My diet:

E904 Shellac (Confectioner's Glaze)

E904Glazing agentsOrigin: Animal
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Every diet

VeganNo

Secreted by insects. Many vegetarians accept it; vegans don't.

Gluten-freeYes
HalalDepends

Many certifiers accept it because it's a secretion, not the insect itself; the alcohol solvent concerns some.

KosherDepends

Some major kosher agencies accept it; others don't.

KetoYes
Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Confectioner'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

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE904
Comes fromAnimal
What it doesGlazing agents
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledConfectioner's glaze, Confectioners glaze

Want shiny candy without bugs?

Plant-based picks
Vegan treats

Vegan jelly beans

Glazed with carnauba wax instead of shellac.

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Plant-based swap

Carnauba wax, food grade

For glazing homemade candy.

Shop carnauba wax Opens your country’s Amazon store
Look for the label

Certified vegan chocolate candies

Shellac-free coated chocolates.

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Rules by country

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

Approved everywhere for coating candy, fruit and pills.

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

What is it?

Shellac is a natural resin. A very thin coat makes candy shiny, stops it sticking together and keeps fruit from drying out.

Where it comes from: A resin secreted by female lac bugs on trees in India and Thailand, scraped off, cleaned and dissolved in alcohol.

Why it’s in food

  • Makes jelly beans and candy shiny
  • Stops coated candy sticking together
  • Keeps apples and citrus fresh-looking

Often found in

Jelly beansCandy cornChocolate-covered raisinsWaxed applesCoated pills

Also listed as: Confectioner's glaze, Confectioners glaze, Resinous glaze, Pure food glaze, Lac resin

Health & gut impact

SafetyBenefit

Used in tiny amounts and not absorbed.

JECFA (1992)

What can I use instead?

Carnauba wax

Ratio: Thin coat

Best for: Candy shine (vegan)

Zein (corn protein)

Ratio: Thin coat

Best for: Pill and candy coatings

Common questions

Is Shellac safe?

Generally safe (80/100). Approved everywhere for coating candy, fruit and pills.

Is Shellac vegan?

No. Secreted by insects. Many vegetarians accept it; vegans don't.

Is Shellac gluten-free?

Yes.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 73.1 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E904
  • JECFA (1992)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: October 31, 2026 · INS 904 · CAS 9000-59-3