E120
E120 , Cochineal / Carmine
Why this classification
Red dye from cochineal insects. Safe but common allergen. Not vegan.
Products containing E120
NESTLE FITNESS Chocolat Noir Céréales 450g
nestle
NESTLE FITNESS Chocolat au Lait Céréales 450g
nestle
Core Protein Bar Milk Chocolate Caramel
xxl nutrition
Light and Free
danone
Produit 3518681016403
Protein Bar Deluxe with pistachio butter
koro
Barre protéinée
joyfuel
Crispy Protein Bar Vanilla Cookie Dough Style
koro
Chocolate & Hazelnut Vitamin & Protein Riegel
fulfil
Multivitamines
nutripure
Common uses in industrial food
Cochineal / Carmine (E120) is used by food manufacturers for restoring or enhancing the colour lost during industrial processing, mainly in confectionery, sodas, sauces and convenience meals. It is most often listed in the ingredient panel as E120, Cochineal / Carmine, or under one of its trade names. On a NutriDécrypte product page, this additive contributes to the additives axis (20% of the overall A to E grade), and triggers a label warning when its EFSA risk level is medium or high.
If you want to limit your exposure to this additive, the simplest tactic is to read the ingredients list (not just the front-of-pack), and to favour products graded A or B in our independent catalog. Less processed, NOVA-1 or NOVA-2 categories rarely contain it.
Related additives in the same family
Other E-numbers classified as colourant in the EU food additives registry. Their risk profile and behaviour on a label are often similar.
Frequently asked questions
Is E120 (Cochineal / Carmine) safe?
EFSA classifies the risk level of E120 as medium risk in its latest review. Always read the latest official opinion before drawing conclusions for your own diet, and consult a registered dietitian for medical questions.
What is E120 typically used for?
Food manufacturers use Cochineal / Carmine primarily for restoring or enhancing the colour lost during industrial processing, mainly in confectionery, sodas, sauces and convenience meals. You will most often find it in ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4) and rarely in unprocessed or minimally processed products (NOVA 1 or 2).
How can I avoid E120 on a label?
Look for the code E120 or its full name Cochineal / Carmine in the ingredients list, usually printed in small font on the back of the pack. Cooking from raw ingredients, choosing NOVA-1 or NOVA-2 alternatives, and using the NutriDécrypte rankings to filter by grade A or B are the three most reliable strategies.