Hello, my dear green-hearted readers! Your friend, Luna Verdant, is back with another enlightening dive into the myriad ingredients that play a part in our daily lives. Today’s focus is on E904, a common yet mystifying ingredient found in many shiny, attractive food products. Together, we shall delve into what E904 is and address the vegan community’s million-dollar question: Is E904 Vegan?
Unmasking E904
E904, also known to many as shellac, is a natural polymer that finds its origin in certain species of lice native to India and Thailand. Once processed, it is sold as dry flakes which are then used to add that enticing gloss to various items:
- Candy Glaze: E904 is the secret behind the tempting shine on many candies.
- Fruit & Nut Coating: It casts a polished, appealing look on fruits and nuts.
- Pharmaceutical Facade: It’s also used to coat certain capsules and pills, making them easier to handle.
Image: Closer Look at E904
Vegan Verdict: Is E904 Vegan?
No. It is not Vegan. Now, onto the part that piques our vegan curiosity the most. E904 stands on shaky ground in the vegan realm due to its insect-derived nature. The process of obtaining E904 is far from aligning with the vegan ethos of causing no harm.
Navigating The E904 Terrain
Spotting E904 can be a bit of a hunt. But fret not! Our allies in this journey are the product labels, especially those bearing the Vegetarian Society Approved vegetarian or vegan trademark. They are our green signals in a market flooded with an array of ingredients.
If the product lacks these trademarks, a quick chat with the manufacturer can shed light on any E904 concerns.
Products That Contain E904
Image: Closer Look at E904
Noteworthy Mentions:
E904 might disguise itself under various names on food labels, such as “confectioner’s glaze,” “confectioner’s resin,” “resinous glaze,” or “candy glaze.” This camouflage can make it a tad tricky for the vigilant vegan eye.
Moreover, the stance of the Vegetarian Society of the United Kingdom is clear and firm. The discontinuation of their trademark logo on new products containing shellac (E904) since January 2022 sends a resonant message to companies. The ball is now in the court of these companies, facing the tough task of reformulation to align with the compassionate ethos of the vegan and vegetarian community.
Awareness is our ally, dear readers. As we navigate the shelves, let’s keep our eyes peeled for E904 and its aliases, ensuring our choices resonate with our ethical compass.
Beyond Edibles: E904’s Other Roles
Interestingly, the role of E904 extends beyond the edible realm. It finds a place in the production of certain types of microphones, showcasing its versatility. However, this again raises eyebrows on its vegan-friendliness.
Earlier We Have discussed E Numbers Not Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans
You can see our educational blog post Navigating Through E Numbers in Food: A Vegan Guide for all the E Number information.
Informed Choices: Our Vegan Journey
The tale of E904 unveils the need for vigilance and inquiry as we navigate the colorful aisles of food and other products. Every ingredient has a story, and as responsible consumers, it’s our prerogative to unravel these stories.
As we march forward on our vegan journey, let’s take along the torch of awareness, illuminating not just our path but also those of others around us.
Till our next enlightening exploration, stay green, stay curious!
With leafy embraces,
Luna Verdant
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