Comparing E903 - Carnauba wax vs E1521 - Polyethylene glycol

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Overview

E903 - Carnauba wax

Carnauba wax (E903) is a hard, natural wax from the leaves of the carnauba palm. Food makers use it as a glazing and anti-stick coating to give shine and protect foods during storage and transport. It also appears on some tablet and supplement coatings to help them swallow more easily.

E1521 - Polyethylene glycol

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a smooth, water‑soluble polymer used in small amounts to coat, carry, or dissolve other ingredients. In food, it appears as E1521 and helps give tablets and dragees a clean, glossy finish while keeping moisture under control. Regulators in the EU allow it for defined uses and set strict purity rules.

Synonyms

E903

Carnauba wax

carnauba wax coating agents

E1521

Polyethylene glycol

Functions

glazing agent

carrier glazing agent

Origins

Plant

Synthetic

Products

Found in 9,053 products

Found in 163 products

Search rank & volume

#1409.7K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#4467K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.16

under-aware

×58.32

over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

Is carnauba wax edible?
Yes—E903 carnauba wax is an approved food glazing/coating agent and is considered safe at typical food levels; it’s essentially inert and passes through the body undigested.
Is carnauba wax vegan?
Yes—it's a plant-derived wax from the leaves of the carnauba palm and is generally considered vegan.
What is carnauba wax in food?
It’s a plant wax used as a glazing/coating agent to add shine, prevent sticking, and reduce moisture loss on products like candies, chewing gum, chocolate, and some fruits.
Where does carnauba wax come from?
It comes from the leaves of the carnauba palm (Copernicia prunifera) native to northeastern Brazil; the dried leaves are beaten to release the wax, which is then refined.
How long does carnauba wax last?
The wax itself is very stable and can be stored for years if kept cool and dry; on foods, the thin coating lasts through the product’s normal shelf life but doesn’t significantly extend it.