A red food dye made from crushed female cochineal insects. Because eating insects (other than locusts) is forbidden in several Islamic schools, some scholars deem this additive doubtful or haram, while others allow it if fully chemically processed (Istihalah).

If gelatin is derived from pigs, it is strictly haram. If derived from cows/animals slaughtered in a non-halal manner, it is considered doubtful. Safe alternatives are plant-based agar-agar or halal bovine gelatin.