# Carmine (E120)
Carmine — also called cochineal extract, carminic acid, or natural red 4 — is a red dye obtained by crushing the dried bodies of female cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus). It's used to colour food, drinks, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
It is unambiguously animal-derived. A product that contains E120, carmine, cochineal, or carminic acid is not suitable for vegans.
Common appearances: strawberry yoghurt, Campari, some red lipsticks, ice lollies, fruit-flavoured sweets, certain pink/red cake icings, some "naturally coloured" drinks.
Labelling: EU + UK law requires it to appear as "E120" or one of its named forms (carmine, cochineal, carminic acid) on the ingredient list. A "natural colour (E120)" still means carmine.