princess tofu

Is Confectioner's Glaze Vegan?

By PhilippeIngredient checks Reviewed Oct 2026
THE VERDICTNo, it comes from insects

Confectioner's glaze isn't vegan. It's shellac, a resin secreted by the lac insect (Kerria lacca). The Vegetarian Resource Group classes it as vegetarian but not vegan.

Confectioner's glaze is the reason many glossy candies aren't vegan even when they contain no gelatin or dairy. It goes by at least ten names, so it's easy to miss.

What confectioner's glaze is made from

Female lac insects (Kerria lacca), found mainly in India and Thailand, feed on tree sap and secrete a resin that hardens over them on the branches. The coated branches are scraped, and the resin is crushed, washed and refined into shellac. Food-grade shellac dissolved in alcohol is sold as confectioner's glaze.

Other names for confectioner's glaze

Look for any of these on a label. They're all the same ingredient.

  • Shellac or orange shellac
  • Resinous glaze or candy glaze
  • Pure food glaze or natural glaze
  • Lac resin, lacca or confectioner's resin
  • E904 on European labels

Where you'll find it

Product Status Notes
Jelly beans Check the label Most mainstream brands use it.
Mike and Ikes Not vegan Every flavor.
Starburst Minis Not vegan
Candy corn Not vegan Brach's also uses gelatin and honey.
Sprinkles and nonpareils Check the label A common hidden source.
Chocolate-coated nuts and raisins Check the label Gives the shine.
Coated tablets and chewables Check the label Tums Chewy Bites contain shellac.
Waxed apples and citrus Check the label Produce coatings may use shellac.

Vegan alternatives

Candy makers who skip shellac usually use carnauba wax (E903), a plant wax from palm leaves. If a glossy candy lists carnauba wax and no shellac, the coating is vegan.

FAQ

Is shellac the same as confectioner's glaze?
Yes. Confectioner's glaze is food-grade shellac, usually dissolved in alcohol so it can be sprayed onto candy.
Is confectioner's glaze vegetarian?
Most vegetarians accept it, since no animal is slaughtered for it. Vegans avoid it because it comes from an insect, and harvesting the resin often collects insects too.
Why is shellac used on candy?
It makes a hard, glossy shell that stops pieces sticking together and keeps out moisture.
What's the vegan alternative?
Carnauba wax, from the leaves of a Brazilian palm, does a similar job and is used on many vegan candies.

Keep checking

Is Gelatin Vegan?NOIs Carmine Vegan?NOAre Mike and Ikes Vegan?NOVegan Candy List: Popular Brands CheckedIs It Vegan?

Sources and how we checked

We reviewed the ingredient information below in Oct 2026. Recipes change, so check the pack, especially if you have an allergy.

Spotted a recipe change? Tell us and we'll re-check.