Beeswax (Food Glaze) — Hidden Processing Agent — Is It Vegan?
Also known as: E901, White beeswax, Yellow beeswax
Not Vegan
This processing agent is derived from animals or their byproducts.
Not required on labels
Listed as E901 or 'beeswax' in ingredient lists where it appears as a direct ingredient. When used as a processing agent or wax coating, it may appear under general 'wax coating' terminology.
Source
Produced by honeybees (Apis mellifera). Worker bees secrete wax from glands and use it to construct honeycomb. Harvesting beeswax involves hive management and is considered exploitation of bees by vegan standards.
Used In
Food glazing on confectionery, fruit coatings, cheese wax (for rind formation and preservation), some cosmetics and lip balms.
How to Avoid
Check for E901 or 'beeswax' in confectionery. Look for carnauba wax (E903) or rice bran wax as vegan-friendly alternatives. For coated sweets, contact the manufacturer if E numbers are unclear.
Editorial Notes
Beeswax is a common coating agent for sweets and confectionery. It is approved as a food additive (E901) in the EU. Some 'natural' and 'artisan' food products use beeswax as a more recognisable alternative to synthetic coatings. Carnauba wax (from the Brazilian carnauba palm) produces similar results and is vegan.