As more people strive to eat healthily, food manufacturers are responding with labels highlighting reduced sugar, no cholesterol, or “all natural” ingredients. But not all “natural” claims are as straightforward as they seem. Take the pink hue in strawberry yogurt—it might look like it comes from real berries, but often it comes from cochineal, a bright red dye made from ground beetles.
What Is Cochineal?
Cochineal dye has been used for centuries. The cochineal beetle, which lives on prickly pear cacti, was prized by ancient civilizations. The Maya and Aztecs used it to color fabrics red, and Phoenicians in the Mediterranean relied on related beetles for textile dyeing. While fabric use has mostly disappeared, cochineal remains popular in food because of its vivid red shade. Today, it’s found in jams, candies, ice cream, sorbets, red velvet cupcakes, imitation crab meat, and even products like Nerds Gummy Clusters and some Skittles.
In the United States, the FDA approved cochineal for food use in 1967. By 2009, regulations required manufacturers to clearly list it on product labels, often as “carmine” or “cochineal extract.”
Pros and Cons of Cochineal
Safety and Benefits
Cochineal is generally considered safe. Compared to artificial red dyes, which have been linked to allergies and behavioral issues in children, cochineal is a natural alternative with fewer reported side effects. Some major brands, like Yoplait, note that carmine is used sparingly and always labeled on packaging. With the FDA increasing scrutiny on synthetic dyes, cochineal has become a preferred option for natural red coloring.
Consumer Concerns
Despite its safety, cochineal can make some people uneasy, particularly those following vegan or kosher diets. For example, Starbucks removed cochineal from its strawberry drinks in 2012 after a petition highlighted its insect origins. This concern has driven innovation: in 2025, the biotech startup Debut introduced a fully animal-free version of carmine. Initially developed for the beauty industry, the company plans to expand into food products, offering a cruelty-free alternative for those wary of traditional cochineal.
Bottom Line
Cochineal demonstrates the complexity behind seemingly “natural” food labels. While it’s a safe and historically trusted colorant, its insect origins may surprise consumers. Checking ingredient labels and being aware of dietary restrictions—vegan, kosher, or ethical preferences—can help you make informed choices. With emerging alternatives like synthetic-free carmine on the horizon, it’s likely that more products will soon offer red hues without relying on insects.
