Starbucks says it has started using cochineal extract to supply the strawberry coloring for those drinks -- in their attempt to reduce use of artificial ingredients.
Cochineal extract is derived from grinding up insects, the dried bodies of cochineal bugs -- which are found primarily in Mexico and South America. But don't be alarmed-this is considered safe by the FDA and is widely used for coloration in jams, meat, alcoholic beverages and other food products.
