What do jelly beans, glossy apples, and chocolate-covered nuts have in common? Their shine comes from a tiny insect called the lac bug.

Meet the Lac Bug
For over 3,000 years, lac bugs in India and Thailand have been prized for the resin they secrete—shellac. Originally used to varnish wood and instruments, shellac found a second life in food, thanks to its smooth, protective, edible finish.

Where You’ll Find It

• Candies like jelly beans use shellac for that sleek, glossy look.

• Chocolate-covered snacks get their polish from it too.

• Fruits, especially apples, are coated to stay fresh and shiny.

• Pills and vitamins often use shellac to help them go down smoothly.

How It Works
Lac resin is purified into food-grade shellac (also called confectioner’s glaze). It locks out moisture and adds irresistible shine.

From ancient forests to modern candy aisles, the lac bug’s legacy is glossy, sweet, and surprisingly tasty.