Ingredient · E903

Glazing Agent: Carnauba Wax

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

What it is

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 beating the palm leaves, then refining the wax to remove impurities.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use carnauba wax as a glazing agent to give foods a shiny appearance and to prevent sticking. It helps create a protective coating that can extend shelf life. It is commonly found in candies, chewing gum, and baked goods.

Health notes

In the United States, carnauba wax is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have also evaluated carnauba wax and have not set specific numerical limits for its intake. It is not known to cause adverse health effects at typical consumption levels.

Allergen info

Carnauba wax is derived from a plant and is not one of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Glazing Agent: Carnauba 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.