A bright red colour made from insects. People following a vegetarian or vegan profile, and anyone who has reacted to it before.
Quick facts
| Type | Additive |
|---|---|
| Label code | E120 · CI 75470 |
| Often found in | Red yoghurts, drinks and sweets, Some processed meats and sauces, Lipsticks, blushes and eye shadows |
| Other names | E120, Cochineal, Cochineal extract, Carminic acid, Natural red 4, CI 75470 |
Does Carmine (E120) fit you?
Pick what applies to you:
Pick at least one to see your answer.
What is Carmine (E120)?
Carmine is a red colour made from cochineal, a small insect. In the US it must be named on food and cosmetic labels as “cochineal extract” or “carmine”. In the EU it appears as E120 on food, and as CI 75470 on cosmetics.
Where is Carmine (E120) found?
- Red yoghurts, drinks and sweets
- Some processed meats and sauces
- Lipsticks, blushes and eye shadows
What other names does Carmine (E120) use on labels?
Who looks out for Carmine (E120)?
People following a vegetarian or vegan profile, and anyone who has reacted to it before.
Diets and allergies
| Vegan | Not for you | It is made from insects. |
| Vegetarian | Not for you | It is made from insects. |
| Milk allergy / dairy-free | Fits you | Yes. |
| Gluten-free | Fits you | Yes. |
| Peanut allergy | Fits you | Yes. |
| Sesame allergy | Fits you | Yes. |
| Egg allergy | Fits you | Yes. |
| Soy allergy | Fits you | Yes. |
| Avoiding caffeine | Fits you | Yes. |
How does Bravoora check for Carmine (E120)?
Bravoora recognises carmine by its E-number and colour-index code, not just by its name.
Questions about Carmine (E120)
What is Carmine (E120)?
Carmine is a red colour made from cochineal, a small insect. In the US it must be named on food and cosmetic labels as “cochineal extract” or “carmine”. In the EU it appears as E120 on food, and as CI 75470 on cosmetics.
Where is Carmine (E120) found?
Red yoghurts, drinks and sweets, Some processed meats and sauces, Lipsticks, blushes and eye shadows.
What other names does Carmine (E120) use on labels?
E120, Cochineal, Cochineal extract, Carminic acid, Natural red 4, CI 75470.
Is Carmine (E120) vegan?
No. It is made from insects.
Is Carmine (E120) vegetarian?
No. It is made from insects.
How does Bravoora check for Carmine (E120)?
Bravoora recognises carmine by its E-number and colour-index code, not just by its name.
General information, not medical advice. Rules differ by country and products change, so always check the pack.
