Raman spectroscopy was employed to detect the allura red in hard candy using portable raman spectrometer. After attributed and analyzed the raman peaks of allura red by density functional theory method and normal raman spectroscopy, six characteristic raman peaks were confirmed which were 1 222, 1 272, 1 330, 1 408, 1 500 and 1 580 cm^-1, respectively. Then the standard curve was established under the characteristic raman peaks with 1 500 cm^-1. The results indicated that the curve possessed a good linear relationship between 0.1～1.0 g/kg, the determination coefficient was 0.995, average recovery of allura red ranged from 95.99% to 102.92%, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was between 3.19%～5.59%. The limits of detection (LOD) of allura red reached to 0.1 g/kg, which conformed to the national standard. These results would provide scientific reference for raman spectroscopy rapid detection, especially detected the allura red in hard candy.