Red dye! Specifically, carmine.
Carmine is a common red dye derived from the crushed up bodies of the cochineal bug, which produce carminic acid to defend against ants. To make 1 pound of carminic acid dye requires approximately 70,000 female cochineal bugs.
Where you’ll find carmine:
Blush
Candy
Eye Shadow
Ink
Juice
Lipstick
Paint
Red clothing
Sausage
Yogurt
Alternate names for carmine: cochineal extract, crimson lake, natural red 4, E120
Because carmine can produce strong allergic reactions, the FDA requires it be explicitly listed on the ingredients list. Prior to 2009 it was lumped in with “natural flavors”.
What are your options for a vegan red food dye?
- Red coloring derived naturally from beets or strawberries
- Red #40, derived from coal
- Red #2, derived from petroleum
Now go forth and read those ingredients labels with new eyes!
Sources:
Vegan.com
Live Science
Wired
BBC (featured image source)