Is e901 vegan?

E901 is the European food additive code for beeswax, a glazing agent and surface finishing substance. It is traditionally secreted by worker honeybees to construct honeycomb structures, which are harvested, melted, and purified for industrial use. Formulations labeled under this code can also be produced using plant waxes derived from botanical sources such as candelilla or carnauba palms. Food manufacturers commonly use it as a protective coating on chewing gum, gummy candies, jelly beans, chocolate coatings, pills, and fresh citrus fruits.

E901 is classified as possibly vegan because it can originate from either animal or plant sources, and product packaging rarely specifies the origin. The animal-derived variety comes directly from bees, while plant-based alternatives utilize vegetable waxes. Because the additive code does not reveal the manufacturing process or raw materials, a certified vegan label on the package or direct confirmation from the manufacturer is required to verify that a specific product is vegan.