most traditional mayonnaises are simply oil, egg, vinegar/lemon, salt — dyes are uncommon; check labels for any added coloring.
Brands and examples (typical patterns — always check the label)
- Natural/organic brands often offer dye-free versions: look for Annie’s, Primal Kitchen, Sir Kensington’s, and many private-label organic lines. (Product formulations change, so verify the label.)
- Many plain mayonnaises (including many mainstream and organic options) contain no artificial colors.
- Many stone-ground or spicy mustards are dye-free; bright neon-yellow “yellow mustard” varieties sometimes use turmeric (natural) rather than artificial dyes.
If you want control: quick DIY recipes
- Basic ketchup: canned tomato paste + vinegar + sweetener (sugar or honey) + salt + onion powder + garlic powder + a pinch of allspice — simmer and blend.
- Basic mayo: egg yolk + neutral oil + mustard + vinegar/lemon juice + salt (use a whisk or stick blender).
- Basic mustard: mustard powder + water + vinegar + salt + optional turmeric/honey for color and sweetness.
Extra tips
- If you’re avoiding dyes for allergy, ADHD, or other health reasons, read both the ingredient list and any “may contain” warnings.
- When shopping in-store, photo the ingredient panel on your phone so you can compare later.
- If you want, tell me whether you prefer store-bought brands or a quick DIY recipe and I can give specific recipes or a short list of currently popular dye-free products (I can look them up if you want up‑to‑date brand names).