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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cochineal

No indication of insects in product on front of package; https://pic8.co/sh/qQEm4i.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cochineal No indication of insects in product on front of package; https://pic8.co/sh/qQEm4i.jpg

(post is archived)

[–] [Sticky] 6 pts

Cochineal is a natural carmine (red) dye that is derived from insects. It's been used as a dye and additive for more than 400 years. It's considered safer than artificial dyes like red dye#2. It's not quite the same or as concerning as adding cockroaches.

[–] 0 pt

Interesting.

It's considered safer than artificial dyes like red dye#2.

That doesn't mean it's safe though.

It's not quite the same or as concerning as adding cockroaches.

Disagree.

[–] 4 pts

This has been happening for a long time. Im pretty sure that the red in red velvet cake is made using this extract.

[–] 2 pts

I have to agree with you, but if you're consuming processed food items, "natural coloring" is probably better for you than something that's made at a chemical plant in New Jersey.

[–] 2 pts (edited )

The marshmellows that contain bugs are the pink ones.

Other places these bugs are found.

• Frozen meat and fish

• Soft, fruit, energy, and powdered drinks and alcoholic beverages

• Yogurts, ice cream, and dairy-based drinks

• Candy, syrups, fillings, and chewing gum

• Canned fruits like cherries and jams

• Dehydrated and canned soups

• Ketchup

• Frappuccino Starbucks

Anything that's red/pink

Other names:

carminic acid, carmine, or cochineal extract

Red No. 40 [very bad for you] is often mistaken as a euphemism for cochineal, but it's actually bug-free and derived from coal

[–] 0 pt

have secretly started inserting insects

Misleading title.

They haven’t secretly started inserting insects.

They have been doing it for centuries.

And secrets are written on the packaging now, apparently. Guess I don't know the new definition of secret.