Carnauba Wax As Glazing Agent

Carnauba wax is a natural wax obtained from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree, native to Brazil. The wax is harvested by drying and beating the palm leaves, then refining the wax to remove impurities.

Manufacturers use carnauba wax as a glazing agent, meaning it gives foods a shiny appearance and helps prevent them from drying out. It is commonly found in confectionery like chewing gum and candies, as well as in some baked goods.

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, so it is not expected to have adverse health effects at typical consumption levels. International bodies like JECFA have also evaluated carnauba wax, and no significant health concerns have been raised.