E120
food colorsCochineal / Carminic Acid
Haram (Prohibited)
Is E120 (Cochineal) halal?
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 to do
Avoid this code. Check halal alternatives or scan a substitute product.
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
Haram 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:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E120 (Cochineal / Carminic Acid) halal?
E120 (Cochineal / Carminic Acid) is classified as Haram (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 Haram, 29 Mushbooh
Related E-Codes in food colors
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