My diet:

E902 Candelilla wax

E902Glazing agentsOrigin: Plant
Get a personal answer

Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganYes
Gluten-freeYes
HalalYes
KosherYes
KetoYes
Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Candelilla wax (E902) is a plant wax from a desert shrub, used to gloss candy, fruit and pills. It is the usual vegan stand-in for beeswax and it is considered safe.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE902
Comes fromPlant
What it doesGlazing agents
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledCandelilla wax, Candelilla

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Candelilla wax is GRAS in the US and an approved glazing agent in the EU and Canada. Candy makers use it as a vegan substitute for beeswax. No numerical daily limit is set for the gloss on a sweet.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

The wax is hard and melts cleanly, so it gives jelly beans, chocolate and chewing gum a scuff-resistant shine. Cosmetic lip balms use the same wax. A serving of candy carries only a thin coat.

Where it comes from: Candelilla wax is boiled out of the leaves of the candelilla shrub, Euphorbia antisyphilitica, which grows in the Chihuahuan Desert. It is a plant wax, unlike beeswax or shellac.

Why it’s in food

  • Glosses jelly beans
  • Polishes chocolate
  • Coats chewing gum
  • Replaces beeswax

Often found in

Jelly beansChocolateChewing gumSugar-coated candyFruit coatingsCoffee beans

Also listed as: Candelilla wax, Candelilla

Health & gut impact

Pass-throughConcern

Candelilla wax is barely digested. It passes through as a coating rather than as a fat the body absorbs.

21 CFR 184.1976

Vegan glossBenefit

Unlike beeswax (E901) and shellac (E904), candelilla wax comes from a shrub, so it stays on a vegan ingredient list.

EFSA re-evaluation of candelilla wax

A plant wax for candy making

Plant-based picks
Pantry staple

Candelilla wax pellets

For vegan chocolate and lip balm.

Shop candelilla wax Opens your country’s Amazon store
Pantry staple

Carnauba wax

Another plant wax, harder and shinier.

Shop carnauba wax Opens your country’s Amazon store
Pantry staple

Sunflower lecithin

For flow in chocolate, not for shine.

Shop sunflower lecithin Opens your country’s Amazon store

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It never changes our ratings.

What can I use instead?

Carnauba wax

Ratio: A harder plant wax

Best for: Candy shine

Beeswax

Ratio: Not vegan

Best for: A softer gloss

Related

More glazing agents:

Beeswax E901Beeswax (E901) gives jelly beans, gummies and some fruit their shine. It's safe, halal and kosher, but it isn't vegan.Generally safeCarnauba Wax E903Carnauba wax (E903) is a plant wax from Brazilian palm leaves that makes candy shiny. It's plant-based and safe, and it passes all six diet checks, including halal and kosher.Generally safeShellac (Confectioner's Glaze) E904Confectioner's glaze is shellac (E904), a resin made by lac insects. It's not vegan, and halal and kosher acceptance varies by certifier.Generally safe

Common questions

Is candelilla wax vegan?

Yes. It comes from a shrub. Beeswax and shellac, the other common glazes, do not.

Is Candelilla wax safe?

Generally safe (90/100). Candelilla wax is GRAS in the US and an approved glazing agent in the EU and Canada. Candy makers use it as a vegan substitute for beeswax. No numerical daily limit is set for the gloss on a sweet.

Spotted a mistake on this page? Report it ›

Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 184.1976 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E902
  • 21 CFR 184.1976
  • EFSA re-evaluation of candelilla wax

INS 902 · CAS 8006-44-8