Starbucks Criticized Over Cochineal Use in Previously Vegan Frappuccinos

The recipe for the product was changed at the end of 2011, vegetarian groups are disappointed that the chain did not adequately inform consumers about the recipe change.

29 Mar 2012 --- Starbucks has confirmed that the food additive cochineal made from crushed beetles is used in the company's strawberry flavored drinks.

The recipe for the product was changed at the end of 2011, vegetarian groups are disappointed that the chain did not adequately inform consumers about the recipe change.

Cochineal is considered safe by the FDA, and is widely used for coloration in jams, preserves, meat, marinades, alcoholic drinks, bakery products, cookies, cheddar cheese and many other food products.

A vegan Starbucks barista highlighted the recipe change on thisdishisvegetarian.com by providing a list of new ingredients used in the Strawberries & Crème Frappuccino and strawberry-flavored smoothies.

Two years ago the company launched the "However-You-Want-it Frappuccino" one of the drink’s original selling points was that the product was vegan, if made with soy milk.

Starbucks explained in a company statement that the new extract is part of a wider move to minimize the amount of artificial ingredients in its products. Though it can create a vegan ingredient drink, it can't guarantee a completely pure drink thanks to cross-contamination of animal-derived products at stores.

The company released a statement trying to reassure consumers: “At Starbucks, we strive to carry products that meet a variety of dietary lifestyles and needs. We also 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.

“Many Starbucks ingredients can be combined to create a beverage free from animal-derived products; however, we are unable to guarantee this due to the potential cross-contamination with other animal-derived products in our retail locations.

Cochineal is nothing new. Deemed safe by the FDA, the extract is an additive found in a number of food and cosmetic products. The World Health Organization, however, found that cochineal extract can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals, while asthma may be triggered in others.”