How is Carmine Listed in Ingredients? Your Guide to Recognizing the Hidden Colorant

November 14, 2025 •

2 min read

Used as a red dye for centuries, the ingredient derived from the cochineal insect is now found in countless products. Understanding how is carmine listed in ingredients is essential for vegetarians, vegans, and those with allergies.

Quick Summary

Carmine can appear under many aliases on ingredient lists. Key identifiers to look for include cochineal extract, E120, Natural Red 4, and C.I. 75470, depending on product and region.

Key Points

Multiple Names: Carmine can be listed as cochineal extract, Natural Red 4, carminic acid, E120 (in Europe), or C.I. 75470 (in cosmetics), making it tricky to identify.
Animal-Derived Source: The colorant is made from the crushed bodies of female cochineal insects, making it unsuitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Allergy Risk: Some sensitive individuals can experience severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, from carmine consumption.
Labeling Transparency: Following consumer pressure, the FDA mandated clearer labeling, requiring carmine or cochineal extract to be specified on food labels since 2011.
Ubiquitous Use: Carmine is used across a wide range of products, including yogurts, red candies, juices, ice cream, and cosmetics like lipstick.
Know the EU Code: For European products, look for the additive code E120 to quickly spot carmine on an ingredient list.

The Multi-Faceted Naming of Carmine

Carmine is a natural red pigment produced from the carminic acid found in female cochineal insects. Historically used by the Aztecs, it provides a vibrant, stable red color. However, recognizing carmine on ingredient lists can be challenging due to various names and inconsistent labeling. It is important to know that carmine is an animal-derived product and is not vegan, vegetarian, or kosher. Some individuals may also experience allergic reactions to carmine.

Decoding Ingredients Lists by Region

United States Labeling

In the U.S., the FDA requires clear labeling of carmine or cochineal extract on food and cosmetic products. Before 2011, it could be listed vaguely as "color added". Consumers should look for:

Cochineal extract
Carmine
Natural Red 4
Carminic acid

European Union Labeling

The European Union uses E numbers for food additives, with carmine designated as E120. For cosmetics, the international standard, C.I. numbers, lists carmine as C.I. 75470.

Why Transparency in Labeling Matters

Carmine's use is favored for its color stability. However, it can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Its insect origin is also a concern for those with dietary restrictions based on ethical or religious beliefs. This has led some manufacturers to seek alternative colorants.

Alternative Red Dyes to Consider

Several plant-based and synthetic red colorants are available as alternatives to carmine. These include:

Beetroot Red (E162): From beet juice.
Anthocyanins (E163): From fruits and vegetables.
Lycopene (E160d): From tomatoes.
Red 40 (E129): A synthetic dye.

Labeling Comparison: Carmine vs. Alternatives


Feature	Carmine / Cochineal	Beetroot Red (E162)	Red 40 (E129)
Origin	Insect-derived	Plant-derived (Beets)	Synthetic (Coal)
Vegan/Vegetarian	No	Yes	Yes
EU Code	E120	E162	E129
US Label	Cochineal Extract, Carmine, Natural Red 4	Beetroot Red	Red 40, Allura Red AC
Allergen Risk	Possible allergic reactions	Rare allergy	Possible link to hyperactivity
Color Stability	Excellent heat and light stability	Sensitive to heat and pH	Excellent stability

How to Spot Carmine and Cochineal

Recognizing carmine involves knowing its various names across different products and regions:

Food Products: Look for "Cochineal Extract," "Carmine," or "Natural Red 4" in the U.S. and "E120" in the EU.
Cosmetics: Search for "C.I. 75470" or "Carmine". Be cautious of vague terms.
Confirming: If the label is unclear, contact the manufacturer to verify the source of red coloring.
Common Products: Carmine is often found in yogurts, candies, drinks, ice cream, and lipstick. Starbucks famously removed it from some drinks.

Conclusion

Carmine, derived from cochineal insects, is a common red dye with various names, including cochineal extract, E120, and C.I. 75470. Being aware of how is carmine listed in ingredients is vital for consumers with dietary restrictions, religious beliefs, or allergies to make informed choices. Careful label reading and familiarity with its different designations can help ensure that purchased products align with personal needs and values. FDA requirements for carmine labeling

Frequently Asked Questions

Carmine is a vibrant red dye derived from the crushed bodies of female cochineal insects. The color comes from carminic acid, which is extracted and processed to be used in various products as a colorant.

In the United States, carmine is listed by its specific name, "carmine," or as "cochineal extract" on food and cosmetic ingredient labels, as required by the FDA.

In the European Union, carmine is identified by the additive code E120. This code is used on food and beverage labels to indicate its presence.

In cosmetics, carmine is often listed as "C.I. 75470" according to the international Color Index standard. It may also be called "Carmine" or listed under more ambiguous terms.

Yes, carmine is directly derived from the cochineal insect. This makes it an animal-derived product and unsuitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.

Yes, carmine can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, ranging from mild hives and swelling to severe anaphylactic shock. Clear labeling is important for those with sensitivities.

Yes, Natural Red 4 is another name for carmine, especially used in the United States and on other international labels to refer to the cochineal-based red dye.

While regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA have classified carmine as generally safe for consumption, its potential to cause allergic reactions means it is not universally safe for everyone.