Gross: Starbucks Admits to Using Crushed Up Bugs to Color Popular Drinks
- Posted on March 28, 2012 at 2:31pm by
Erica Ritz
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Moving away from artificial dyes, Starbucks has revealed in a statement this week that it uses “cochineal extract” to give its strawberry drinks a vibrant color.
Mind you, “cochineal extract” is professional jargon for “crushed up bugs.” Coming mainly from Mexico and South America, the female cochineal beetles are dried out, and then ground for the color they produce.
Unfortunately, many vegans (who don’t eat any animal products) have been under the impression that drinks made with soy milk are acceptable for their diet. “We are very, very unhappy to now report that the Strawberries & Crème Frappuccino as well as the Strawberry Smoothies (both made with soy milk) are NOT vegan,” thedishvegetarian.com said. Furthermore, the beetles are not kosher and have been tied to asthma and allergic reactions.
However, the extract is approved by the FDA and has been used to brighten the color of both food and drink for centuries. Though unappealing, you have probably eaten many jams, meats, or baked goods colored with cochineal extract.
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blackyb
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 6:20amIs every body on the planet going to starve because everyone is allergic to everyone’s food?
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 6:18amStarbucks is an overrated cup of joe. They put the military down one time and I have not traded with them since but one time. That is it. That was a couple of years ago. They can pee up a rope as far as I am concerned.
Report Post »Kerstile
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:50amYeah, this is sooooo important. Carmine has been used for centuries and is as safe as any other food additive. I am allergic to certain smoothing agents used in soft ice cream and cheese sauces so I suppose I should start a movement to ban those agents because I am allergic. It’s all about me, doncha know.
Report Post »GR8INFERNO
Posted on April 5, 2012 at 3:09pmYum, that also goes very well with broccoli and garlic.
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