Starbucks draws flak over dye made from bugs

"Starbucks has landed in hot water with some vegetarians over a decision to use a food coloring made from crushed bugs in products including its Strawberries and Creme Frappuccinos and red velvet whoopee pies.

The coffee giant recently started using cochineal extract, which is made from crushed insects, as a food dye in products that are pink or red in color.

Spokesman Jim Olson told msnbc.com the company switched to the extract in response to customers who wanted Starbucks to use more natural ingredients whenever possible..........

http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/28/10908790-starbucks-draws-flak-over-dye-made-from-bugs

For those who don't recognize the "cochineal", this is the same bug ground up by the Zapotecs to create the red dye used in their woolen rugs.

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Cochineal was also the dye used by the British in the 1700 and 1800's to dye their uniforms. That is where the term "Red coats" came from.

Dr. Mike

There are many types of cochineals. The one used in Oaxaca as a dye is Cochineal grana but the cochineal used in Chiapas to make lacquer is way larger, also has red inside but has different habits.
The one in Oaxaca is found on the nopal the one in Chiapas on timbrales and jocote (tropical plum)
There are many other type of cochineals, I wonder which type is used in food additives , anyone knows for sure?

Cochineal was used way before the Europeans discovered it. It has an interesting history: the dyes especially the red was very unstable and was in much demand by the church and royalties in Europe. When the Spaniards arrived they found out that the indigenous had wonderful reds and made it with a special dye that was way superior to what was known. They brought back the cochineal with them to Europe without having any idea that it came from an insect. It was a well kept secret and it took a very long time for the Europeans to discover it came from an insect. The Italians were the first one to commercialize it. Cochineal grana was more valuable than gold.
It goes now for 150 dollars a kilo in Oaxaca.

The cochineal used in food additives comes from Peru but I do not know if it is the grana or another type of cochineal.

There is an interesting book on the subject called " A perfect Red" by Amy Butler Greenfield. There is also a booklet called Lacas Chiapanecas written by a woman presently living in Tuxtla Gutierrez about another cochineal also know as the lac insect and many other names.

Cochineal plus lime produced the royal colour purple according to wickedpedia. So, for the royalists out there go for it.