What food has wax in it?

December 26, 2025 •

3 min read

Many foods are waxed to prevent moisture loss and extend shelf life. This ancient technique, used since at least the 12th century, helps replace the natural protective layer stripped during washing, covering a variety of products from fresh produce to confectionery. This article explores what food has wax in it, detailing the different types of food-grade waxes and their specific applications.

Quick Summary

Common foods, including fresh produce, cheeses, and candies, are treated with edible wax coatings to protect them, extend freshness, and add a glossy sheen.

Key Points

Waxed Produce is Common: Many fruits and vegetables, like apples, cucumbers, and citrus, are waxed after harvesting to replace their natural coating, which is removed during washing.
Waxes Serve a Purpose: Food-grade wax is used to retain moisture, prevent spoilage, protect against bruising, and improve the visual appeal of products.
Waxes are Found in Many Foods: Beyond produce, waxes are used as glazing agents on candies (jelly beans, gummies), chocolates, and as protective rinds on hard cheeses.
Multiple Types of Wax are Used: Common waxes include plant-derived carnauba and candelilla, beeswax, shellac from insects, and petroleum-based paraffin.
Edible Waxes are Safe: Regulatory bodies like the FDA have approved food-grade waxes as safe for consumption; they are not absorbed by the body and pass through undigested.

Waxed Fruits and Vegetables

Many fruits and vegetables are waxed after harvest to replace their natural protective coating, which is removed during cleaning. This edible, food-grade wax helps retain moisture, protect against damage during shipping, prevent decay, and improve appearance.

Commonly waxed produce includes apples, citrus fruits, cucumbers, melons, bell peppers, eggplant, root vegetables, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. For example, citrus fruits may be waxed multiple times to prevent moisture loss, and cucumbers are coated to prevent shriveling.

Confectionery and Candy Coatings

Edible waxes are widely used in the confectionery industry to provide a shiny finish, prevent sticking, and maintain freshness by preventing moisture migration.

Candy Coatings: Waxes, often carnauba, are used on hard-shelled candies, gummies, and other sweets for a smooth, glossy surface.
Chewing Gum: Carnauba and candelilla waxes are added to chewing gum for texture and stability.
Chocolate: Wax can be added to some chocolates to improve stability and shine, particularly in warmer climates.

Cheese Rinds and Coatings

Wax coatings have been used on cheese for centuries to provide a protective barrier crucial for aging and to prevent mold and moisture loss.

Hard Cheeses: Cheeses like Gouda and Edam are frequently sealed in wax during aging.
Consumer Cheeses: Smaller cheeses, such as Babybel, are encased in peelable wax as packaging and protection.

Common Types of Food-Grade Waxes

Food-grade waxes are sourced naturally and synthetically, adhering to strict regulations.

Carnauba Wax (E903): From the Brazilian carnauba palm, this natural wax gives a hard, glossy finish and is used on candy, fruits, and gum.
Beeswax (E901): A natural wax from honeybees used as a glaze on candies and cheeses. It is edible but not absorbed by the body.
Shellac (E904): A natural resin from lac beetles, used as a glaze on candies, chocolate, and fruits. It is considered vegetarian but not vegan.
Paraffin Wax (E905): A refined petroleum wax often blended with vegetable oils for produce and candy. Organic produce cannot use petroleum-based waxes.
Candelilla Wax (E902): A plant-based wax from the candelilla shrub, used in chewing gum and coatings.

Comparing Common Food-Grade Waxes


Wax Type	Source	Common Food Uses	Key Characteristic	Vegan/Vegetarian Status	Intended for Consumption?
Carnauba (E903)	Carnauba Palm Leaves	Candy, fruit, chewing gum	Hard, high-gloss finish	Yes	Yes (Generally considered safe, non-digestible)
Beeswax (E901)	Honeybees	Candy, cheese	Glaze, moisture barrier	Vegetarian	Yes (Generally safe, non-digestible)
Shellac (E904)	Lac Beetle Secretion	Candy, fruit, chocolate	Glossy glaze	Vegetarian	Yes (Safe, non-digestible)
Paraffin (E905)	Petroleum Oil	Produce, candy, cheese	Moisture barrier, shine	Yes	Yes (Food-grade is safe, non-digestible)
Candelilla (E902)	Candelilla Shrub	Chewing gum, fruit	Glaze, texture agent	Yes	Yes (Safe, non-digestible)

Is Food with Wax Safe to Eat?

Consuming the small amount of food-grade wax on products is generally considered safe. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and JECFA have approved these waxes as safe. They are not absorbed by the body and pass through the digestive system. Note that wax on hard cheese rinds is for packaging and should be removed.

Washing produce helps remove dirt and bacteria, though it may not entirely remove the wax. For complete wax removal, peeling is the most effective method.

Conclusion

Food-grade wax is a safe and common practice in the food industry. Used on produce, candies, and cheeses, it helps preserve freshness, prevent spoilage, and enhance appearance. These regulated coatings pass harmlessly through the digestive system, playing an important role in the modern food supply chain. The glossy look on many foods is a sign of this preservation method.

For more information on food additives and safety regulations, see the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website: FDA.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, food-grade wax applied to fruits and vegetables is safe for consumption. Health authorities like the FDA approve these waxes, which pass through the digestive system without being absorbed.

Wax is applied to produce to replace the natural protective coating that is removed during washing. It helps retain moisture, prevents bruising, inhibits mold growth, and improves appearance.

While it's difficult to tell for certain without a label, a visibly shiny surface often indicates a wax coating. A light, milky residue can sometimes appear if the wax is exposed to excessive moisture or heat.

Many hard and soft candies use carnauba wax, a plant-based wax, as a glazing agent to provide a shiny, smooth finish and prevent sticking.

The wax rind on hard cheeses like Gouda or Babybel is food-grade, but it is considered part of the packaging and is not meant to be eaten. It is there to protect the cheese during aging.

Yes, organic produce can be waxed, but only with coatings derived from natural sources, such as beeswax or carnauba wax. They cannot use petroleum-based waxes.

While washing produce under running water and scrubbing can help remove dirt and reduce surface residue, it may not completely remove the thin layer of wax. Peeling the item is the most effective way to avoid the wax entirely.

Shellac is a resin secreted by the female lac beetle and is used as a food glazing agent. It is found in confectionery coatings and some fruit waxes.