E120

E120 is the food additive code for Cochineal, Carmine, or Carminic Acid, a natural red colorant derived from cochineal insects and used to produce pink to red shades in foods and beverages.
E120 is valued for strong color strength and good stability in many systems, but E120 shade and performance depend on pH, metal ions, processing conditions, and whether E120 is supplied as a soluble extract or an insoluble lake pigment.
E120 must be used according to applicable food additive regulations and labeling rules, and E120 may be associated with allergy concerns for a small number of consumers, so manufacturers typically manage labeling and specifications carefully.

CAS Number: 1260-17-9 (commonly associated with carmine; grade dependent)
EC Number: 215-724-4 (commonly associated with carmine; grade dependent)
Molecular Formula: C22H20O13 (carminic acid; associated component)
Molecular Weight: 492.39 g/mol (carminic acid; associated component)

Synonyms: E120, Cochineal, Cochineal Extract, Carmine, Carminic Acid, Carmine Lake, Cochineal Red, Crimson Lake (common naming), Natural Red 4 (common naming), Carminic Acid Colorant, Cochineal Dye, Carmine Pigment, E120, E 120, E-120, INS 120, INS-120, E120 (Food Additive), E120 (Food Colour), E120 (Food Color), E120 (Red Colour), E120 (Red Color), Cochineal, Cochineal (E120), Cochineal Extract, Cochineal Extract (E120), Cochineal Colour, Cochineal Color, Cochineal Colourant, Cochineal Colorant, Cochineal Red, Cochineal Red (E120), Carmine, Carmine (E120), Carmine Colour, Carmine Color, Carmine Colourant, Carmine Colorant, Carmine Red, Carmine Lake, Carmine Lake (E120), Cochineal Lake, Cochineal Lake (E120), Carminic Acid, Carminic Acid (E120) (labeling variant), Natural Red 4, C.I. Natural Red 4, CI Natural Red 4, CI 75470, C.I. 75470, Colour Index 75470, Color Index 75470, Dactylopius Coccus Extract, Dactylopius coccus extract, Cochineal Insect Extract, Crimson Lake (carmine), Crimson Lake (E120) (labeling variant)

APPLICATIONS

E120 is used in fruit beverages to provide pink to red shades with good stability in compatible pH ranges.
E120 is incorporated into soft drinks and syrups to deliver consistent red coloration and strong visual identity.
E120 is used in alcoholic beverages such as liqueurs to provide stable red hues in compatible formulations.

E120 is used in dairy products such as yogurt to produce strawberry and berry-like pink shades.
E120 is incorporated into flavored milk drinks and dairy desserts to deliver stable color during shelf life.
E120 is used in ice cream and frozen desserts to provide natural pink coloration in compatible systems.

E120 is used in confectionery to color gummies, jellies, and hard candies with bright red tones.
E120 is incorporated into sugar coatings to produce stable red shades on candy shells and dragees.
E120 is used in chewing gum coatings to deliver durable red color during storage and handling.

E120 is used in bakery icings and decorations to create red and pink shades for themed products.
E120 is incorporated into cake fillings and glazes to maintain color tone during storage.
E120 is used in fruit preparations and dessert toppings to strengthen red appearance and reduce batch variation.

E120 is used in processed foods where a stable natural red is needed and the product matrix supports compatibility.
E120 is incorporated into sauces and condiments to provide red shades with improved stability compared with some plant-based reds.
E120 is used in jams and fruit spreads to improve redness consistency across seasonal raw material changes.

E120 is used in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products as a colorant for tablets, capsules, and syrups where approved.
E120 is incorporated into coated tablets for identification and branding in regulated dosage forms.
E120 is used in lozenges and chewables to provide stable red color in consumer-friendly formats.

E120 is used in specialty products where natural-label red color is required and high stability is important.
E120 is incorporated into multi-color blends to tune orange-red to bluish-red shades depending on formulation needs.
E120 is valued because E120 provides strong, stable natural red coloration across many food systems when pH and labeling requirements are managed.

E120 is used as a natural red colorant in foods and beverages where permitted.
E120 provides red to pink shades in confectionery products such as candies and gummies.
E120 supports consistent “strawberry” and “raspberry” style color identity in sweet products.

E120 is used in hard candies and boiled sweets to deliver stable red coloration.
E120 helps maintain uniform shade in high-sugar confectionery systems.
E120 supports visually appealing candy appearance across shelf life.

E120 is used in gummy candies and jelly sweets to create red and pink tones.
E120 helps achieve uniform color distribution in gelatin and pectin gels.
E120 supports stable coloration in chewy confectionery products.

E120 is used in sugar coatings and panned confectionery to color dragee shells.
E120 helps create consistent red coating appearance on candy shells.
E120 supports color stability during polishing and packaging.

