What is E901?
E901 is Beeswax — beeswax — used to glaze sweets and fruit. Not vegan (it's made by bees), but halal according to most Islamic schools.
What is E901 (Beeswax)?
E901 is the E-number for beeswax, one of the glazing agents & waxes group of food additives (E900–E999). Additives in this group give foods a shiny surface coating or protective layer. Produced by honeybees. Beeswax is secreted by worker honeybees to build honeycomb. It's not vegan because it's an insect product, but most halal certifying bodies consider it permissible. Like every E-number, E901 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E901 in detail below.
Where is E901 found?
E901 is typically used in sweets, chocolate, chewing gum, fresh fruit coatings and baked goods. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E901) or by its full name, beeswax. Common foods that may contain E901 include:
- Jelly beans and glazed sweets
- Fruit coatings (apples, citrus)
- Chewing gum
- Chocolate coatings
Full guide: foods containing E901 and how to spot it on labels →
E901 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Beeswax safe?
Is E901 safe?
E901 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E901.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E901 vegan?
E901 is not vegan. Produced by honeybees.
Full vegan status guide for E901 →Is E901 halal?
E901 is halal. Produced by honeybees, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E901 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E901 in food?
E901 is Beeswax — beeswax — used to glaze sweets and fruit. Not vegan (it's made by bees), but halal according to most Islamic schools.
Is E901 safe to eat?
Yes. E901 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E901 vegan?
E901 is not vegan. Produced by honeybees.
Is E901 halal?
E901 is halal. Produced by honeybees, with no haram source involved.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).