Carmine is insect-derived: the pigment is extracted from dried cochineal insects, so it is not compatible with a vegan claim and sits outside most vegetarian standards as well. It appears on labels as carmine, cochineal extract, carminic acid, E120 or — in cosmetics — CI 75470, where it is a mainstay of pink and red shades.
What it means for each mark
- VeganAnimal-derived (insect). A vegan formulation replaces it with a plant-derived or synthetic red.
- VegetarianMost vegetarian standards treat insect-derived ingredients as animal-derived, so carmine is generally excluded from certified vegetarian products.
Where it typically hides
- Red and pink yogurts, fruit preparations and dairy desserts
- Candy shells, confectionery coatings and red icings
- Juices and drinks with a red or berry shade
- Ice cream and frozen desserts
- Lipstick, blush and other color cosmetics (listed as CI 75470)
- Coated tablets and some liquid medications
What a certification review asks for
- The color specification sheet naming the pigment and its Color Index (CI) number
- A supplier declaration of the color's source — plant, mineral, synthetic or animal
- For color blends: the full component breakdown, including carriers and diluents
Alternatives
- Beet red / betanin (E162) — plant-derived
- Anthocyanins from grape skin or black carrot (E163) — plant-derived
- Lycopene (E160d) — plant-derived
- Synthetic reds permitted in the target market (e.g., Allura Red AC, E129)
Frequently asked questions
Is carmine vegan?
No. Carmine is extracted from cochineal insects, so it is animal-derived. Products colored with carmine are not eligible for a vegan claim unless the colorant is replaced.
What names can carmine appear under on a label?
Carmine, carminic acid, cochineal extract, Natural Red 4, E120 on EU-style labels, and CI 75470 in cosmetics ingredient lists.
Is carmine vegetarian?
Most vegetarian standards treat insect-derived ingredients as animal-derived, so carmine is generally not accepted in certified vegetarian products.