Is E904 Vegan? Shellac
E904 (Shellac) is NOT vegan. It is derived from lac insect secretion.
Why is E904 not vegan?
Shellac is animal-derived: lac insect secretion. There is no plant-based version of this additive in standard food production.
Is E904 vegetarian?
E904 is not vegetarian.
What should vegans do about E904?
Avoid any product containing E904 or 'Shellac' on the label.
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Helpful for vegan label reading
Resources for vegans checking E-numbers like E904
Vegan Ingredient Guide
Spot hidden animal-derived E-numbers including E904 on any food label.
Vegan Label Reading
Books and pocket cards that decode E-numbers and hidden animal additives in seconds.
Certified Vegan Foods
Products with vegan certification logos — no ingredient-by-ingredient guessing.
E904 vegan FAQs
Is E904 vegan?
E904 is not vegan: derived from lac insect secretion.
Is E904 always non-vegan?
Yes — E904 is always non-vegan. It comes from lac insect secretion in all food uses.
How can I tell if E904 is vegan in a specific product?
If E904 or 'Shellac' appears in the ingredients list, the product is not vegan regardless of other claims.
Other additives to watch for vegans
Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL). Vegan status reflects the most common source — always verify with manufacturer or look for certified vegan labelling.