Comparing E120 - Cochineal vs E172 - Iron oxides and iron hydroxides

Select first additive

Select second additive

Overview

E120 - Cochineal

Cochineal (E120) is a natural red food color made from the cochineal insect. It adds pink to deep red shades to drinks, dairy, candies, and more, and is regulated for safety and labeling in many countries. Some people are allergic, and it is not suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets.

E172 - Iron oxides and iron hydroxides

Iron oxides and iron hydroxides (E172) are mineral pigments used to give foods red, yellow, brown, or black shades. They are insoluble, stable colors made under strict purity standards and are used mainly on the surface of foods, such as coatings and decorations. Rules vary by country: they are widely authorized in the EU, while uses in the U.S. are more limited.

Synonyms

E120

Cochineal

carminic acid

carmines

Natural Red 4

Cochineal Red

E172

Iron oxides and iron hydroxides

Functions

colour

Origins

Animal

Synthetic

Mineral

Products

Found in 456 products

Found in 23 products

Search rank & volume

#6147.3K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#47150 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×14.99

over-aware

×0.44

under-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 6 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Search history data is not available.

Popular questions

What foods contain cochineal?
It’s used to color red/pink foods such as strawberry yogurts and dairy drinks, ice creams, candies and confections, jams and glazes, bakery icings, soft drinks/liqueurs, and sometimes processed meats or seafoods. On labels it may appear as “carmine,” “cochineal extract,” or E120.
Is cochineal extract bad for you?
No—major regulators permit it and consider it safe at typical food-use levels, though a small number of people can have allergic reactions (occasionally severe).
What is cochineal extract?
A natural red colorant obtained from dried cochineal insects; its main coloring compound is carminic acid. It may be converted to the aluminum lake form (carmine) for greater stability.
Is cochineal safe to eat?
Yes—within permitted levels it’s considered safe; the acceptable daily intake is 0–5 mg/kg body weight per day (as carminic acid). Rare allergies can occur, and it’s animal‑derived so not suitable for vegetarians/vegans.
What is cochineal used for?
To provide red to pink shades in foods and drinks (e.g., confectionery, beverages, dairy products, desserts) as a stable natural colorant.