Canauba Wax

Carnauba wax is a natural wax obtained from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree (Copernicia prunifera), native to Brazil. The wax is harvested by drying and then beating the palm leaves, after which the wax is refined and purified.

Manufacturers use carnauba wax as a glazing and polishing agent to give foods a shiny appearance and to prevent sticking. It is commonly found in confectionery like gummy candies and jelly beans, as well as in baked goods such as cookies and pastries.

Carnauba wax is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a food additive. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated carnauba wax and have not set specific numerical limits for its intake. It is considered safe at typical consumption levels as it is not absorbed by the body and passes through the digestive system.