Starbucks using bugs in its Strawberry Frappuccino
Mar 26, 2012, 6:07 PM | Updated: Mar 27, 2012, 6:18 am
Your Starbucks Strawberry Frappuccino is full of bugs, but
it’s OK with the FDA.
It turns out, according to ABCNews.com, the ingredients include
‘cochineal extract,’ or dried out, ground up bug bodies,
which is used to give the delicious drink its rosy color.
Apparently Starbucks is attempting to decrease its use of
artificial ingredients.
If the sound of insects in your beverage grosses you out,
don’t fret, cochineal extract has been used to dye food,
clothing, and cosmetics since the 15th century. In fact,
the FDA considers it safe for a long list of foods. It
has been known to cause asthma or allergic reactions.
Starbucks has addressed the issue, but as it relates to
whether or not the drink is considered vegan. It says the
Strawberry Frappuccino is not vegan, but the dye
lets them move away from artificial dyes.
What might be even more appalling than dead bugs in your
drink is the calorie count on the Strawberry
Frappuccino. It’ll cost you 470 calories and 17 grams of
fat for a grande (16 oz) drink.
