What is E120?

E120 is Carmine (Cochineal) — a red colouring made from crushed cochineal insects — not vegan, not vegetarian and not halal.

What is E120 (Carmine)?

E120 is the E-number for carmine, one of the food colourings group of food additives (E100–E199). Additives in this group add or restore colour to foods and drinks. Made from crushed cochineal insects. It takes roughly 70,000 cochineal insects to produce one pound of carmine dye. The insects are harvested from cacti, dried and crushed to extract the red pigment. Like every E-number, E120 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E120 in detail below.

Where is E120 found?

E120 is typically used in sweets, soft drinks, desserts, ice cream, sauces and snacks. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E120) or by its full name, carmine. Common foods that may contain E120 include:

• Red sweets
• Strawberry yoghurts
• Juice drinks
• Bakery icing
• Some lipsticks and cosmetics

Full guide: foods containing E120 and how to spot it on labels →

E120 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Carmine safe? · Is Cochineal safe?

Is E120 safe?

Is E120 vegan?

E120 is not vegan. Made from crushed cochineal insects.

Is E120 halal?

E120 is treated as haram unless certified. Made from crushed cochineal insects, and without halal certification the source cannot be verified as permissible.

Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).