Starbucks to stop using crushed bug dye for pink color in drinks

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Starbucks has decided to put a hold on the crushed bugs in some of its popular drinks.

The coffee chain said it will stop using cochineal extract to give its Strawberry Frappuccino and several other menu items that pink color.

Cochineal extract is made from the juice of a tiny beetle and is widely used in foods and cosmetics products.

Starbucks said it's reformulating its drinks after receiving negative feedback from consumers, including those who complained the extract was not vegan-friendly.

The company said it will switch to lycopene, a tomato-based extract.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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