Last reviewed May 2026 · 1 min read

Is Shellac vegan?

Also known as: Confectioner's glaze, E904

E-number: E904

Not Vegan

Derived from animals — avoid.

See all non-vegan ingredients →

In short

No — Animal byproduct harvested from insect secretions.

01 · The basics

What is Shellac?

A resin secreted by the female lac bug, used as a shiny coating for pills.

02 · The source

Where it comes from

Animal byproduct harvested from insect secretions.

03 · Alternatives

Best vegan alternatives

Zein (corn protein)

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HPMC

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Frequently asked

FAQ

Is the 'glaze' on my pills vegan?

If it contains shellac or E904, no, it is an insect-derived product.

Commonly found in

Pharmaceutical tabletsCandiesShiny fruit

Other glazing agent ingredients

Microcrystalline Wax

Vegan

A type of wax produced by de-oiling petrolatum, used as a thickener and binder.

Oxidized Polyethylene Wax

Vegan

A synthetic wax used as a glazing agent for fruits.

Zein

Vegan

A class of prolamine proteins found in maize (corn), used as a vegan coating for pills.

View all glazing agent ingredients →

Keep exploring

Related ingredients

E542 (Bone phosphate)

Not Vegan

Used as an anti-caking agent, emulsifier, and source of phosphorus in supplements.

Ghee

Not Vegan

Clarified butter commonly used in Indian cooking.

Lard

Not Vegan

A semi-solid white fat product used in baking and frying.

What's next

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