Comparing E162 - Beetroot red vs E120 - Cochineal
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 156 products
Found in 456 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 6 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Does beetroot make your poop red?
Yes—beetroot contains betanin (E162), a natural red pigment that can pass through the gut and temporarily turn stool red or pink; it's harmless.
Does beetroot make you poop red?
Yes, the betanin (E162) in beetroot can color stools red for a short time after eating it, which can be mistaken for blood.
Can beetroot make poop red?
Yes; the beet pigment betanin (E162) often survives digestion and can make poop appear red, especially with larger amounts or fast transit.
What is beetroot red soup?
A beet-based soup (often called borscht) whose vivid color comes from beet pigments like betanin (E162); it’s a dish, not an additive.
Can beetroot cause red urine?
Yes—some people excrete beetroot’s betanin (E162) in urine, causing pink or red discoloration (beeturia); it’s temporary and harmless.
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.