Comparing E903 - Carnauba wax vs E909 - Spermaceti
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 9,053 products
Found in 0 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Awareness data is not available.
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.
What is spermaceti used for?
E909 is a whale-derived wax that was formerly used as a glazing/release (anti-sticking) agent on confectionery and some fruits.
Is spermaceti still used?
No—its use in foods is not authorized in the EU or US, and trade in whale products is widely prohibited; manufacturers use alternatives like carnauba or microcrystalline waxes.
What does spermaceti look like?
It is a hard, white, crystalline wax that is nearly odorless and tasteless, with a slightly oily feel.
What was spermaceti used for?
In foods it served as a glazing/anti-sticking agent (E909); outside food it was used for high-quality candles, ointments, and polishes.
How much spermaceti is in a sperm whale?
The spermaceti organ of a large sperm whale can contain up to about 1,900 liters (roughly 500 U.S. gallons) of spermaceti.