Last reviewed May 2026 · 1 min read
Is Shellac vegan?
Also known as: Confectioner's glaze, Resinous glaze, Lac resin, Candy glaze
E-number: E904
Not Vegan
Derived from animals — avoid.
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No — It is an animal byproduct harvested from the secretions of the lac insect.
01 · The basics
What is Shellac?
A resin secreted by the female lac bug, used to create a hard, shiny glaze on food, pills, and even wood.
02 · The source
Where it comes from
It is an animal byproduct harvested from the secretions of the lac insect. During the scraping process from tree bark, many bugs are killed.
03 · Alternatives
Best vegan alternatives
Zein (corn protein)
Check Price on AmazonCarnauba wax
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Frequently asked
FAQ
What is confectioner's glaze made of?
Confectioner's glaze is almost always just another name for shellac, meaning it is derived from insect secretions and is not vegan.
Are Skittles coated in shellac?
No, Skittles removed gelatin and shellac from their recipe years ago and are now generally considered vegan.
Commonly found in
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