Junior Mints are shiny because they are covered in “confectioner’s glaze.” This doesn’t sound that bad until you realize that confectioner’s glaze is actually shellac, a resin secreted by the female Lac insect (Kerria lacca). Shellac is also called Glaze, Pure Food Glaze, Natural Glaze, Beetle Juice, or Lac-Resin. In addition to being used as a varnish, shellac can also be mixed with an alcohol solution to create the food glaze. This is what gives some candies such as Jelly beans, Jelly bellies, Mike and Ikes, hot tamales, and Junior mint their shiny coating. Shellac is sometimes sprayed onto the fruits, such as lemons, and apples, to help keep them fresh, give them a shiny finish, protect against insects and fungal contamination.
Do you think Shellac should be allowed as a food additive? Post your thoughts.
© 2016 Steve Farmer
