Eww. Did you know that many foods get their color from bugs? A popular ingredient called cochineal extract is made from the exoskeleton of bugs and is used to give many packaged foods their bright colors.

While cochineal extract is said to be healthier than artificial dyes, it might pose a risk to some people with specific allergies.

Sounds pretty gross to me. Yet another thing to look for when checking labels.

[Cochineal Extract via The Consumerist]

[tags]diet, dieting, healthy diet[/tags]