Starbucks to Stop Using “Crushed Bug” Dye
April 30, 2012 § 1 Comment
Starbuck released a statement that the company is reformulating it’s drinks after a Change.org petition was signed by more than 6000 consumers.
Word spread quickly that Starbucks used cochineal extract, which is made from the juice of a tiny beetle, and instead use lycopene, a tomato-based extract. Cochineal dye is widely used in foods and cosmetics products like lipstick, yogurt and shampoo. Starbucks had used the coloring in its strawberry flavored mixed drinks and foods like the raspberry swirl cake and red velvet whoopie pie. The company says the new reformulated treats will be on sale by the end of June.
This just goes to show you that consumer voices are important. The company would never have made such a switch to proven saleable recipes unless consumers insisted on higher quality product. Don’t let your voice go unheard. It could be the difference between eating crushed beetles or tomato extract. Which would you prefer?
