E120 – Cochineal or Carminic Acid
ColouringDescription
A natural red dye derived from the dried bodies of female cochineal insects
Notes
Cochineal is a natural red dye that comes from tiny female insects called cochineal bugs, which live on cactus plants in South America and other warm regions. To make this colorant, the insects are harvested, dried, and then ground into a powder. The vibrant red color comes from carminic acid, a chemical compound the insects produce to protect themselves from predators. This natural red dye is used to give foods and drinks a beautiful crimson, pink, or red color. You'll commonly find cochineal in strawberry yogurts, red candies, fruit drinks, ice cream, and some cosmetics like lipstick. It's particularly valued because it creates very stable, long-lasting colors that don't fade easily when exposed to light or heat. Since cochineal comes from insects, it's not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, and it may also conflict with certain religious dietary laws. Some people can have allergic reactions to cochineal, so it must be clearly labeled on ingredient lists. Despite being natural, this has led some manufacturers to switch to synthetic alternatives, though cochineal remains widely used and is considered safe by food regulators worldwide.