E120
food colorsCochineal / Carminic Acid
What should I do with this product?
Safe to buy. This additive is permissible under Islamic dietary law.
See which foods use it →Avoid this code. Check halal alternatives or scan a substitute product.
See Alternatives below →Verified Halal Picks
Bebeto Watermelon Slices Gummies 2lb
View →Kervan Halal Gummy Stars 5lb
View →Sweetzone Halal Jelly & Foam Sweets 1kg
View →Luxury Snacks Halal Gummy Bears
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About E120
Color obtained from insects. All insects except locust are haram in islam. Contains prohibited ingredients. This additive is derived from sources that are not permissible in Islamic dietary laws, such as pork-derived ingredients, insects, or alcohol.
Not Permissible
Avoid products listing this E-code unless you have confirmed the product holds a valid halal certification covering this ingredient.
What is E120 made from?
- cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus)
Found in products
⚠️ Product formulations change. Always verify by checking the current ingredient list on the packaging.
Scholarly Notes
Haraam under Hanafi, Maliki, and Shafi'i schools as insects (other than locusts) are prohibited. Some contemporary scholars debate this - consult your local scholar for a definitive ruling.
Possible Impurities
Beyond the declared ingredient, these processing factors may also affect halal status:
- • No chemical impurities — E120 is derived directly from crushed cochineal insects; the concern is the source itself (insect-derived), not a processing impurity.
- • Alcohol extraction — some carmine manufacturing processes use alcohol to extract and purify the pigment; residual alcohol levels vary by supplier.
Foods that commonly contain E120
Food Category Guide
E120 is common in fruit juices — see the full halal guide →
Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.
Halal Alternatives
These E-codes serve a similar function and are generally considered halal:
Shop halal-certified options on Amazon:
Bebeto Watermelon Slices Gummies 2lb
Halal certified, no carmine
Sweetzone Halal Jelly & Foam Sweets 1kg
100% halal, natural colouring
Luxury Snacks Halal Gummy Bears
No E120, halal certified
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is E120 (Cochineal / Carminic Acid) halal?
E120 (Cochineal / Carminic Acid) is classified as Haraam (Prohibited). Contains prohibited ingredients. This additive is derived from sources that are not permissible in Islamic dietary laws, such as pork-derived ingredients, insects, or alcohol.
What is E120 used for?
E120 is used as a red/pink food coloring in food products.
What foods contain E120?
E120 (Cochineal / Carminic Acid) is commonly found in: red/pink yogurt, strawberry flavored products, fruit juices, sweets and confectionery, red wine, lipstick (cosmetics), Campari.
What is E120 made from?
E120 can be derived from the following sources: cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus).
What are the other names for E120?
E120 may appear on food labels as: Carmine, CI 75470, Cochineal, Crimson Lake, Carminic Acid, Natural Red 4.
food colors — 51 E-codes: 20 Halal, 2 Haraam, 29 Mushbooh
Related E-Codes in food colors
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