Is E904 Vegan?
E904 (Shellac) is not suitable for vegans. It is secreted by the female lac insect, which makes it an animal-derived ingredient by definition.
Why is E904 not vegan?
Secreted by the female lac insect — there is no plant-based way to produce true shellac. Any product listing E904 contains an animal-derived ingredient.
What can vegans look for instead?
Look for products certified vegan, or check labels for plant-based alternatives that do the same job (for example, pectin (E440) or agar (E406) replace gelatine; plant waxes like carnauba (E903) replace insect-derived glazes; plant pigments like beetroot red (E162) replace carmine).
Is E904 vegetarian?
No — E904 is not suitable for vegetarians either, as it is directly animal-derived.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E904 always non-vegan?
Yes — E904 is always animal-derived. Unlike 'maybe' additives, there is no plant-based version of shellac in food use.
How can I tell if E904 is vegan in a specific product?
If E904 or shellac appears in the ingredients, the product is not vegan. No further checking is needed.
Are there vegan-friendly versions of E904?
No. Any additive listed as E904 is animal-derived. Look instead for products using plant-based alternatives, or products carrying a certified vegan logo.
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Vegan status follows the Open Food Facts additive taxonomy (ODbL licence). Sources may vary by manufacturer — check packaging or look for certified vegan labelling.