January 27, 2026
Is E120 Halal? The Shocking Truth About Carmine
Quick Answer: generally, E120 (Carmine) is considered Haram by the majority of scholars (Hanafi, Shafi’i, Hanbali) because it is derived from insects. However, the Maliki school traditionally considers insects permissible to eat.
What exactly is E120?
You might have seen “Carmine”, “Cochineal Extract”, or “Natural Red 4” on your yogurt label. These are all fancy names for E120.
But the origin of this additive surprises most consumers. E120 is a red pigment produced by crushing the female Cochineal insect, a beetle found on cacti in South America.
Thousands of these bugs are dried, crushed, and boiled to extract carminic acid, which gives that vibrant red color to:
- Red candies and gummies
- Strawberry yogurts
- Fruit juices
- Lipsticks and blush
The Islamic Ruling (Fiqh) on Eating Insects
The permissibility of E120 depends entirely on how your Madhab (School of Thought) views the consumption of insects.
1. The Hanafi View (Haram)
In the Hanafi school, all insects (except locusts) are considered Khabaith (repulsive/impure) and are therefore Haram (forbidden) to consume. Since E120 is essentially boiled insect juice, it is strictly forbidden.
Tayib Action: If you follow the Hanafi school, set your Tayib App preferences to “Strict” to get alerted instantly.
2. The Shafi’i and Hanbali View (Haram)
The majority opinion in these schools also forbids eating insects (with the exception of locusts), classifying them as repulsive. Therefore, E120 is generally avoided.
3. The Maliki View (Halal)
The Maliki school has a different approach. Historically, they view most living creatures as pure unless explicitly forbidden by text (like pork). Many Maliki scholars consider insects permissible to eat as long as they are not harmful (poisonous). Note: Always consult your local scholar, as modern opinions may vary due to the “yuck factor”.
Is it harmful to health?
Beyond the religious aspect, E120 is known to cause allergic reactions in some people. It can trigger asthma or anaphylactic shock in rare cases. It is also obviously not Vegan or Vegetarian.
How to spot it without a PhD?
Manufacturers are clever. They don’t always write “E120”. Look out for these aliases:
- Carmine / Carmin
- Cochineal Extract
- CI 75470
- Natural Red 4
- Crimson Lake
The Solution? Stop Reading, Start Scanning.
Memorizing E-numbers is exhausting. That’s why we built Tayib.
Instead of reading tiny fonts in the grocery aisle, simply point your camera at the ingredients. Our AI instantly recognizes E120 (and its 10+ synonyms) and warns you based on your selected Fiqh settings.
Download Tayib for iOS today and eat with peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions: Is E120 (Carmine) Halal?
What insects are exactly used to make E120?
E120 is made from the female Cochineal scale insect (Dactylopius coccus). These tiny bugs live on prickly pear cacti, primarily in South and Central America (like Peru and Mexico). The insects are harvested, dried in the sun, and crushed to extract carminic acid from their bodies and eggs to create the bright red dye.
Is Carmine (E120) considered Haram in all Islamic Madhabs?
No, there is a difference of opinion. The Hanafi, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools generally consider all insects (except locusts) to be 'Khabaith' (repulsive) and therefore Haram to consume. However, the Maliki school, as well as some modern Halal authorities like the MUI in Indonesia, consider cochineal permissible (Halal), often comparing it to the permissibility of eating grasshoppers.
What are common Halal alternatives to E120 red dye?
Fortunately, there are many 100% Halal, plant-based alternatives that manufacturers use to achieve a red color. These include Beetroot extract, Lycopene (derived from tomatoes), Paprika extract, Anthocyanins (from berries), and Red Cabbage extract.
Are synthetic red dyes like Red 40 Halal?
Yes. While they might not be the healthiest option, synthetic petroleum-based dyes like Red 40 (Allura Red) or E124 (Ponceau 4R) do not contain any animal or insect products. From a strict Fiqh perspective, these artificial dyes are Halal to consume.
How can I identify Carmine on a label if it doesn't say 'E120'?
Manufacturers often use alternate names to hide the insect origin. You should look out for 'Carmine', 'Cochineal Extract', 'Natural Red 4', 'Crimson Lake', or 'C.I. 75470'. The easiest way to catch all of these is to simply scan the ingredients list with the Tayib app.