smarties

[TheLegend]

is it true that the colouring in smarties is made from crushed beetles?

[scubadiver]

Don't know specifically about smarties, but a commonly used red food colouring (called cochineal) is derived from crushed beetles

[nicola_red]

We've had this Q before and yes, it is true.  The colouring is E120 also known as cochineal, used to colour the red ones.  There is a synthetic variety available, but Smarties use the real thing and are therefore not suitable for vegetarians.  It's also in Cointreau.

[nicola_red]

Sorry, didn't mean Cointreau at all, I meant Campari.

[ursula62]

Smarties do not appear to be vegetarian, which would indicate that something in them is animal sourced, probably a colouring or wax glaze.

Here's the Veggie friendly list from the manufacturer.

http://www.nestle.co.uk/nutrition/freefrom/docs/freefrom_vegetarian.pdf

[nicola_red]

Yes Ursula, that's the cocineal I just referred to...

I've been vegetarian for 14 years so I've done a fair bit of research on this stuff.

[ursula62]

Sorry Nicola

There were no replies when I was typing my answer!

[nicola_red]

No worries Ursula - the page must be taking a while to update!

[Mowbray]

Only Smartie's have the answer........(sorry, I couldn't resit it)