Live and Let Dye

Starbucks has announced it will discontinue the use of cochineal extract, which is made from crushed beetles, in the red dye used to make some of its specialty drinks and foods. The ubiquitous coffee purveyor bowed to pressure from consumers, ranging from upset vegans who protested on ethical grounds all the way to non-vegans who just found it gross that their drink contained mashed bugs. The new and improved dye will replace the insects with lycopene, which is extracted from tomatoes. Considering the PR troubles this created, Starbucks will certainly think twice before using Soylent Green to color its Green Tea Frappuccino.