You Might Be Eating Insects Without Realising It

During Diet Week, I briefly touched on this topic, and I believe many of you have started developing the habit of checking ingredient labels.

However, have you ever come across unfamiliar names written in katakana on these labels?

Today, I’d like to introduce one of them: cochineal colour.

 

In Our Daily Diet, We Might Be Consuming Insects Without Realising It

In our everyday lives, it’s possible that we unknowingly consume insects.
This is especially true for processed foods that often contain “insect-derived ingredients.” Because these components are not widely recognised, most people consume them without even being aware of their presence.

In the food industry, various additives are used to enhance colour, flavour, and shelf life, some of which are derived from insects. These components are often listed as “naturally derived”, making it difficult to identify their origin unless you pay close attention.

For example, red drinks, sweets, ice cream, and lipsticks—products we use daily—may contain colourants derived from insects. These colourants are considered essential for creating vivid hues and have been used as additives for a long time. However, learning about how these are made might make you rethink their use.

 

Colourants Derived from Scale Insects

Scale insects are a type of tiny insect that lives parasitically on certain plants.
I have a mimosa tree in my garden, and every year, I struggle to remove scale insects—it’s a never-ending battle! These pests are certainly a nuisance.

That said, the pigment extracted from scale insects has been used for centuries. In particular, the well-known cochineal pigment and carmine acid are widely utilised in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Colourants derived from scale insects are considered safer than synthetic dyes, making them popular in the food and cosmetics industries.
The primary sources are the cochineal scale insect found in Mexico, the kermes scale insect in Southern Europe, and the Asian scale insect in the Hemiptera order. To extract the pigment, large quantities of female insects are harvested, crushed, and boiled to obtain the colourant.

It’s worth noting that cochineal pigment has been linked to potential allergic reactions. If you’re unsure of the cause of your allergies, it’s something you might want to keep in mind.

 

What Is the Cochineal Scale Insect?

The cochineal scale insect (scientific name: Dactylopius coccus) is a widely used source of red pigment. This insect mainly inhabits arid regions of Central and South America. Its name, “cochineal,” originates from the Spanish word cochinilla, and it was used by the ancient Aztec and Mayan civilisations. Today, it is extensively cultivated in Mexico, Peru, and southern Spain.

This pigment contains carmine acid, a chemical compound that dissolves easily in water and alcohol, making it ideal for use as a dye in food and cosmetics. Examples of products containing cochineal pigment include:

• The red hue in yoghurt and fish cakes

• Syrups for shaved ice

• Bright pink drinks

• Sweets such as candies and gummies

• Cosmetics (lipsticks and blush)

On ingredient labels, it’s often listed simply as “cochineal”.

The standout feature of cochineal pigment is its stability and vibrant colour. However, the key ingredient is insects.
Vegetarians and vegans, take note!

Cochineal scale insects attach themselves to prickly pear cacti (Opuntia) and pierce the plant’s phloem to feed. Once they latch onto the plant, most remain stationary, continuously feeding. Some species even leave their mouthparts behind if forcibly removed. In adulthood, only males develop wings and gain the ability to fly.

 

Other Insect-Derived Ingredients Used in Additives and Medicines

Insect-derived ingredients are not limited to cochineal pigment. Here are some other examples used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals:

1. Shellac

Shellac is a natural resin obtained from the lac scale insect (Laccifer lacca). It is used as a glazing agent in foods and as a varnish in woodworking. For example, it is found in the coatings of chocolates and candies.

2. Beeswax

Beeswax is a wax obtained from honeybees and is used to coat foods and in cosmetics such as lip balms and hand creams. Its natural image makes it a popular ingredient in many products.

3. Protein from Beetle Larvae

In recent years, proteins extracted from beetle and cricket larvae have gained attention as part of the edible insect trend, appearing in nutritional supplements and snacks.

 

A Creepy Yet Eye-Opening Story About the Insects We Consume Unknowingly

Insect-derived additives are often hidden in plain sight, and without realising it, they make their way into our bodies through everyday products.

Interestingly, for today’s AI-generated illustration, I set the prompt as "a beautiful girl unknowingly eating insects." But the result? The secret wasn’t so secret—it was blatantly obvious!