Learn about E120, a natural red dye commonly used in food products. Discover its uses, health concerns, alternatives, and recipes.
E120 is a food additive that is commonly known as carmine, cochineal extract, or natural red 4. It is a natural red dye derived from the cochineal insect, Dactylopius coccus, found in Central and South America.
E120 is widely used in the food industry to provide a red or pink color to various products. It is commonly found in beverages, dairy products, confectionery, and cosmetics.
While E120 is considered safe for consumption by most regulatory bodies, some people may have allergic reactions to it. It is important to check food labels for the presence of E120 if you have a known allergy to carmine.
For those looking to avoid E120 in their diet, there are natural alternatives such as beet juice, paprika, and turmeric that can be used as food coloring agents.
One popular recipe that uses E120 is raspberry sorbet, where the natural red color of the fruit is enhanced by the addition of carmine to create a vibrant dessert.