Is e906 vegan?

E906 is the food additive code for gum benzoin, a natural balsamic resin commonly known as benzoin resin. This substance is harvested from the bark of several tree species within the Styrax genus, which are native to regions in Southeast Asia. The resin exudes naturally from incisions made in the tree trunks, after which it is collected, purified, and prepared for use in food manufacturing. It functions primarily as a glazing agent and flavoring carrier, occasionally appearing on ingredient labels for chewing gum, chocolates, and glazed sugar confections to create a protective, glossy surface coating.

E906 is vegan because it originates purely from botanical sources. Its entire production process relies on tree sap extraction, with no animal derivatives, tissues, or animal-based processing aids utilized during harvesting or refinement. Products listing E906 are free from animal ingredients in relation to this additive.