Starbucks to stop using 'crushed bug' dye
| 02 May 2012 | 12:47
Cochineal was used by the Aztec and Maya peoples, and once comparable to gold to value. But the demand for cochineal fell with the appearance of artificial food and textile dyes. In recent years it became commercially valuable again because consumers prefer natural colors over synthetic dyes. But most consumers are unaware that the "natural coloring E120" refers to a dye derived from an insect, and is thus not suitable for vegetarians and is banned by some religions.
NEW YORK Starbucks Corp. says it will stop using a red dye in its drinks that is derived from crushed bugs. The Seattle-based coffee chain said in a blog post on its website that it made the decision to reformulate its drinks after feedback from consumers prompted a "thorough" evaluation. The company says it will swap out cochineal extract, which is made from the juice of a tiny beetle, and instead use lycopene, a tomato-based extract. Cochineal dye is widely used in foods and cosmetics products such as lipstick, yogurt and shampoo. Starbucks had used the coloring in its strawberry flavored mixed drinks and foods like the raspberry swirl cake and red velvet whoopie pie. The company says the items will be reformulated by the end of June.