Originally Posted by
TMOliver
You've likely consumed dozens of products using cochineal, crushed beetle powder for want of a better description, during your life. I's pretty common, a little bit goes a long way and it's been price competitive with "synthetic organics", compounds no less potentially toxic (and maybe a lot more toxic, since eating bugs is pretty safe in most cases while wasn't that old "Red Dye #2" that looked to be carcinogenic?).
Even though I don't keep kosher, I generally look for the
OU kosher logo
and other
kashrut certification symbols on packaged goods. That way I can avoid consuming such unappetizing ingredients.
I much prefer Starbucks substitute ingredient, lycopene, a natural, tomato-based extract (
source). Why could they not use it originally?