What Exactly Is E120?
E120 is the European Union's designation for a red food coloring also commonly known as carmine, carminic acid, or cochineal extract. This vibrant crimson pigment is one of the oldest and most colorfast natural dyes, with a history of use by indigenous peoples in Mexico and Peru for centuries. It is produced from the female cochineal scale insect, Dactylopius coccus, which lives on prickly pear cacti in Central and South America. The dye is extracted from the insect's body and eggs, which contain a compound called carminic acid.
The Production Process of E120
The process of creating carmine dye from cochineal insects is labor-intensive. Farmers carefully harvest the female insects from their cactus hosts. The insects are then killed through immersion in hot water or exposure to heat, dried, and crushed into a powder. This powder is boiled in an acidic solution to extract the carminic acid, which is then processed to create the final dye. It takes a massive number of insects—around 70,000—to produce a single pound of cochineal dye.
Why E120 Is Not Vegetarian
The reason E120 is not considered vegetarian is straightforward: it is derived from an animal. Vegetarians, by definition, avoid consuming meat, poultry, and fish. While the consumption of insects is a subject of debate within some dietary circles, traditional vegetarianism and especially veganism exclude all animal products. Since the cochineal insect is an animal, any product containing E120 is not suitable for those following a vegetarian diet. Many people, unknowingly, have consumed this insect-derived dye in common products for years.
Common Products Containing E120
E120 is widely used in both the food and cosmetics industries to achieve red, pink, and purple colors. Consumers should be mindful of checking ingredient labels on a variety of products, including:
- Sweets and candies (e.g., gummy bears, jelly beans)
- Yogurts and other dairy products (e.g., strawberry yogurt)
- Juices and soft drinks
- Processed meat alternatives (sometimes used to color or enhance appearance)
- Baked goods and cake decorations
- Cosmetics (especially red lipsticks and blushes)
- Medicines and vitamin supplements (as a coloring for coatings)
How to Find and Avoid E120 on Ingredient Labels
To ensure a product is vegetarian, you must learn to recognize all the names E120 goes by on packaging. The ingredient can be listed under several aliases, and simply looking for the E-number is not always enough. Be vigilant for terms like:
- Carmine
- Cochineal
- Cochineal Extract
- Carminic Acid
- Natural Red 4
- Crimson Lake
Comparing E120 to Vegetarian Alternatives
| Feature | E120 (Carmine) | Vegetarian Alternatives (e.g., Beetroot Red, Lycopene) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Cochineal insects | Plants (beetroot, tomatoes, radishes) |
| Dietary Suitability | Not vegetarian or vegan | Suitable for vegetarians and vegans |
| Color Intensity | Very vibrant and stable | Varies, can be less intense and stable |
| Names on Label | E120, Carmine, Cochineal | E162 (Beetroot Red), E160a/d (Lycopene) |
| Special Considerations | Can cause allergic reactions in some | No common allergens associated with these alternatives |
Additional Dietary Considerations for E120
Beyond vegetarianism, E120's origin has implications for other dietary and ethical choices. As it is derived from insects, it is not considered suitable for vegans, who avoid all animal products. For those adhering to religious dietary laws, E120 is generally not permissible either. Mainstream Kosher agencies consider carmine non-kosher because insects are not kosher. Similarly, according to the Hanafi school of thought, E120 is considered haram (forbidden) for Muslims, as it is sourced from insects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the short answer to whether E120 is vegetarian is a definitive no. The additive, also known as carmine or cochineal, is made from the dried, crushed bodies of cochineal insects, an animal source. For vegetarians, vegans, and individuals with certain religious dietary restrictions, this makes any product containing E120 off-limits. Fortunately, a growing number of food and cosmetic manufacturers now offer plant-based red coloring alternatives, such as beetroot extract and lycopene, making it easier than ever to find cruelty-free and animal-product-free options. Reading labels carefully for all names associated with this dye is the most effective way to ensure your food and cosmetics align with your dietary principles.
For more information on the history and production of cochineal, the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture offer an insightful exhibit on this natural dye: https://hmsc.harvard.edu/online-exhibits/cochineal1/product-nature/.
