A common but unsettling reality for some consumers is the presence of insect-derived ingredients in popular food products, particularly in candy. This practice isn't new; insects have been used for centuries as natural sources for dyes and protective glazes. While generally recognized as safe for consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these additives are a key consideration for individuals following vegan or vegetarian diets, or those with allergies. Understanding which ingredients are sourced from insects empowers consumers to make informed dietary choices.
The Key Insect-Derived Ingredients
Two of the most prevalent insect-derived ingredients used in confectionery today are carmine and confectioner's glaze. They serve different purposes, but both originate from tiny insects harvested from nature.
Carmine: The Cochineal Colorant
Carmine is a vibrant red dye extracted from the dried, crushed bodies of female cochineal insects. These insects are native to Central and South America, where they live on prickly pear cacti. The coloring agent, carminic acid, is produced by the insects to deter predators. To create the dye, the insects are harvested, dried, and then processed.
On ingredient labels, you might find this additive listed under several names:
- Cochineal extract
- Carminic acid
- Natural Red 4
- E120 (its European food additive number)
Examples of candies that have historically or currently use carmine include certain red, pink, or purple-colored varieties of Nerds Gummy Clusters and some yogurt-covered fruit snacks. It's worth noting that some brands, like Skittles, have removed carmine and are now vegan. Consumers should always check the most current ingredient lists.
Confectioner's Glaze: The Lac Bug's Coating
Confectioner's glaze, also known as shellac, is a shiny, glossy coating that gives hard-shelled candies their polished finish. It is derived from a resin secreted by the female lac bug, which is found on trees in Southeast Asia. The resin, called lac, is scraped from the branches, purified, and dissolved in alcohol to create the glaze.
This additive may appear on labels as:
- Confectioner's glaze
- Resinous glaze
- Natural glaze
- Shellac
Candies coated with confectioner's glaze include Junior Mints, Red Hots, Lemonhead, Boston Baked Beans, Whoppers, and many jelly beans. The use of this glaze is what makes these products unsuitable for vegans, despite being a common and food-safe additive.
A Comparison of Carmine and Shellac
To help differentiate between the two primary insect-derived ingredients, here is a quick comparison.
| Feature | Carmine (Cochineal Extract) | Confectioner's Glaze (Shellac) |
|---|---|---|
| Source Insect | Female Cochineal Insect | Female Lac Bug |
| Sourced From | Crushed, dried insect bodies | Resinous secretions |
| Primary Function | Red, pink, or purple dye | Glossy protective coating |
| Appearance | Powdered form adds color | Clear or amber varnish |
| Common Labels | Cochineal Extract, Natural Red 4, E120 | Shellac, Resinous Glaze |
| Example Products | Some red candies, juices, and yogurts | Hard-shelled candies, jelly beans |
How to Identify Bug-Derived Ingredients on Labels
To avoid insect-derived ingredients, reading the fine print on a product's label is crucial. Since 2011, the FDA has required that food products explicitly list "carmine" or "cochineal extract". Prior to this rule, it could be hidden under the generic term "color added". For shellac, look for the terms "confectioner's glaze" or "resinous glaze" in the ingredients list. If a product is certified vegan, it will not contain these additives.
Vegan and Insect-Free Candy Alternatives
Thankfully, the growing demand for vegan and all-natural products has led many manufacturers to offer insect-free options. Alternatives for colorants and glazes are readily available.
- For Red Coloring: Many companies now use plant-based alternatives for red dyes, such as lycopene (from tomatoes) or beet juice extract. Starbucks famously switched from carmine to lycopene in their products in 2012 following consumer feedback.
- For Glaze and Shine: Vegan-friendly alternatives to shellac include plant-based waxes, like carnauba wax (from the carnauba palm) or corn protein glaze. Modern Skittles and other brands have already transitioned to these alternatives.
When in doubt, seeking out products explicitly labeled as "vegan" is the most reliable way to ensure your sweets are free of animal or insect-derived ingredients. A useful resource for checking food additives and their origins can be found at the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
Conclusion
For those wondering what candy has crushed bugs in it, the truth lies in two specific ingredients: carmine and confectioner's glaze. These additives are a natural and traditional part of food production with a long history. Diligent label-reading and the availability of vegan alternatives make avoiding insect-derived ingredients easier than ever.
