Do M&Ms Use Confectioners Glaze? Unpacking the Ingredients
The short answer to whether M&Ms use confectioners glaze is that it depends on the specific product. For most standard M&M's products available in the U.S., the glossy finish does not come from shellac (confectioners glaze) but rather from carnauba wax. However, ingredient lists for certain niche or regional M&M's varieties have shown exceptions to this rule. The best practice for consumers, especially those following a vegan diet or avoiding insect-derived products, is to always check the ingredient label.
Historically, an urban legend suggested that M&M's were coated in 'beetle juice,' a colloquialism for shellac. While most modern M&M's formulations prove this is largely a myth for their main product lines, the fact that some candy varieties did use this ingredient for decades adds complexity to the conversation. For instance, a specific product listing for Mini M&Ms indicated the use of 'Confectioner's Glaze' alongside other ingredients. This highlights that recipes can change and vary depending on the product line and market.
What Exactly is Confectioners Glaze?
Confectioners glaze is a food coating created from shellac, a resinous material produced by the female lac insect (specifically Kerria lacca or Laccifer lacca). These insects secrete the resin as a protective cocoon for their eggs on tree branches. The resin is scraped off, processed, and dissolved in an alcohol solution to create the glaze. This process makes the final product non-vegan, as it is derived from an animal product.
Non-Vegan Ingredients to Watch For
For those adhering to a vegan lifestyle, confectioners glaze is a clear non-starter. Other animal-derived ingredients to look for in candy that can affect its vegan status include:
- Gelatin: Derived from animal collagen, commonly found in marshmallows and gummy candies.
- Carmine: A red food coloring made from crushed cochineal insects.
- Beeswax: A secretion from bees used as a glazing agent.
Glazing Agents Comparison: M&Ms vs. Shellac
| Feature | M&M's (Standard US) | M&M's (Mini, some) | Confectioners Glaze |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Glazing Agent | Carnauba Wax, Gum Acacia | Confectioners Glaze | Shellac |
| Origin | Plant-based (carnauba palm, acacia tree) | Insect-based (lac bug) | Insect-based (lac bug) |
| Vegan? | Yes, but standard M&Ms contain milk | No | No |
| Standard Use | Glossy, protective coating for standard candies | Glossy coating for certain specific products | Widely used on various candies and pills |
The Role of Carnauba Wax
Most modern M&M's use carnauba wax, a vegetable-based wax extracted from the leaves of the Copernicia prunifera palm tree native to Brazil. This durable, plant-based alternative provides the same iconic shiny, protective shell as shellac without using any animal products. The use of carnauba wax, alongside gum acacia, creates the smooth, non-melting coating that M&Ms are famous for. The decision to use plant-based alternatives reflects a shift towards more widely accepted and sustainable ingredients in many food products.
How to Verify Your M&M's
Because ingredients can vary by product and region, it is critical for consumers with specific dietary restrictions to check the label on their M&M's packaging. The ingredient list will clearly state the specific glazing agents used. In the U.S., Milk Chocolate M&M's are certified kosher by the Orthodox Union (OU), which typically means they use acceptable ingredients, including the carnauba wax. However, the OU-D symbol indicates the presence of dairy, confirming they are not vegan. Different products, such as international versions, may have separate certifications and ingredient lists. For example, a European ingredient list shows beeswax as a glazing agent for standard M&Ms. This is why reviewing the label for your specific bag of candy is the most reliable method.
Conclusion
So, do M&Ms use confectioners glaze? Generally, no, most standard M&M's sold in the U.S. and some international markets use plant-based waxes like carnauba wax for their coating. However, this is not a universal truth. The existence of product variations, like some Mini M&Ms, that have listed confectioners glaze proves that recipes can differ. For vegans or those avoiding insect-derived ingredients, checking the specific product's ingredient list is the only surefire way to know. The broader lesson is to be an informed consumer, as not all candy coatings are created equal, and ingredients can change across product types and geographic regions. M&M'S Ingredients Nutrition Information
