Carmine
Other names E120, cochineal extract
Carmine: high in salicylate; moderate in histamine. If you're sensitive to any of these, check it against your profile before eating.
Intolerances
- SalicylateHigh
Carmine is a natural red extracted from cochineal insects, but natural origin does not help here — it belongs to the colour group that reliably triggers salicylate-sensitive people.
Sources· 1
- Baenkler H-W., Dtsch Arztebl Int 105:8 (2008) 137-142, salicylate intolerance - mechanism, clinical spectrum, diagnosis and treatment
- Histamine (+liberators / DAO inhibitors)Moderate
Carmine (E120) is the odd one out, and the difference matters. It is a natural red extracted from cochineal insects, and it carries a mechanism nothing else here carries: a documented IgE ALLERGY, with confirmed cases including anaphylaxis, which does not depend on dose the way a liberator does. The Swiss list still marks it L at 2 of 3, so it sits in both groups rather than outside the liberators.
Sources· 3
- Zuberbier et al., EAACI/GA2LEN urticaria guideline
- EFSA re-evaluations of food colours (2009-2016)
- SIGHI — Swiss Interest Group Histamine Intolerance, food-compatibility list (2024-08-29), for the L classification and the compatibility rating
- TyramineNone
- SucroseNone
- FODMAPsNone
- LactoseFODMAPsNone
- OligosaccharidesFODMAPsNone
- SorbitolFODMAPsNone
- FructoseFODMAPsNone
- NickelNone
- OxalatesNone
- GlutenNo
Intolerance levels are based on our documented scientific sources. See sources →
React to Salicylate? Check these too
More in Additives
- 4-hexylresorcinol
- Acacia gum
- Acetic acid
- Acetic acid esters of mono/diglycerides
- Acetylated distarch phosphate
- Acetylated oxidized starch
- Acetylated starch
- Adipic acid
- Agar-agar
- Alginic acid
- Allura Red AC
- Alpha-tocopherol
Frequently asked questions
Which intolerances does carmine affect?
Carmine is notable for salicylate and histamine. Clear on tyramine, sucrose, FODMAPs, lactose, oligosaccharides, sorbitol, fructose, nickel, oxalates and gluten.
Does carmine contain salicylate?
Yes — carmine is high in salicylate. Carmine is a natural red extracted from cochineal insects, but natural origin does not help here — it belongs to the colour group that reliably triggers salicylate-sensitive people.
Does carmine contain histamine?
Carmine contains moderate levels of histamine. Carmine (E120) is the odd one out, and the difference matters. It is a natural red extracted from cochineal insects, and it carries a mechanism nothing else here carries: a documented IgE ALLERGY, with confirmed cases including anaphylaxis, which does not depend on dose the way a liberator does. The Swiss list still marks it L at 2 of 3, so it sits in both groups rather than outside the liberators. Amounts vary by brand and recipe, so always check the label of the exact product.
Check any product in seconds
Scan a barcode with the Yllo app and see straight away whether a product fits your intolerances.