We've all eaten this bug throughout our lives without even knowing it!
Cochineal insects, which are harvested from cacti and resemble powdered sugar lumps, produce one of the most vibrant red dyes in the world called carmine when crushed. This dye has been used for thousands of years in royal garments, military uniforms, and paintings, and was even worth its weight in gold. Today, it’s used in products like Starbucks drinks, Skittles, lipsticks, and yogurts because it's considered "natural," longer-lasting, and cheaper than other colorings. Although some companies, like Starbucks, have stopped using it after public backlash, many still use it under the name E120. So, it might be worth checking the ingredients next time you're eating something red!
