Is e120 vegan?

E120, commonly known as carmine or cochineal, is a red food coloring. It is derived from the crushed bodies of female cochineal insects, a species of scale insect native to the Americas. The insects are harvested, dried, and boiled or treated with an alkaline solution to extract carminic acid, which is then processed with mineral salts to create the final pigment.

This additive appears in many red, pink, or purple foods and beverages. Typical products listing E120 include candies, flavored yogurts, fruit juices, ice cream, jams, pastries, processed snacks, and alcoholic drinks. It is also used outside of food production in cosmetics such as lipsticks and blushes, as well as in pharmaceuticals and textiles, where it is sometimes labeled as natural red 4 or carmine lake.

E120 is not vegan because it is an animal-derived substance. The production process requires the harvesting and processing of insects, making any item that contains this ingredient unsuitable for individuals following a vegan diet.