Beauty & personal care
Vegan alternative to carmine (e120): the best substitutes
Everything you need to replace carmine (e120) with a plant-based substitute — which one to use, the exact ratio, and the mistakes that ruin the result.
Short answer
Key takeaways
- Best all-round swap: Beetroot powder (pink and red food colour).
- Ratio: 1:1 by shade, adjust to taste.
- Pro tip: Beetroot fades under heat — for a red that survives baking, use freeze-dried raspberry powder.
- 3 vegan alternatives to compare for carmine (e120).
Why carmine (e120) isn't vegan
Crushed cochineal insects.
Best vegan substitutes
| Substitute | Best for |
|---|---|
| Beetroot powder | Pink and red food colour |
| Iron oxides | Cosmetic pigment |
| Anthocyanin plant colours | Drinks and icing |
How to substitute carmine (e120), step by step
- 1
Pick the right substitute for the job
For most recipes use Beetroot powder — pink and red food colour. If you need a different texture, Iron oxides works for cosmetic pigment.
- 2
Measure using the correct ratio
1:1 by shade, adjust to taste. Weigh rather than eyeball it — small errors show up much faster when replacing carmine (e120).
- 3
Adjust the method
Beetroot fades under heat — for a red that survives baking, use freeze-dried raspberry powder.
- 4
Taste and correct
Plant swaps are usually a little less salty and less rich than carmine (e120). Season at the end and add acid (lemon, vinegar) or umami (miso, nutritional yeast) if the dish tastes flat.
Mistakes to avoid
- Swapping by volume when the recipe measures carmine (e120) by weight — check the ratio above first.
- Using a sweetened or flavoured version in a savoury recipe.
- Ignoring the method change: Beetroot fades under heat — for a red that survives baking, use freeze-dried raspberry powder.
- Assuming every packaged product labelled "plant-based" is vegan — some still contain milk powder, honey or egg. Scan the barcode to be sure.
Conversion ratio
1:1 by shade, adjust to taste.
Pro tip
Beetroot fades under heat — for a red that survives baking, use freeze-dried raspberry powder.
Check the evidence before choosing
Vegan ingredients, cruelty-free testing policies and environmental claims answer different questions. Check the exact product and its market, not just the brand name or a badge on the front of the pack.
Compare price per serving or use, the full ingredient list and any certification in the certifier’s own directory. Missing evidence means the claim is unconfirmed; it does not automatically mean the product fails.
- A practical example
- For a plant milk, compare protein and fortification alongside price per litre. For skincare, check ingredients and animal-testing policy separately.
- What to keep in mind
- Formulas, prices and certification can change. A ranking is a starting point for comparison, not a guarantee or an independent laboratory test.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best vegan alternative to carmine (e120)?
- Beetroot powder is the closest all-round swap — pink and red food colour. 1:1 by shade, adjust to taste.
- Why isn't carmine (e120) vegan?
- Crushed cochineal insects.
- How much do I use instead of carmine (e120)?
- 1:1 by shade, adjust to taste.
- Any tips for getting it right?
- Beetroot fades under heat — for a red that survives baking, use freeze-dried raspberry powder.
Not sure if a product contains carmine (e120)?
Scan any barcode with VeggieOS for an instant vegan verdict and better swaps — 100% free, no paid plans.
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