While many candies use shellac, M&M's explicitly do not. The brand's ingredient list confirms that its glossy outer layer comes from other sources, including beeswax and carnauba wax. The misconception likely stems from the common use of a shellac-based coating known as 'confectioner's glaze' in the broader candy industry, which provides a similar shiny finish.
What Exactly is Shellac?
Shellac is a resin secreted by the female lac bug, a tiny insect native to the forests of India and Thailand. The insects excrete the resin to form protective tunnels for their larvae. To harvest shellac, workers scrape the encrusted branches and process the material, separating the resin from insect remains and bark. This raw material is then dissolved in alcohol to create a liquid glaze.
The Ethical and Dietary Implications of Shellac
For those following a vegan or halal diet, the origin of shellac is a significant concern. Because it is an animal-derived product (an insect secretion), traditional shellac is not considered vegan. The harvesting process can also result in the deaths of thousands of lac bugs, raising ethical questions for animal advocates. Similarly, because of its insect origin, many Islamic authorities consider confectioner's glaze (shellac) to be haram or forbidden. This is why many people who adhere to these dietary guidelines actively seek candies without shellac.
Glazing Agents Used in M&M's
Instead of shellac, M&M's rely on a combination of different glazing agents for their hard, shiny shell.
- Beeswax: A natural wax produced by honey bees. It is used in many foods and is generally recognized as safe for consumption.
- Carnauba Wax: A wax derived from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree, a plant-based alternative that provides a durable, high-gloss finish. It is tasteless, odorless, and vegan-friendly.
Despite being shellac-free, M&M's are still not considered vegan because they contain milk chocolate, which is a dairy product. Some versions may also contain other ingredients that are not vegan.
M&M's vs. Other Candies: A Comparison of Coatings
Many popular candies use different coatings. This table compares M&M's to other confections regarding their primary glazing agent.
| Candy Brand / Type | Primary Glazing Agent | Derived From | Vegan Status of Coating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M&M's | Beeswax, Carnauba Wax | Bees (wax), Palm tree leaves (wax) | No (Beeswax) / Yes (Carnauba) | Overall product is not vegan due to milk. |
| Milk Duds | Shellac / Confectioner's Glaze | Lac bug secretions | No | Contains milk chocolate. |
| Jelly Beans | Shellac / Confectioner's Glaze | Lac bug secretions | No | Shellac is a common coating for many brands. |
| Skittles | Confectioner's Glaze (Often Shellac) | Lac bug secretions | No | Shellac has been used in Skittles in the past; modern formulations can vary. |
Alternatives to Shellac
For those seeking a shellac-free option or exploring alternatives, the food industry offers several choices:
- Zein: A protein derived from corn, it is a popular plant-based alternative to shellac for creating glossy coatings.
- Carnauba Wax: As seen in M&M's, this plant-based wax is an effective and common alternative for a shiny finish.
- Vegan-Specific Glazes: Many specialty vegan candies use proprietary or alternative plant-based coatings to ensure their products are entirely free from animal-derived ingredients.
The Verdict on M&M's and Shellac
In short, M&M's do not contain shellac, but their use of beeswax means they are not entirely free of animal-derived products. This is an important distinction for consumers with specific dietary preferences or ethical concerns regarding insect byproducts. Consumers concerned about ingredients should always check the label, as formulations and sourcing can change over time. Being an informed consumer allows for better-aligned purchasing decisions.
For more information on animal-derived food ingredients, you can visit resources like the Vegetarian Resource Group.
