E120 Carmine (Cochineal)

E120ColorsOrigin: Animal

Get a personal answer

Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganNo

Made from insects. Not vegetarian either.

Gluten-freeYes

HalalDepends

Scholars disagree: many halal certifiers reject insect-derived colors, others permit them.

Full answer ›

KosherNo

Insects are not kosher.

KetoYes

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Carmine (E120) is a red dye made from crushed insects. It's not vegan, vegetarian or kosher, and halal status is disputed. It can cause rare severe allergies.

60/100

Use in moderation

Safe in small amounts; may bother some people or raise blood sugar.

E-numberE120

Comes fromAnimal

What it doesColors

Glycemic index—

Daily limit5 mg/kg

Also calledCochineal, Cochineal extract

Get the plant-colored version

Plant-based picks

Plant-based swap

Beet root powder for coloring

Bright pink color from vegetables.

Shop beet powder Opens your country’s Amazon store

Vegan treats

Vegan red candy (no carmine)

Colored with fruit and vegetable juice.

Shop vegan candy Opens your country’s Amazon store

Look for the label

Certified vegan strawberry yogurt

Plant-based yogurts colored with beet.

Shop vegan yogurt Opens your country’s Amazon store

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved with limits

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved everywhere. Since 2011 the FDA requires it be named as "carmine" or "cochineal extract" on labels, because it can cause severe allergic reactions.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

Body weight: 70 kg

350 mgper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 5 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 100 mg a day.

What is it?

Carmine is the deep red pigment from cochineal insects. It's considered a "natural color" and is very stable, which is why it's used where synthetic dyes are avoided.

Where it comes from: Made from crushed cochineal insects (about 70,000 per pound of dye) farmed on cactus in Peru and the Canary Islands.

Why it’s in food

Colors strawberry yogurt and ice cream pink
Gives red candy and drinks a stable color
Used in lipstick and blush

Often found in

Strawberry yogurtPink ice creamRed candyFruit drinksSome sausages

Also listed as: Cochineal, Cochineal extract, Carminic acid, Natural Red 4, Crimson lake

Health & gut impact

AllergyUnder study

Can cause hives and, rarely, anaphylaxis in sensitive people.

FDA Final Rule, 74 FR 207 (2009)

ToxicityConcern

No toxic effects at normal intakes.

EFSA Journal 13(11):4288 (2015)

What can I use instead?

Beet juice

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Pink yogurt and frosting

Lycopene (tomato)

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Red sauces and drinks

Is it halal?

More colors:

Allura Red AC (Red 40) E129Red 40 (E129) is a petroleum-based dye. It's legal in the US and EU, but European packages must carry a warning about hyperactivity in children, and California is removing it from school food.Best to avoid Erythrosine (Red 3) E127Red 3 (E127) is a pink dye the FDA is removing from US food by 2027 because of cancer findings in rats. The EU already limits it to candied cherries.Best to avoid Tartrazine (Yellow 5) E102Tartrazine (Yellow 5, E102) is a synthetic yellow dye linked to hyperactivity in some children and to hives in sensitive people. It must carry a warning in the EU.Best to avoid Titanium Dioxide E171Titanium dioxide (E171) is a white coloring banned in EU food since 2022 because damage to DNA couldn't be ruled out. It's still allowed in the US and Canada.Best to avoid

Common questions

Is Carmine safe?

Use in moderation (60/100). Approved everywhere. Since 2011 the FDA requires it be named as "carmine" or "cochineal extract" on labels, because it can cause severe allergic reactions.

Is Carmine vegan?

No. Made from insects. Not vegetarian either.

Is Carmine gluten-free?

Yes.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 73.100 (US FDA)
EFSA OpenFoodTox: E120
FDA Final Rule, 74 FR 207 (2009)
EFSA Journal 13(11):4288 (2015)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: October 31, 2026 · INS 120 · CAS 1390-65-4