Ingredient · E120

Paprika And Carmine

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Source

Animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Paprika is used to add a mild, sweet flavor and a red to orange …

What it is

Paprika is a spice made from ground dried red peppers, typically varieties of *Capsicum annuum*. Carmine is a vibrant red pigment derived from crushed cochineal insects (*Dactylopius coccus*). It is produced by drying and grinding the insects, then extracting the carminic acid.

Why it's used

Paprika is used to add a mild, sweet flavor and a red to orange color to foods. Carmine is used as a red colorant in a wide variety of foods, including dairy products, baked goods, and beverages. Both are valued for their intense color.

Health notes

Paprika and carmine are both approved food colorants by the FDA. Carmine has been associated with allergic reactions in a small number of individuals, though this is rare. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA have evaluated these colorants. JECFA has also evaluated carmine and established specifications for its use.

Allergen info

Carmine is derived from insects, which are not among the 9 FDA major allergens. Paprika is derived from peppers, also not a major allergen. Neither contains gluten.

Products containing Paprika And Carmine

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The Fresh Market, Inc. Smoked Salmon Seafood Spread Butter & Spread 222kcal 11.1Protein 22.2Fat 3.7Carbs Superior Foods Company Atlantic Salmon Pinwheels, Atlantic Salmon Fish & Seafood High in sodium — 30% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 241kcal 11.8Protein 15.9Fat 12.3Carbs Encore Seafoods, Inc. Salmon W/ Broccoli Cheddar Pacifica, Broccoli Cheddar Pacifica Fish & Seafood High in saturated fat — 28% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 27% DV per serving 36kcal 15.3Protein 23.5Fat 10Carbs Fortune Imports, LLC Smoked Salmon Dip, Smoked Dips & Salsa High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 259kcal 11.1Protein 29.6Fat 3.7Carbs Sushic, LLC Sushi Rice Rolled With Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, Imitation Crab, Jalapeno And Topped With Crab Mayo, Yum Yum Sauce, Spicy Poke Sauce, And Tempura Crumbs East Coast Roll Sushi High in sodium — 81% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in added sugars — 34% DV per serving 192kcal 5.2Protein 10.4Fat 22.1Carbs

Encore Seafoods, Inc. Wild Alaskan Salmon Fillet With Seafood Stuffing, Seafood Stuffing Fish & Seafood High in sodium — 46% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 30% DV per serving 253kcal 18.2Protein 14.7Fat 12.3Carbs SureGreen Mulch, LLC California Special A Combination Of Spicy, Crunchy California Roll, California Special Sushi High in sodium — 64% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 167kcal 3.0Protein 7.6Fat 20.6Carbs SureGreen Mulch, LLC All American Roll Sushi Rice Rolled With Imitation Crab, Cream Cheese, Avocado, Jalapeno And Topped With Spicy Imitation Crab, Spicy Mayo, Sushi Sauce And Fried Onions, All American Sushi High in sodium — 68% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 199kcal 3.3Protein 11.3Fat 19.5Carbs SureGreen Mulch, LLC Pittsburgh Sushi Rice Rolled With Spicy Imitation Crab And Topped With Avocado, Spicy Mayo, Sushi Sauce, And Sesame Seeds Roll Sushi High in sodium — 66% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 183kcal 3.2Protein 11.2Fat 18.0Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.