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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use carnauba wax as a glazing or polishing agent, giving foods a shiny …
What it is
Carnauba wax is a hard, brittle wax derived from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree (Copernicia prunifera), native to northeastern Brazil. The leaves are dried, and the wax is obtained by beating them and then refining the dust. It is a natural plant-based wax.
Why it's used
Manufacturers use carnauba wax as a glazing or polishing agent, giving foods a shiny appearance and helping to prevent moisture loss. It can also act as a hardening agent. It is commonly found in confectionery like candies and chocolates, as well as baked goods such as cookies and cakes.
Health notes
In the United States, carnauba wax is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food additive. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated carnauba wax. It is considered safe at typical consumption levels, as it is not absorbed by the body and is excreted unchanged. There are no widespread health controversies associated with its use.
Allergen info
Carnauba wax is derived from a plant and is not one of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.
Note:
This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice.
Check the package label; formulations change.