Is Shellac Vegan?
Confidence: 95% · High
Not Vegan
No — from lac insects.
Contains or is derived from animal products.
Shellac profile
Shellac
- Also known as
- E904, Confectioner's glaze, Resinous glaze, Candy glaze, Pharmaceutical glaze
- Typical source
- Resin secreted by lac insects (Kerria lacca)
- Source type
- Animal
- Common function
- Glazing agent, coating, and shine enhancer
- Vegan status
- Always insect-derived; often hidden behind glaze names on US labels
- E-number
- E904
Detailed answer
No. Shellac is not vegan. It is a resin secreted by lac insects and used as a glazing agent on candies, pills, and fruit.
Is shellac vegan?
Shellac is not vegan. Lac insects secrete resin onto tree branches in India and Southeast Asia. The encrusted sticks are harvested, processed, and refined into shellac flakes or liquid. The resin itself is an insect product, similar in vegan status to honey or beeswax.
Names shellac hides behind
- Shellac
- E904
- Confectioner's glaze
- Resinous glaze
- Candy glaze
- Pharmaceutical glaze (on pills and supplements)
- Natural glaze (when sourced from lac resin)
Where shellac appears
- Shiny coated candies (jelly beans, chocolate dragées, some gummies)
- Fresh fruit wax coatings (apples, citrus)
- Pharmaceutical tablets and capsules
- Nail polish (listed as shellac in cosmetics)
- Wood finish and furniture (not a food concern, but same source)
Shellac vs vegan glazing options
| Shellac (E904) | Carnauba wax / plant waxes | |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Lac insect resin | Carnauba palm or other plants |
| Vegan? | No | Yes |
| Food use | Candy glaze, pill coating | Candy glaze, fruit wax |
| Label clue | Confectioner's glaze | Carnauba wax, candelilla wax |
Checking candy or pill coatings? Scan the ingredient list
Frequently asked questions
- Is confectioner's glaze vegan?
- Usually not. In the US, confectioner's glaze typically means shellac from lac insects. Ask the manufacturer or choose products labelled vegan.
- Is E904 the same as shellac?
- Yes. E904 is the EU code for shellac used as a food additive.
- Does shellac contain insects?
- Shellac is insect secretions, not whole insects, but it is still an animal product. Harvesting also kills many insects trapped in the resin.
- Are jelly beans vegan?
- Many conventional jelly beans use confectioner's glaze (shellac) for shine. Vegan brands use carnauba wax or skip the glaze.
- Is pharmaceutical glaze vegan?
- Often not. Pharmaceutical glaze is usually shellac applied to pills. Vegan supplements may use cellulose-based coatings instead.
Evidence
Last verified August 2026
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Checked by Is This Vegan? · August 2026