Halal PalIs shellac (confectioner’s glaze) halal?
The glossy shine on jelly beans, candy-coated chocolates and some fruit often comes from shellac — listed on US labels as “confectioner’s glaze”.
Updated October 18, 2026
What shellac is
Shellac is a natural resin produced by the female lac insect on trees in India and Thailand. It’s purified and used as a shiny, protective coating. On labels it appears as shellac, confectioner’s glaze, resinous glaze, pharmaceutical glaze or E904.
Where it’s used
- Jelly beans, candy corn and candy-coated chocolates
- Chocolate-covered nuts and raisins
- The wax coating on some apples and citrus fruit
- Tablet and pill coatings
How scholars view it
Permitted by some: shellac is a secretion rather than part of the insect, similar to honey from bees, which is clearly halal. Avoided by others: it’s insect-derived, and it may be processed with alcohol as a solvent. Follow the view of your scholar.
How Halal Pal checks it
The halal scanner currently marks shellac, confectioner’s glaze and E904 as Haram (the cautious view), and explains the difference of opinion when you tap the ingredient.
Frequently asked questions
Is confectioner’s glaze vegan?
No. Confectioner’s glaze is shellac, which comes from the lac insect, so it isn’t vegan.
Is E904 halal?
E904 is shellac. Scholars differ: some permit it like honey, as an insect secretion; others avoid it.
Do apples have shellac on them?
Some do. Shellac is one of the coatings used on apples and citrus fruit to keep them fresh and shiny.
This guide is general information, not a religious ruling. Scholars sometimes differ — when in doubt, consult a qualified scholar or a certified halal authority.