Which Red Dye Isn't Vegan? The Ingredient Derived from Insects

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

It can take up to 70,000 crushed cochineal insects to produce just one pound of the brilliant red pigment known as carmine. For this very reason, carmine is a red dye that isn't vegan and is widely used in both the food and cosmetic industries.

Quick Summary

Carmine, also known as cochineal extract or E120, is a red pigment extracted from cochineal insects and is therefore not vegan. It is commonly found in food, beverages, and cosmetics, making it essential for vegans to check ingredient lists carefully.

Key Points

Carmine is a bug-based dye: The non-vegan red dye is carmine, also known as cochineal extract, which comes from crushed insects.
Check for multiple names: Search labels for "carmine," "cochineal extract," "Natural Red 4," or the E-number "E120".
Widespread use: Carmine can be found in many common products, from red candies and yogurts to cosmetics like lipstick.
Natural isn't always vegan: Although derived from a natural source (insects), carmine is not suitable for a vegan diet.
Many vegan alternatives exist: Plant-based alternatives like beetroot extract, anthocyanins, and lycopene are widely used.
Red 40 is typically vegan: The synthetic red dye Red 40 is derived from petroleum and is not insect-based, although its history of animal testing is a consideration for some.
Check cosmetics too: Carmine is also a common ingredient in cosmetics, so always check the ingredients on lipstick, blush, and eye shadow.

Understanding the Non-Vegan Culprit: Carmine

For those following a vegan diet or seeking to avoid animal-derived ingredients, understanding which red dye isn't vegan is crucial. The primary non-vegan red pigment to be aware of is carmine, a natural colorant with an insect-based origin. This dye has been used for centuries, prized for its vivid red hue and stability.

The Bug Behind the Bright Red

Carmine is derived from the cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus), a tiny, scale insect native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. These insects thrive on prickly pear cacti, and the red pigment comes from carminic acid, a compound they produce as a natural defense against predators.

To produce the dye, the female insects are carefully harvested from the cacti, dried, and then crushed. The carminic acid is extracted by boiling the insects in a solution of sodium carbonate or ammonia. The extracted solution is then treated with alum to precipitate the red pigment, creating the vibrant red carmine. The intensive process, which requires tens of thousands of insects to yield just one pound of dye, is why carmine is a significant concern for ethical and vegan consumers.

How to Identify Carmine on Labels

Manufacturers are required to list all ingredients, but the way they label carmine can vary. Learning the different names can help you avoid accidentally consuming this insect-derived product. Look for the following on ingredient lists for both food and cosmetics:

Carmine
Cochineal Extract
Carminic Acid
Natural Red 4
Crimson Lake
E120 (especially on products in Europe)

Common Products with Carmine

Carmine's bright color and stability make it an appealing choice for many applications. This means it can show up in unexpected places. Keep an eye on the labels of the following products:

Confectionery: Hard candies, gummy sweets, and red-colored sprinkles.
Dairy Products: Some fruit-flavored yogurts, strawberry milk, and ice creams.
Beverages: Fruit juices, red sodas, and certain alcoholic beverages like Campari.
Baked Goods: Red velvet cake mix and pink or red frostings.
Cosmetics: Lipsticks, blushes, and eyeshadows for a vibrant red hue.
Sausages and Processed Meats: Used to enhance the red color.

Vegan Red Dyes vs. Non-Vegan and Synthetic Options

Navigating food labels can be confusing, especially with multiple colorants available. Here is a comparison of different red dyes to help you make an informed choice.


Dye Type	Common Name(s)	Source	Vegan Status	Notes
Non-Vegan	Carmine, Cochineal Extract, E120, Natural Red 4	Crushed female cochineal insects	Not Vegan	Prized for its stability in heat and light.
Synthetic	Red 40, Allura Red AC, E129	Petroleum products	Generally Vegan	Synthetically produced; some object due to animal testing history.
Vegan	Beetroot Extract, Beet Red, E162	Beets (Beta vulgaris)	Vegan	Provides a bright red/pink color but is sensitive to heat and light.
Vegan	Lycopene	Tomatoes, watermelons, etc.	Vegan	Offers a stable red color, but sensitive to oxygen and light.
Vegan	Anthocyanins	Berries, grapes, red cabbage	Vegan	Provides red to purple colors; pH-sensitive.

The Shift Towards Vegan Alternatives

As veganism and ethical consumerism grow, many companies are responding to consumer demand by reformulating products with plant-based dyes. For example, after customer complaints in 2012, Starbucks famously switched from carmine to lycopene for its red coloring. This trend is increasing, making it easier for consumers to find vegan-friendly options.

However, it's essential to remain vigilant and always read the ingredients list, as some companies may still use carmine or might revert to it. Looking for vegan certification labels is another reliable way to ensure a product aligns with your values. For those interested in learning more about ethical alternatives in cosmetics, the resource from Vegan.com is a great place to start: Carmine & Cochineal: A Red Dye Made from Ground-Up Beetles.

Conclusion

For vegans and those avoiding animal products, the red dye to be most mindful of is carmine, or cochineal extract (E120). This natural colorant's derivation from insects makes it non-vegan. Fortunately, the market for plant-based alternatives is expanding, with options like beetroot extract and lycopene providing safe, cruelty-free ways to achieve a red hue. By knowing carmine's various names and checking labels, you can confidently navigate product choices and ensure they align with your ethical commitments.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, carmine is a natural dye derived from the crushed bodies of female cochineal insects, not from synthetic or chemical processes.

Look for "carmine," "cochineal extract," "carminic acid," "Natural Red 4," or the European food additive number "E120" on the ingredient list.

Yes, vegan red dyes are often sourced from plants like beets (beetroot extract), berries and grapes (anthocyanins), and tomatoes (lycopene).

Red 40 is a synthetic dye made from petroleum products and does not contain animal products. Therefore, it is considered vegan, though some vegans avoid it due to its association with past animal testing.

Carmine can be found in many red and pink food items, including some yogurts, ice creams, fruit juices, candies, and sauces.

While carmine is the most common insect-derived red dye, other non-vegan additives exist. However, not all red colorings are non-vegan; many come from plant sources.

Cochineal extract is the raw extract from the insects, while carmine is a more purified pigment made from that extract. Both are derived from insects and are not vegan.

Not necessarily. Carmine is considered a "natural colorant" because it comes from a natural source (insects), but it is not vegan. This makes reading the specific ingredient names very important.