E120 is used in bakery icings, glazes, and decorating gels where permitted.
E120 helps create pink and red decorative elements for cakes and pastries.
E120 supports consistent shade in frosting systems when properly formulated.

E120 is used in dessert toppings and fruit-style sauces to enhance red appearance.
E120 helps provide stable color in strawberry and cherry-style dessert syrups.
E120 supports visual identity in packaged dessert toppings.

E120 is used in dairy desserts such as yogurts, puddings, and ice cream inclusions where permitted.
E120 helps provide red swirls and fruit-style variegates in frozen desserts.
E120 supports stable appearance under chilled and frozen storage.

E120 is used in beverages such as flavored waters and soft drinks where permitted and stable.
E120 helps provide red shade in fruit-flavored beverage bases.
E120 supports brand-consistent color in ready-to-drink products.

E120 is used in beverage concentrates and syrups where stable red tone is required.
E120 helps maintain uniform appearance after dilution.
E120 supports consistent color in post-mix and fountain syrup systems.

E120 is used in processed fruit preparations and pie fillings where permitted.
E120 helps improve red appearance when natural fruit color is variable.
E120 supports consistent shade after heat processing in some systems.

E120 is used in processed meat products in some regions to enhance red coloration where permitted.
E120 helps improve visual redness in certain sausage or cured-style products when allowed.
E120 supports consistent appearance where consumer expectation includes red tone.

E120 is used in pet food to provide red or pink tones in wet and dry pet foods where permitted.
E120 helps improve visual appeal of pet food pieces and gravies.
E120 supports consistent appearance across manufacturing batches.

E120 is used in pharmaceutical products as a colorant where permitted.
E120 helps color tablet coatings and capsule shells for identification.
E120 supports brand recognition and differentiation in dosage forms.

DESCRIPTION

E120 is the European food additive designation for cochineal-derived red colorants, and E120 may refer to cochineal extract, carminic acid, or carmine pigments depending on supplier form.
E120 shade can shift with pH and metal complexation, and E120 can range from orange-red to bluish-red depending on formulation conditions.
E120 can interact with proteins and electrolytes, so E120 compatibility testing is recommended for dairy and protein-containing systems to avoid precipitation or shade drift.

E120 is available as water-soluble extracts for beverages and foods and as insoluble lake pigments for applications requiring particulate pigments.
E120 generally shows good heat stability, and E120 often performs better than some anthocyanin-based reds under light and heat exposure.
E120 may be associated with allergy concerns in a small subset of consumers, so E120 labeling compliance and allergen management are important for commercial products.

E120 should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place protected from moisture and strong light.
E120 powders can generate airborne dust, so dust control and appropriate PPE are recommended during handling.
E120 should be used according to applicable food additive regulations, purity specifications, and permitted use levels for the target market.

PROPERTIES

Common Name: E120 (Cochineal / Carmine / Carminic Acid)
Primary Color Component: Carminic acid (extract) or carmine lake (pigment)
Appearance: Red to dark red powder (extract or pigment; grade dependent)
Odor: Mild characteristic odor
Solubility: Extract forms are soluble in water; lake pigments are insoluble and used as dispersions
Color Shade: pH and metal-ion dependent; can shift from orange-red to bluish-red
Heat Stability: Generally good in many processing conditions (system dependent)
Light Stability: Often good compared with many plant-based red colorants (system dependent)
Protein Interaction: Possible interaction with proteins and electrolytes; requires compatibility control in dairy systems
Regulatory Identifier: Commonly labeled as E120 in foods (market dependent)
Storage Temperature: 15–25°C, dry, protected from light
Shelf Life: Typically 24–36 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)

FIRST AID

Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if dust is inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing dust during handling and powder transfer.

Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
E120 may stain skin temporarily, so thorough washing is recommended.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.

Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs or if a large amount is swallowed.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote is required.
Provide supportive care based on exposure route and symptoms.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses, and use dust protection as needed.
Avoid generating dust and avoid inhalation of fine powder.
Prevent staining by using protective clothing and good housekeeping during handling.

Ventilation:
Use local exhaust or general ventilation where dust may be generated.
Maintain good airflow during weighing, charging, and blending operations.
Minimize airborne particulate accumulation in enclosed areas.

Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place protected from moisture and strong light.
Keep containers properly labeled and sealed when not in use to preserve color strength and prevent contamination.
Avoid exposure to high humidity that can cause caking in some powder grades.

Spill and Leak Procedures:
Avoid dust generation and sweep or vacuum using suitable equipment.
Collect spilled material into suitable containers for disposal according to local regulations.
Clean residues promptly to prevent staining of floors, tools, and equipment.

Handling Precautions:
Optimize pH and formulation conditions to achieve the desired E120 shade and stability in the final product.
Verify allergen and labeling requirements for E120 in the target market and product category before commercial use.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent color performance and specification compliance.