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Starbucks Corp Will Reformulate Drinks Using Red Dye From Crushed Bugs

We knew Starbucks would buckle under on this one. The coffee business is a billion dollar business and so since they are at the top of their game in the industry, it would behoove them to make a clear and conscious stand that pleases their good paying customers.

Here’s the report on the changes to be made to red-dyed drinks and products sold at Starbucks moving forward:

Starbucks Corp. says it will stop using a red dye in its drinks that is derived from crushed bugs.

The Seattle-based coffee chain said it made the decision to reformulate its drinks after feedback from consumers prompted a “thorough” evaluation.

The company says it will swap out cochineal extract, which is made from the juice of a tiny beetle, and instead use lycopene, a tomato-based extract.

Cochineal dye is widely used in foods and cosmetics products such as lipstick, yogurt and shampoo. Starbucks had used the coloring in its strawberry flavored mixed drinks and foods like the raspberry swirl cake and red velvet whoopie pie.

The company says the items will be reformulated by the end of June.

An online petition on Change.org asking the chain to stop using the bug-based dye had collected more than 6,000 signatures. The petition was started by a South Carolina woman who wanted to inform consumers that the chain’s strawberry drinks weren’t vegan-friendly.

We don’t support Starbucks because we think they are well over priced and besides, (McDonald’s Frappe’ is less expensive and good tasting!) but we think they made the right business decision in this case. We hope you caught onto the statement of business being the main objective here.

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