Cochineal

Cochineal (CAS 1343-78-8, EC 215-023-3) is a natural red colorant derived from the dried bodies of the Dactylopius coccus insect, commercially known under trade names including Carmine 2G, CA 90, KR 50A, and CI 75470. It is the source material from which carminic acid and carmine lake pigments are produced.

In food and beverage manufacturing, cochineal imparts stable red-to-purple hues across a pH range of 3.5 to 7, making it suitable for yoghurts, confectionery, and meat products. In cosmetics, it functions as a primary colorant in lipsticks and blushers, where its binding affinity to aluminium substrates produces the carmine lake form used in pressed formulations.

Cochineal is supplied as a powder and is subject to REACH registration requirements within the EU. Procurement teams should verify supplier documentation for allergen labelling compliance, as EU regulations require declaration of cochineal-derived colorants on finished product labels.