E904 — Shellac

Needs verification

E904 (Shellac) needs verification. A natural resin secreted by the lac insect, used to make things shine.

Why it needs verification

Opinions on insect-derived substances differ; several halal bodies permit it, which is exactly why we mark it for verification rather than deciding for you.

Where you meet it

Shiny chocolate lentils, glazed fruit, pill coatings.

What to do in the shop

Look for a product that names the source, says plant-based or vegan, or carries a halal certificate. If nothing on the packet settles it, the manufacturer can tell you, and their answer is the only thing that turns E904 from a question into an answer.

A status here describes the additive in general — a specific product can be different. The same number can be made from plant or animal material depending on the manufacturer, and the label does not say which.

Questions people ask

Is E904 halal?

E904 (Shellac) needs verification. Opinions on insect-derived substances differ; several halal bodies permit it, which is exactly why we mark it for verification rather than deciding for you.

How do I know if the E904 in a product is halal?

Only the manufacturer can tell you which source they used, unless the packet says plant-based, vegan, or carries a halal certificate.

Related additives

E913 — Lanolin · Needs verification
E920 — L-cysteine · Needs verification
E921 — L-cystine · Needs verification

See all E-numbers →

Check a product, not just a number

An additive's status describes the additive in general. What matters is the whole ingredient list on the packet in your hand.

This is information, not a fatwa. These statuses combine published scholarly positions with ingredient analysis, and they can be incomplete or out of date. For anything that matters, confirm with the manufacturer and with a qualified authority.