The production of a jelly bean is a multi-step process, with the creation of the distinct outer shell being one of the most critical phases. After the soft, chewy interior is formed, the candy goes through a process called panning, where it is tumbled in large vats and coated in layers to build up the hard, crunchy exterior. The final, mirror-like finish is a result of a careful polishing step involving specific glazing agents.
The Role of Glazing Agents: Shellac vs. Carnauba Wax
The glossy sheen on many candies, including most traditional jelly beans, is not from the sugar alone. It comes from a final coating of a food-grade polish. There are two primary types of glazing agents used for this purpose: one derived from insects and one from plants. The choice of agent is often what determines if a jelly bean is suitable for vegans or certain religious dietary restrictions.
Confectioner's Glaze (Shellac)
Confectioner's glaze, also known as shellac, is one of the most common coatings used in the confectionery industry. It is derived from the secretions of the female lac bug, which is native to forests in India and Thailand. The resinous substance is harvested from tree branches, processed, and then dissolved in alcohol to create a liquid glaze. This glaze is then applied to the jelly beans in tumbling pans, creating a durable, protective, and shiny film. While it is generally recognized as safe for human consumption by the FDA, its insect origin means that candies coated with shellac are not considered vegan.
Carnauba Wax
For those seeking a vegan alternative, some manufacturers use carnauba wax. Carnauba wax is a natural, plant-based substance derived from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree, which is native to Brazil. The wax is harvested from the leaves and is known for its high melting point and ability to create a very hard, glossy finish. Carnauba wax serves the same purpose as shellac—preventing the beans from sticking together and giving them their polished look—but does so with a purely plant-based source. This has made it a popular choice for brands that wish to market their products to a wider audience, including vegans and vegetarians.
The Panning Process: Building the Shell in Layers
The hard outer shell is not a single layer but is built up over several days through a process of repeated layering, or panning.
- Day 1: The initial chewy centers, made from a cooked mixture of sugar, corn syrup, and starch, are deposited into starch molds and cured overnight to solidify.
- Day 2: The centers are tumbled in a pan and sprayed with a fine mist of sugar and flavorings, beginning the process of building the shell.
- Day 3: Alternating layers of sugar, color, and flavor are added. This step gradually builds the shell and contributes to both the texture and the flavor profile of the finished product.
- Day 4: The glazing agents, such as confectioner's glaze or carnauba wax, are added to the tumbling pan to give the beans their final, characteristic shine.
Comparison of Glazing Agents
| Feature | Confectioner's Glaze (Shellac) | Carnauba Wax |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Secretions from the lac bug | Leaves of the carnauba palm tree |
| Origin | Insect-derived (non-vegan) | Plant-based (vegan) |
| Finish | Very glossy and durable | Highly glossy and hard |
| Primary Function | Shine, moisture protection, and texture | Shine, anti-sticking agent, moisture protection |
| Dietary Impact | Not suitable for vegans | Suitable for vegans and vegetarians |
| Additional Use | Wood varnish, nail polish | Car polish, floor wax |
The Purpose of the Outer Shell
Beyond providing a crunchy texture and an appealing, shiny look, the outer shell serves several important functions. It acts as a protective barrier, sealing the moist, jelly-like center and preventing it from drying out or becoming sticky. This protective layer also improves the shelf life of the candy and helps it maintain its shape during packaging and transport. The candy's signature flavor and color are also locked into this exterior layer, ensuring a satisfying burst of taste with every bite.
Conclusion
The iconic, shiny exterior of a jelly bean is far more complex than a simple sugar coating. It is the result of a multi-day manufacturing process that involves building up layers of sugar, flavorings, and a final, critical glazing step. While many traditional jelly beans use confectioner's glaze, an insect-derived product, there is a growing trend for brands to use vegan-friendly carnauba wax. This provides consumers with choices based on their dietary preferences. Understanding these differences sheds light on the intricacies of candy production and the origins of some of our favorite treats.
Optional Outbound Link
For more information on the processing and history of confectionery ingredients, including shellac and other coatings, visit the Vegetarian Resource Group's detailed FAQ on shellac and food glazes.
What is the outer shell of a jelly bean made of? FAQs
Question: Are all jelly beans made with ingredients from insects? Answer: No, not all jelly beans are made with insect-derived ingredients. The traditional confectioner's glaze (shellac) is sourced from lac bugs, but some brands use plant-based carnauba wax instead to make vegan-friendly versions.
Question: What is confectioner's glaze? Answer: Confectioner's glaze is a food-grade varnish made from shellac, a resinous secretion from the female lac bug. It is used to give candies and other food products a shiny, protective coating.
Question: What is carnauba wax? Answer: Carnauba wax is a plant-based wax extracted from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree. It is often used as a vegan alternative to confectioner's glaze to give candies a shiny finish and prevent them from sticking together.
Question: Why do manufacturers add a glaze to jelly beans? Answer: The glaze is added to jelly beans for several reasons: to give them a glossy, appealing appearance; to prevent them from sticking to each other and their packaging; and to seal in moisture and flavor, which helps extend their shelf life.
Question: Is shellac a bug byproduct? Answer: Yes, shellac is a byproduct of the female lac bug. These insects secrete a resin to create cocoons on tree branches, which is then harvested and processed into food-grade shellac.
Question: What is the process of coating jelly beans called? Answer: The process of coating jelly beans is called panning. This involves tumbling the candy centers in large, rotating vats while adding alternating layers of sugar and flavorings until the shell is built up.
Question: Are vegan jelly beans as shiny as regular ones? Answer: Vegan jelly beans coated with carnauba wax can be just as shiny as their traditional counterparts. Carnauba wax is known for its ability to produce a very hard, brilliant sheen on confectionery products.
