Vegans Bugged By New Starbucks Natural Color Additive
Categories: Chain Reactions
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Fresh from what seem like a victory against the "pink slime" beef, now there's some controversy about what Starbucks is starting to put in their Strawberry Frappuccinos.
The substance is called cochineal extract, which is a food coloring made from crushed bugs. It's not new. Also known as carmine, it's been used as a coloring agent since the 15th century and is found in a lot of foodstuffs we consume today (just check the label for cochineal extract or carmine).
Starbucks said in response to the controversy that they "have the goal to minimize artificial ingredients in our products. While the strawberry base isn't a vegan product, it helps us move away from artificial dyes."
There is, however, some suggestions that the substance could contribute to asthma in some people. So are you bugging out over this?
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