What is E903?
E903 is Carnauba Wax — harvested from the leaves of the carnauba palm, used as a glazing agents & waxe to help give foods a shiny surface coating or protective layer.
What is E903 (Carnauba Wax)?
E903 is the E-number for carnauba wax, 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. Harvested from the leaves of the carnauba palm. Like every E-number, E903 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 E903 in detail below.
Where is E903 found?
E903 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 (E903) or by its full name, carnauba wax. Common foods that may contain E903 include:
- Sweets
- Chocolate
- Chewing gum
- Fresh fruit coatings and baked goods
Full guide: foods containing E903 and how to spot it on labels →
E903 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Carnauba Wax safe?
Is E903 safe?
E903 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 E903.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E903 vegan?
E903 is vegan. Harvested from the leaves of the carnauba palm, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E903 →Is E903 halal?
E903 is halal. Harvested from the leaves of the carnauba palm, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E903 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E903 in food?
E903 is Carnauba Wax — harvested from the leaves of the carnauba palm, used as a glazing agents & waxe to help give foods a shiny surface coating or protective layer.
Is E903 safe to eat?
Yes. E903 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E903 vegan?
E903 is vegan. Harvested from the leaves of the carnauba palm, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E903 halal?
E903 is halal. Harvested from the leaves of the carnauba palm, 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).