E901 – Beeswax
Glazing agentDescription
Complex mixture of esters, acids, alcohols, and hydrocarbons; primarily myricyl palmitate
Notes
Beeswax is a natural substance produced by honeybees in their hives, where worker bees secrete it from special glands to build the hexagonal cells that store honey and house developing larvae. The wax is harvested from beehives and then purified through melting and filtering processes to remove impurities like pollen, honey residues, and other hive materials, resulting in the clean, golden wax used in food applications. As a glazing agent, beeswax creates a protective, shiny coating on foods to help them retain moisture, prevent spoilage, and maintain an appealing appearance. You'll commonly find it coating fresh fruits (especially apples and citrus), some candies and chocolates, and certain baked goods where that glossy finish helps preserve freshness and visual appeal on store shelves. Beeswax is completely natural and has been used by humans for thousands of years. However, since it's an animal product (made by bees), it's not suitable for vegan diets, though many vegetarians do consider it acceptable. For those following kosher or halal dietary laws, beeswax is generally considered permissible. It's regarded as one of the safest food additives available, with virtually no known adverse effects, since humans have been consuming small amounts of beeswax along with honey throughout history.