Carmine and Cochineal Extract

Carmine is the common term for cochineal based pigments. Technically, carmine is produced when carminic acid is complexed with metals to form insoluble pigments or lakes. Carminic acid is the water-soluble extract of cochineal, an insect that grows on cactus plantations. Carminic acid is often referred to as simply cochineal.

Advantages

Excellent heat, light, and pH stability above pH 3.5. Hue possibilities reach pink, red, purple, or orange, depending on the processing of the extract.

Applications

Water soluble: Beverages, Dairy, Fruit Preps, Confectionery, Savoury, Sauces, Salad Dressing, Extruded Snacks.
Oil dispersible: Coatings, snacks and seasoning

Chemical Structure

carminic acid structure