Carmine is a high-performance natural colorant derived from the cochineal insect (Dactylopius Coccus Costa). These insects thrive on cacti across Central and South America. Today, BioconColors sources a significant portion of its raw material from Peru, where the ideal climate supports both wild-harvested and plantation-grown cochineal, ensuring a sustainable and consistent supply of the finest natural red pigments.
The Science of Carmine: From Carminic Acid to Carmine Lakes
Our advanced production process begins with the water extraction of cochineal to obtain a concentrated Carminic Acid solution. Through rigorous purification, we produce a stable, water-soluble Carminic Acid suitable for a variety of liquid applications.
To achieve our signature Carmine Lakes, Carminic Acid is reacted with calcium and aluminum. This process creates a versatile, insoluble pigment that is highly valued for its intensity and stability in solid and opaque formulations.
Versatile Shades and PH Stability
As natural anthraquinone red colors, cochineal extract and carmine offer a diverse spectrum of hues. Depending on the extraction method (water or alcohol) and the application’s pH level, our pigments deliver:
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Low PH (Acidic): Bright, vibrant “strawberry” and magenta reds.
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High PH (Alkaline): Deep, rich “blackcurrant” purples and violets.
Industry Applications & NATRUE Certification
BioconColors’ Carmine is celebrated for its excellent heat and light stability, making it the preferred choice for demanding manufacturing processes. Our natural red solutions are widely used across the following industries:
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Food & Beverage: Processed meat and fish, confectionery, dairy (yogurts/ice cream), bakery, snacks, and fruit juices.
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Healthcare & Cosmetics: Pharmaceutical coatings and beauty products.
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Certified Quality: For cosmetic manufacturers, our Carmine is NATRUE Approved, meeting the highest standards for natural and organic cosmetics.
Product Categories
Carmine lake
Characteristics of Carmine Lake
The carmine is obtained by precipitation of carminic acid with calcium and aluminum
- Soluble in alkali solutions
- Color shade: Pink to Violet
- Temperature stability: Excellent
- Light stability: Excellent
- Main applications: Carmine can be used in a wide variety of food applications
Carminic Acid
Characteristics of Carminic acid
- Obtained through aqueous extraction of the cochineal
- Soluble in water, acids and alkali solutions
- Color shade provided: Orange to Violet, depending on pH
- Temperature stability: Excellent
- Light stability: Excellent
- Main applications: Beverages
Carmine Powder
Low Tinctorials
- Product appearance: Fine red powder
- Obtained by precipitation of carminic acid with calcium and aluminum
- Completely soluble in dilute alkali solution, insoluble in water
- Low tinctorial strength
- Carminic acid content: 25 – 60%
- A range of Carmine NF products are available, each with a specific color shade:
- Biocon Carmine NF – 100 series, color shade: Low Red
Biocon Carmine NF – 200 series, color shade: Red Yellowish
Biocon Carmine NF – 300 series, color shade: Red Bluish
Biocon Carmine NF – 400 series, color shade: Violet - Main applications: Meat, surimi, snacks and cosmetics
- Commercial name: Biocon Carmine NF / BPC range
High Tinctorials
- Product appearance: Extra fine red powder
- Obtained by precipitation of carminic acid with calcium and aluminum
- Completely soluble in dilute alkali solution, insoluble in water
- High tinctorial strength
- Carminic acid content: 25 – 55%
- Color shade provided: Red Yellowish to Red Bluish
- Main applications: Meat, Cosmetics & Pharmaceutical
- Commercial name: Biocon Carmine RY / RB / HR / HRB range
Powder
Carminic Acid Cristallized
- Product appearance: Fine orange reddish powder
- Crystallized coloring pigment extracted from cochineal
- Completely soluble in water
- Carminic Acid Content: Min. 90%
- Color shade provided: Orange to Voilet, depending on pH
- Main applications: beverages (fruit juiches) and confectionery
- Commercial name: Biocon Carminic Acid – CR
Carminic Acid Spray Dried
- Product appearance: Dark brown powder
- Spray dried aqueous solution of coloring pigments extracted from cochineal standardized with carrier
- Completely soluble in water
- Carminic Acid Content: Min. 90%
- Color shade provided: Orange to Voilet, depending on pH
- Main applications: beverages (fruit juiches) and confectionery
- Commercial name: Biocon Carminic Acid – SD
Carmine Liquid
Water Miscible
- Product appearance: Purple liquid
- Aqueous solution of carmine, stabilized in alkali solution and when required also in emulsifier
- Completely miscible in water
- Carminic acid content: 2 – 20%
- Color shade provided: Red Yellowish to Red Bluish
- Main applications: Meat, yogurt, milk drinks, ice creams, confectionery and pastry
- Commercial name: Biocolor range
Carmine Suspension
- Product appearance: Viscous red liquid
- Carmine lake stabilized in emulsifier
- Dispersible in fat
- Carminic acid content: 4 – 20%
- Color shade provided: Strawberry Red
- Main applications: Fish meat, confectionery, desserts
- Commercial name: Biocon OS range
Acid proof
Acid Proof
There are two types of acid proof products:
Type 1
- Product appearance: Red liquid
- Solution obtained from aqueous extraction of cochineal stabilized in emulsifiers
- Completely miscible in water
- Carminic acid content: 3 – 7.5%
- Color shade: Orange
- Main applications: Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, fruit juices, confectionery and yogurts
- Commercial name: Biocon Carmine APC / APC – PCN range
Type 2
- Product appearance: Red liquid
- Solution obtained from aqueous extraction of cochineal stabilized in emulsifiers
- Completely miscible in water
- Carminic acid content: Max. 3 – 7.5%
- Color shade provided: Magenta to Red-Orange
- Main applications: Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, fruit juices, yogurts, milk drinks, ice creams, confectionery, pastry and pharmaceuticals
- Commercial name: Biocon Carmine APC – RAZ / APC – RAM range
RAZ and RAM are type 2 products which contain 4-Amino Carminic Acid as principle colouring and according EU Regulation are not allowed to be labelled as E120 and used in Europe. For usage outside Europe recommended to consult the respective local legislation.
