Properties
Carminic acid is the water soluble pigment derived from the female cochineal insect by aqueous extraction. It is basically 17-24% of the dried weight of the insect extracted from body and eggs. It is further mixed with Al or Ca salts to precipitate carmine lake which gives bright red colour. It has the advantage of being stable when exposed to heat, light and oxygen.
Applications
Carmine and cochineal can be used for coloring food, drugs and cosmetics intended for the eye area, including Sauces, Meat Product, Soups, Bakery Product, seafood, confectionery, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, cider, vinegar, yogurt, baked goods, jams, jellies, dairy products, snack foods, convenient foods, fruit preparations, and seasonings.
Datasheet 
