E120 — Cochineal
Red/pink food coloring
Also known as: Carmine · CI 75470 · Cochineal · Crimson Lake · Carminic Acid · Natural Red 4
Not permissible
No — Haraam
Contains prohibited ingredients. This additive is derived from sources that are not permissible in Islamic dietary laws, such as pork-derived ingredients, insects, or alcohol.
School of Thought Breakdown
Hanafi
Not Permitted
Maliki
Not Permitted
Shafi'i
Not Permitted
Hanbali
Not Permitted
Haraam under Hanafi, Maliki, and Shafi'i schools as insects (other than locusts) are prohibited. Some contemporary scholars debate this - consult your local scholar for a definitive ruling.
What to do with this product
Follow these steps in order — most products resolve at step 1 or 2
Avoid this product — E120 is from an impermissible source
This applies regardless of any other claims on the packaging. A halal logo elsewhere on the product does not override a known haram ingredient.
Find a halal-certified alternative
Halal alternatives exist: E162, E163. See the alternatives section below.
Need a halal alternative?
Put it back — look for a halal-certified version on the same shelf.
Look for products carrying an HFA, HMC, or IFANCA logo. This confirms all ingredients — including this E-code — have been independently audited.
Halal-certified sweets — free from E120:
Browse halal alternatives on AmazonAmazon Associate — we earn from qualifying purchases.
About E120
Color obtained from insects. All insects except locust are haram in islam. Contains prohibited ingredients. This additive is derived from sources that are not permissible in Islamic dietary laws, such as pork-derived ingredients, insects, or alcohol.
Not Permissible
Avoid products listing this E-code unless you have confirmed the product holds a valid halal certification covering this ingredient.
What is E120 made from?
- cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus)
Found in products
⚠️ Product formulations change. Always verify by checking the current ingredient list on the packaging.
Possible Impurities
Beyond the declared ingredient, these processing factors may also affect halal status:
- • No chemical impurities — E120 is derived directly from crushed cochineal insects; the concern is the source itself (insect-derived), not a processing impurity.
- • Alcohol extraction — some carmine manufacturing processes use alcohol to extract and purify the pigment; residual alcohol levels vary by supplier.
Foods that commonly contain E120
Food Category Guide
E120 is common in fruit juices — see the full halal guide →
Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E120 (Cochineal / Carminic Acid) halal?
E120 (Cochineal / Carminic Acid) is classified as Haraam (Prohibited). Contains prohibited ingredients. This additive is derived from sources that are not permissible in Islamic dietary laws, such as pork-derived ingredients, insects, or alcohol.
What is E120 used for?
E120 is used as a red/pink food coloring in food products.
What foods contain E120?
E120 (Cochineal / Carminic Acid) is commonly found in: red/pink yogurt, strawberry flavored products, fruit juices, sweets and confectionery, red wine, lipstick (cosmetics), Campari.
What is E120 made from?
E120 can be derived from the following sources: cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus).
What are the other names for E120?
E120 may appear on food labels as: Carmine, CI 75470, Cochineal, Crimson Lake, Carminic Acid, Natural Red 4.
food colors — 51 E-codes: 20 Halal, 2 Haraam, 29 Mushbooh
Related E-Codes in food colors
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Commonly appears with
These E-codes often appear on the same food label — check them too.
This information is for educational purposes only. For religious rulings, consult a qualified Islamic scholar or halal certification authority. E-code classifications may vary by source, manufacturing process, and school of thought.