Ingredient

Caranauba Wax

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use carnauba wax as a glazing or polishing agent to give foods a …

What it is

Carnauba wax is a hard, brittle wax produced from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree, native to Brazil. The leaves are dried, threshed to loosen the wax, and then the wax is melted, filtered, and purified.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use carnauba wax as a glazing or polishing agent to give foods a shiny appearance and to prevent sticking. It is often found in confectionery, such as candies and chocolate coatings, as well as in baked goods and popcorn.

Health notes

In the U.S., carnauba wax is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive. It is not absorbed by the body and passes through undigested. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated carnauba wax, and EFSA has also assessed its safety. No significant health concerns are associated with its typical use in foods.

Allergen info

Carnauba wax is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Caranauba Wax

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Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.