Is Cochineal (E120 / Carmine / Carminic Acid) vegan?
Not vegan· E120
E120 is a red dye made by crushing cochineal scale insects. Not vegan.
Also known as: carmine, carminic acid, natural red 4, crimson lake
What it is
A red pigment extracted from the dried bodies of female Dactylopius coccus insects.
Why not vegan
Roughly 70,000 insects are needed per kilogram of dye, so it is an animal product.
Where you'll find it
- Red yogurts and jellies
- Strawberry-flavoured drinks
- Some lipsticks and blushers
Vegan alternatives
- Beetroot red (E162)
- Lycopene (E160d)
- Anthocyanins (E163)
- Paprika extract (E160c)
FAQ
- Is 'natural red 4' the same thing?
- Yes — it is one of several legal names for cochineal.
Sources
- The Vegan Society — Definitions & ingredients
- PETA — Animal-derived ingredients list
- EFSA — Food additives database
Last reviewed June 4, 2026