Is it vegan? Additives & E-numbers E904
Is confectioner’s glaze vegan?
Quick answer: No. Confectioner’s glaze is shellac (E904) dissolved in alcohol, made from a resin secreted by lac insects.
Also called: resinous glaze, pure food glaze, shellac glaze, E904
Why it isn’t vegan
Confectioner’s glaze, sometimes labelled resinous glaze or pure food glaze, is a food-grade form of shellac used to give sweets, sprinkles and chocolate-coated products a hard, shiny finish. Because shellac is produced by lac insects, the glaze is not vegan.
Some sprinkles and coated sweets use carnauba wax instead, which is plant-based.
What to look for on the label
- confectioner’s glaze
- resinous glaze
- pure food glaze
- shellac
- E904
Where it’s found
- Sprinkles and hundreds and thousands
- Jelly beans and coated sweets
- Chocolate-covered raisins, nuts and coffee beans
Vegan alternatives
- Carnauba wax (E903)
- Candelilla wax (E902)
- Uncoated sweets
Frequently asked questions
Is confectioner’s glaze vegan?
No. Confectioner’s glaze is shellac (E904) dissolved in alcohol, made from a resin secreted by lac insects.
Are jelly beans vegan?
Many are not, because they may contain gelatin, shellac (confectioner’s glaze) or beeswax. Check each brand’s ingredients.
Sources
- Approved additives and E numbers — Food Standards Agency (UK)
- Animal-Derived Ingredients List — PETA
Checked on 31 October 2026. Ingredients and recipes change, and the same product can differ between countries — always check the current label. This page is general information, not allergy or medical advice.