Shellac (E904): what it is and where it’s used

What is shellac?

Shellac (E904) is made from a resin that lac insects leave on tree branches, mostly in India and Thailand. It is collected, purified and used as a glaze. On sweets it is often listed as “confectioner’s glaze” or “resinous glaze” rather than by its E-number, and on tablets as “pharmaceutical glaze”. Plant-based glazes include carnauba wax (E903) and candelilla wax (E902).

Where is shellac found?

Shiny sweets, chocolate lentils and jelly beans are often glazed with it.
Coated tablets and supplements use it as a pharmaceutical glaze.
Waxed apples and citrus fruit can be coated with it.
Some coffee beans and glazed nuts carry it.

Label code: E904

E-number pageE904 · Shellac

What are the other names for shellac on a label?

On a label, shellac can also appear as “E904”, “Confectioner’s glaze”, “Resinous glaze”, “Pharmaceutical glaze” or “Lac resin”.

E904Confectioner’s glazeResinous glazePharmaceutical glazeLac resinCandy glaze

Which diets and allergies does shellac fit?

For shellac: vegan and vegetarian profiles get Not for you; dairy-free, gluten-free, peanut-allergy, sesame-allergy, egg-allergy, soy-allergy and caffeine-free profiles get Fits you.

VeganNot for youIt is made from a resin produced by insects.

VegetarianNot for youIt is made from a resin produced by insects.

A packed product can still carry a “may contain” warning, so check the pack.