Carmine, or cochineal (120), can come in a red, pink, purple or orange colour. It is highly stable to heat and light and can be used in dairy, bakery, meat and confectionery. Carminic acid is the orange colour and is used in beverage.
Stability
| Light Fastness | Good |
| Temperature | Good |
| SO2 Resistant | High |
| Colour at pH | |
| pH 3 | Red |
| pH 5 | Red |
| pH 7 | Red |
| pH 7-9 | Red |