Is it vegan? Additives & E-numbers E120
Is carmine vegan?
Quick answer: No. Carmine, also called cochineal or E120, is a red colour made from crushed cochineal insects, so it is not vegan.
Also called: cochineal, cochineal extract, carminic acid, carmines, E120, Natural Red 4, CI 75470, crimson lake
Why it isn’t vegan
Carmine and cochineal extract are red pigments obtained from the dried bodies of female cochineal scale insects (Dactylopius coccus). In the EU and UK the colour is listed as E120 (“cochineal; carminic acid; carmines”). In cosmetics it appears as CI 75470.
It is used to colour sweets, yoghurts, drinks, sausages and some red aperitifs, as well as lipstick and blusher. Some red aperitifs have changed recipe: the drinks writer Camper English reports that Campari stopped using cochineal in most markets in 2006, although bottles in some countries still listed E120.
In the United States, the FDA has required foods and cosmetics containing these colours to declare “cochineal extract” or “carmine” by name since 2011, rather than hiding them under “color added”.
What to look for on the label
- E120
- cochineal or cochineal extract
- carmine, carmines or carminic acid
- Natural Red 4
- CI 75470 (cosmetics)
- crimson lake
Where it’s found
- Red and pink sweets, jellies and icing
- Strawberry or raspberry yoghurts and milkshakes
- Some red drinks, bitters and aperitifs
- Lipstick, blusher and eyeshadow
- Glacé or cocktail cherries
Vegan alternatives
- Beetroot red (E162)
- Anthocyanins (E163) from purple carrot, grape or black carrot
- Paprika extract (E160c)
- Lycopene (E160d)
- Iron oxides in cosmetics
Frequently asked questions
Is carmine vegan?
No. Carmine, also called cochineal or E120, is a red colour made from crushed cochineal insects, so it is not vegan.
Is E120 vegan?
No. E120 is the EU additive number for cochineal, carminic acid and carmines, all of which come from insects.
Is carmine the same as Red 40?
No. Red 40 (Allura Red AC, E129) is a synthetic dye with no animal ingredients; carmine comes from insects.
Is carmine halal or kosher?
Rulings differ between authorities; it is not suitable for vegans either way.
Sources
- Approved additives and E numbers — Food Standards Agency (UK)
- Listing of color additives exempt from certification; cochineal extract and carmine declaration (final rule, 5 January 2009) — US Federal Register / FDA
- Animal-Derived Ingredients List — PETA
- Campari is made differently around the world: cochineal, coloring, ABV & eggs — Alcademics (Camper English)
Checked on 31 October 2026. Ingredients and recipes change, and the same product can differ between countries — always check the current label. This page is general information, not allergy or medical advice.