Candelilla wax
What is Candelilla wax?
Candelilla wax is a hard, brittle, natural plant wax derived from the leaves of the candelilla shrub (Euphorbia cerifera), native to northern Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States. The leaves are boiled in water, and the wax is skimmed off the surface, purified, and then solidified.
Is Candelilla wax vegan?
Candelilla wax is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Candelilla wax gluten-free?
It is not a source of gluten.
Is Candelilla wax a major allergen?
Candelilla wax is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Candelilla wax used for?
Manufacturers use candelilla wax as a glazing agent and stiffener in confectionery, particularly in chewing gum, to provide gloss and texture.
Is Candelilla wax safe?
Candelilla wax is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
Manufacturers use candelilla wax as a glazing agent and stiffener in confectionery, particularly in chewing gum, to provide gloss and texture. It can also be used as a binder and coating for fruit and vegetables, and as a stabiliser in some food products.
Health notes
Candelilla wax is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. European food safety authorities (EFSA) have evaluated it, and it is permitted for use under specific conditions. At typical intake levels found in food, it is not associated with adverse health effects. JECFA has also evaluated it and set an acceptable daily intake.
Regulatory status
Authorised in Great Britain (FSA register): England, Scotland, Wales. FSA register of authorised products
Permitted uses in the EU
| Food category | Maximum level |
|---|---|
| 4.1.1 entire fresh fruit and vegetables | No numerical limit listed |
| 5.1 Cocoa and chocolate products as covered by Directive 2000/36/EC | No numerical limit listed |
| 5.2 Other confectionery including breath freshening micro-sweets | No numerical limit listed |
| 5.3 chewing gum | No numerical limit listed |
| 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit-based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 | No numerical limit listed |
| 7.2 Fine bakery wares | No numerical limit listed |
| 14.1.5.1 coffee coffee extracts | No numerical limit listed |
| 15.1 Potato- cereal- flour- or starch-based snacks | No numerical limit listed |
| 15.2 Processed nuts | No numerical limit listed |
| 17.1 food supplements supplied in a solid form excluding food supplements for infants and young children’, | No numerical limit listed |
Allergen info
Candelilla wax is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It is not a source of gluten.
Foods that contain Candelilla wax
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