Is Cochineal / Carmines (E120) Halal?

Carmine (cochineal) is a red pigment extracted from the dried bodies of cochineal insects. MUIS lists E120 as halal in its food additive listing. Some other certification bodies and scholars take a stricter view of insect-derived colours, so if you follow a stricter opinion, look for products coloured with beetroot red (E162) or anthocyanins (E163) instead.

Cochineal (carmine) is a deep red colourant extracted from the dried bodies of female Dactylopius coccus scale insects. The pigment, carminic acid, is one of the oldest known natural red dyes.

• yogurts
• fruit juices
• candy
• cured meats and sausages
• alcoholic beverages
• lipstick

• E120 on its own is not a reason to avoid a product.
• The finished product still needs its other ingredients checked — look for a halal certification logo (MUIS, JAKIM, MUI, HMC or similar) when in doubt.
• Halal status here follows the MUIS food additive listing; rulings can differ between certification bodies.

beet red (E162), anthocyanins (E163), lycopene (E160d)

E120 (Cochineal/Carmines (C.I. 75470)) is halal for Muslims according to the MUIS food additive listing. Cochineal (carmine) is a deep red colourant extracted from the dried bodies of female Dactylopius coccus scale insects.

Cochineal (carmine) is a deep red colourant extracted from the dried bodies of female Dactylopius coccus scale insects. The pigment, carminic acid, is one of the oldest known natural red dyes.

E120 is commonly found in yogurts, fruit juices, candy, cured meats and sausages, alcoholic beverages, and lipstick.