Rice bran wax
A safe, vegan natural wax.
- Category
- Glazing agents
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
A hard, natural vegetable wax extracted from rice husks, used as a glazing agent and surface coating.
How it is used in food
A plant-derived glazing agent giving gloss and moisture protection to sweets and coatings; it is a fully vegan substitute for beeswax and a sustainable byproduct of rice oil production.
Commonly found in- Confectionery glaze
- Chewing gum
Health and safety
Generally considered safe; serves as an excellent vegan alternative to carnauba or beeswax. Not on the main EU Annex II list.
Toxicological data show it is indigestible and unabsorbed, like other food waxes. It is accepted as safe in the US (FDA-permitted) and elsewhere, though it lacks a current entry in the EU's main additive list.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Not approved | Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E908
Worth knowing
Rice bran wax is skimmed off during the refining of rice bran oil — turning a waste stream of rice milling into a high-value coating used in food, cosmetics and even crayons.
Conclusion
A safe, vegan natural wax.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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