Is There Bug Juice in Your Sobe Lifewater?

We've all heard about the FDA allowing a certain number of incidental buggies to enter our food supply. But did you know there are also intentional bugs in our food? While drinking a pomegranate flavored Sobe Lifewater, I noticed an ingredient that I was unfamiliar with, called cochineal. On a quick search, I realized it is the name of an insect!

The Cochineal or (Dactylopius coccus) is a small, parasitic insect that lives on a cactus. It is native to tropical regions of South America and Mexico. This insect has been boiled for its red color since the time of the Aztecs and Mayans in order to dye textiles. Its popularity waned once other dyes became available. Now it is gaining new popularity as a need for natural dyes to replace synthetic ones has emerged. This small winged insect, is actually boiled into a decoction, treated with other additives such as alum, or cream of tartar, and makes a nice red color.

Many foods, including ice cream, yogurt, juice, and other beverages use Carmine, derived from the Cochineal, for coloring. Even some lip gloss and other cosmetics are tinted using this coloring. It can be listed on a label as carmine, cochineal, crimson lake, or natural red, and doesn't have to be labeled as "insect derived" per the FDA in the U.S. It is an officially approved dye that can be added to food whenever there is a need for a nice shade of red.

Aside from the gross factor, why is this a problem? Hundreds of people per year end up in the emergency room with anaphlactic shock related to an allergy to this additive. Reactions include breathing problems, puffy eyes, swelling and rash. In addition, not knowing whether you are eating or drinking bug parts can be a problem for people trying to adhere to a vegan lifestyle, or those with religious reasons to avoid consuming animals. So what is a non-bug lover to do?