Shellac
Additive
Questionable
Details
Definition
Shellac is derived from the resin secreted by the female lac beetle and is primarily employed in the food industry as a glazing agent. Its purpose is to enhance visual appeal and establish a protective moisture barrier, resulting in several advantages such as:
Providing a glossy finish
Extending the shelf life of products and retarding fruit ripening
Forming a resilient coating
Offering barrier protection against variable environmental conditions
Commonly known as 'confectioner’s glaze' or 'confectioner’s resin,' shellac finds frequent use in confectionery, chocolate products, chewing gum, coffee beans, and fruits. Moreover, it is extensively utilized in the pharmaceutical sector to create coatings for capsules and tablets.
AKAs
confectioner's glaze,confectioner glaze
Health Impact
There are no known negative health impacts associated with the consumption of shellac, and it is considered a "non nutritive" food additive meaning that it does not impact the nutritional profile of the food it is in.
Shellac is considered safe for consumption by regulatory authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Since shellac is derived from animals, it is not considered vegan or vegetarian.
Sources
Sesquiterpene acids from Shellac and their bioactivities evaluation.
https://consensus.app/papers/sesquiterpene-acids-shellac-bioactivities-evaluation-lu/b01bd9c9aeaf5d69878a5cbf2052f131/New Coating Materials Based On Mixtures of Shellac and Pectin for Pharmaceutical Products
https://consensus.app/papers/coating-materials-based-mixtures-shellac-pectin-kumpugdeevollrath/f86943c625f2540dbee6fead0e4d7ea8/