Why Are Apples Not Vegan? Unpeeling the Waxed Truth

October 4, 2025 •

3 min read

While apples grow on trees, a significant percentage of conventionally grown apples found in supermarkets may not be vegan. This surprising fact often stems from the post-harvest process, leading many on a plant-based nutrition diet to question: why are apples not vegan?

Quick Summary

Many conventional store-bought apples feature a wax coating that is not plant-based, most commonly shellac derived from lac bugs. This practice, along with other non-vegan processing methods for products like apple juice, requires vigilance for those maintaining a strict vegan diet.

Key Points

Shellac is a non-vegan wax: Many conventional store-bought apples are coated with shellac, a resin secreted by the lac bug, making them unsuitable for vegans.
Beeswax is also used: In some cases, beeswax derived from honeybees is used as a fruit coating, another non-vegan ingredient.
Apples' natural wax is removed: The natural waxy coating that forms on apples is washed off after harvest and is then replaced with commercial coatings for aesthetics and preservation.
Organic is often a safer choice: Certified organic apples are more likely to be coated with plant-based waxes like carnauba wax, but it's still best to confirm.
Check apple juice and cider: Some apple products are clarified using isinglass, a fish-derived product, so it's important to check labels or choose certified vegan brands.
Opt for unwaxed or local: For a guaranteed vegan apple, buy unwaxed varieties or source directly from local farmers who don't apply commercial coatings.

The Unseen Layers: Post-Harvest Processing

Apples naturally produce a thin layer of wax, known as "bloom," which helps protect the fruit and retain moisture. However, this natural coating is removed when apples are washed after harvesting to clean off dirt and prepare them for market. To replace this protective layer and improve appearance, a new coating of food-grade wax is applied. This is where the issue for vegans arises, as these commercial waxes are not always plant-based.

Non-Vegan Wax Coatings: Shellac and Beeswax

Two primary culprits render many apples non-vegan: shellac and beeswax. Shellac is a resin secreted by the female lac bug to protect her eggs and is harvested from trees in India and Thailand. The collection process involves scraping the resin from trees, which unfortunately also collects the insects, rendering the final product non-vegan. A significant portion of commercially waxed apples, particularly in regions like Australia, have historically used shellac-based waxes. Beeswax, derived from honeybees, is another animal product sometimes used in apple coatings. For strict vegans who avoid all animal products and by-products, both shellac and beeswax are off-limits.

Beyond the Apple: Non-Vegan Apple Juice and Cider

Even when eating unwaxed apples, vegans must remain cautious with processed apple products. Some apple juices and ciders are clarified using fining agents that are not vegan. A common fining agent is isinglass, a gelatin-like substance extracted from the dried swim bladders of fish. While not used in all apple juices, it is a practice in some commercial production, and unless the product is specifically labeled vegan, it can be difficult to tell if isinglass was used. Consumers should check product labels or choose brands that explicitly state they are vegan-friendly to avoid this issue.

How to Ensure Your Apples Are Vegan-Friendly

For those on a strict plant-based nutrition diet, several strategies can help ensure your apple consumption is completely vegan:

Buy organic: Many organic regulations, such as the USDA certified organic standard in the US, restrict the use of non-synthetic waxes like shellac. Organic apples are more likely to be coated with plant-based waxes like carnauba wax, which is derived from the leaves of the Brazilian carnauba palm. Always double-check labeling, but this is a much safer bet.
Look for 'unwaxed' apples: Some retailers sell unwaxed apples, which are simply washed and polished rather than re-coated. These may not have the same glossy appearance but are a guaranteed vegan option.
Ask your grocer or farmer: In some cases, especially at farmers' markets, you can ask the producer directly about their processing methods. Many local growers do not wax their fruit at all.
Choose fresh from the source: For the most control, find a local farm that sells freshly picked, unwaxed apples. Many farmers are happy to share their harvesting and handling processes.

The Impact of Commercial Waxing

The commercial waxing process is primarily about aesthetics and shelf-life extension. While the small amount of wax on each apple is safe to consume, the ethical implications for a vegan are significant. The market demand for perfect-looking, shiny fruit drives the use of these coatings. This contrasts with the values of many vegans who oppose using animal-derived products, no matter how small the quantity or purpose. Awareness of this process helps consumers make informed decisions that align with their ethical stance on animal welfare.


Comparison of Apple Coatings	Feature	Shellac (Non-Vegan)	Carnauba Wax (Vegan)	Natural Apple Wax	Unwaxed Apples
Source	Secretion from lac bug	Leaves of carnauba palm	Produced by the apple itself	Not applicable
Vegan Status	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Application	Commercial post-harvest	Commercial post-harvest	Natural, on the fruit	Not applicable
Appearance	High gloss	Semi-gloss	Varies, can be whitish	Dull, natural sheen
Found on	Conventional apples, pears	Organic and some conventional apples	All apples before washing	Organic, local, or specialty markets

Conclusion

For those committed to a vegan diet, understanding the nuances of food processing is key. The question of why are apples not vegan highlights how deeply animal by-products are integrated into the modern food system, even in unexpected places. By choosing organic, unwaxed, or locally sourced apples, vegans can enjoy this nutritious fruit without compromising their ethical principles. Always checking labels and asking questions empowers consumers to make choices that truly reflect a plant-based lifestyle. For more information on common hidden animal ingredients, consult resources like the PETA guide to non-vegan ingredients(https://www.peta.org/living/food/animal-ingredients-guide/).

Frequently Asked Questions

Shellac is a resin secreted by the female lac bug, native to India and Thailand, to protect its eggs. During the harvesting process, the insects are harmed, which makes the resulting product an animal by-product and therefore not vegan.

While organic standards often restrict animal-based waxes like shellac, it's not a guarantee. Some organic waxes may still be beeswax. It is best to look for a specific 'unwaxed' label or check with the producer to be certain.

Distinguishing the type of wax by sight is difficult, as both plant-based and insect-based waxes can look glossy. The most reliable method is to check product labels, look for 'unwaxed' labeling, or choose certified organic apples, which typically use plant-based carnauba wax.

Commercial waxes are designed to adhere to the fruit and are not easily removed with simple washing. A vigorous scrub with a vegetable brush under lukewarm water can help remove some of the coating, but it may not remove all residue.

No, not all apple juices are vegan. Some brands use isinglass, a fining agent derived from fish bladders, to clarify the juice. To ensure your apple juice is vegan, check the label for certification or avoid brands that use these methods.

Carnauba wax is a plant-based wax derived from the leaves of the Brazilian carnauba palm. It is a completely vegan ingredient and is often used as an alternative to shellac and beeswax for waxing fruits.

Wax is applied to apples after harvesting to replace the fruit's natural wax coating, which is removed during cleaning. The commercial wax helps extend shelf life by retaining moisture and improving the apple's appearance by giving it a glossy shine.