Last reviewed May 2026 · 1 min read

Is Confectioner's Glaze vegan?

Also known as: Shellac, Pharmaceutical Glaze, Resinous Glaze, Pure Food Glaze

E-number: E904

Not Vegan

Derived from animals — avoid.

See all non-vegan ingredients →

In short

No — Confectioner's glaze is made from shellac, a resin secreted by the female lac bug.

01 · The basics

What is Confectioner's Glaze?

A food-grade glaze or coating used to provide a shiny, protective layer on candies, baked goods, and pills. It is made from the resinous secretion of the lac bug.

02 · The source

Where it comes from

Confectioner's glaze is made from shellac, a resin secreted by the female lac bug. Since it is an animal secretion harvested for human use, it is not considered vegan.

03 · Alternatives

Best vegan alternatives

Affiliate links — VegOmm may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Frequently asked

FAQ

Is Confectioner's Glaze in all shiny candy?

Not all. Many companies use vegan-friendly waxes like carnauba wax. However, it's still very common, so it's essential to check the ingredient list for "shellac" or "confectioner's glaze," especially on panned candies.

Are Jelly Belly jelly beans vegan?

No, most Jelly Belly brand jelly beans are not vegan because they contain confectioner's glaze (shellac) for their shiny coating. They also often contain beeswax.

Commonly found in

Jelly beans (e.g., Jelly Belly)Coated candies (e.g., Whoppers, Milk Duds, Raisinets)Shiny applesDonutsPharmaceutical tablets