Starbucks Uses Insects for Pink Coloring: Gross or Doable?
SodaHead Living
2012/03/27 21:00:00
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Love the pink color of your Starbucks Strawberry Frappuccino? Think it comes from fresh strawberries? Think again. The coffee chain announced in a statement that it has started using cochineal extract to create that pink color, ABC News reports.
So what the heck is cochineal extract? It's derived from grinding up insects, the dried bodies of cochineal bugs, found primarily in Mexico and South America, according to ABC. Suddenly, a tall Pike Place is sounding like a better bet.
But before you get all bugged out, consider the facts. Starbucks says the move was intended to reduce its use of artificial ingredients. Cochineal dye has been used as a coloring agent since the 15th century, and it's considered safe by the FDA. In fact, it's widely used for coloration in jams, preserves, meat, marinades, alcoholic drinks, bakery products, cookies, cheddar cheese and many other food products, according to ABC, so you're probably eating it already and don't even realize it. However, cochineal extract may cause asthma or an allergic reaction. So, keep that in mind, too.
So what the heck is cochineal extract? It's derived from grinding up insects, the dried bodies of cochineal bugs, found primarily in Mexico and South America, according to ABC. Suddenly, a tall Pike Place is sounding like a better bet.
But before you get all bugged out, consider the facts. Starbucks says the move was intended to reduce its use of artificial ingredients. Cochineal dye has been used as a coloring agent since the 15th century, and it's considered safe by the FDA. In fact, it's widely used for coloration in jams, preserves, meat, marinades, alcoholic drinks, bakery products, cookies, cheddar cheese and many other food products, according to ABC, so you're probably eating it already and don't even realize it. However, cochineal extract may cause asthma or an allergic reaction. So, keep that in mind, too.
Top Opinion
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TheMadChameleon 2012/03/27 23:41:01
what doesn't have bugs in it?
You wouldn't eat anything if you knew what all your consuming on a daily basis.
Vegans, I could really gross you out but as long as you don't know, my grass fed beef prices will be lower, you know the whole consumer and demand thing :-))
It's just weird that other omnivores are freaking out about this when... hello, the other things they eat are a lot grosser.