INS 901 is beeswax, the natural wax bees make to build their honeycomb. On Indian packs it shows up as a glazing or coating agent on chocolate-covered nuts, lozenges, fruit waxing, and some supplement capsules. It is technically animal-derived (from bees), so strict vegetarians (Jain), vegans, and some traditions avoid it. It is animal-derived (non-vegetarian under Indian rules) and is permitted by FSSAI for specified food categories.
Quick Facts
INS Number
901
E-Number
E901
Category
Glazing Agent
Veg Status
Animal-derived
FSSAI Status
Permitted by FSSAI
JECFA ADI
Not specified (2005)
Composition
A natural wax secreted by honey bees (Apis mellifera) to build honeycomb. Two food-grade forms exist: white beeswax (E901, INS 901) is bleached, yellow beeswax is the unbleached version. Composition is mainly long-chain esters, hydrocarbons, and fatty acids.
What is INS 901?
INS 901 is beeswax, the natural wax bees make to build their honeycomb. On Indian packs it shows up as a glazing or coating agent on chocolate-covered nuts, lozenges, fruit waxing, and some supplement capsules. It is technically animal-derived (from bees), so strict vegetarians (Jain), vegans, and some traditions avoid it.
Why brands add it
Brands use it because beeswax gives a natural, clean glossy finish to coated candies, prevents stickiness on chocolate-covered nuts and dried fruits, and provides a slow-release barrier on supplement tablets. It is the traditional 'shine' on artisan chocolates and some Indian supplement capsules.
Where you'll find it
INS 901 commonly shows up on Indian packets in these categories:
chocolate-covered nuts and dried fruits
lozenges and throat candies
fruit waxing (apples, citrus)
supplement and pharmaceutical tablet coatings
some chewing gum bases
artisan and luxury chocolate coatings
Veg or non-veg? - Animal-derived
Beeswax is produced by honey bees and harvested from honeycomb, so it is not vegan and many strict vegetarians (Jain, ISKCON, ahimsa-following) avoid it. India-specific labelling subtlety: under the FSS Packaging and Labelling Regulations 2011, products that contain only beeswax, honey, shellac, or carnauba wax as their animal-source ingredient are NOT required to carry the brown non-vegetarian dot; they may carry the green vegetarian dot. The dot reflects FSSAI's labelling rule for the finished product, but the additive's biological origin is still the bee.
FSSAI status and JECFA evaluation
FSSAI: Permitted by FSSAI under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 as a glazing agent for specified food categories with category-specific limits. Per FSS Packaging and Labelling Regulations 2011, beeswax is one of the four animal-source ingredients (with honey, shellac, and carnauba wax) that does not on its own require a brown non-vegetarian dot on the finished product.
JECFA: ADI 'not specified' for beeswax, established at 65th JECFA (2005). 'Not specified' is JECFA's safest classification: total dietary intake at typical use levels is not considered a hazard.
Also known as
On packets, in recipes, and in conversation, INS 901 is also called:
Animal-derived. Beeswax is produced by honey bees and harvested from honeycomb, so it is not vegan and many strict vegetarians (Jain, ISKCON, ahimsa-following) avoid it. India-specific labelling subtlety: under the FSS Packaging and Labelling Regulations 2011, products that contain only beeswax, honey, shellac, or carnauba wax as their animal-source ingredient are NOT required to carry the brown non-vegetarian dot; they may carry the green vegetarian dot. The dot reflects FSSAI's labelling rule for the finished product, but the additive's biological origin is still the bee.
Is INS 901 permitted by FSSAI?+
Permitted by FSSAI under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 as a glazing agent for specified food categories with category-specific limits. Per FSS Packaging and Labelling Regulations 2011, beeswax is one of the four animal-source ingredients (with honey, shellac, and carnauba wax) that does not on its own require a brown non-vegetarian dot on the finished product.
What is INS 901 used for?+
Brands use it because beeswax gives a natural, clean glossy finish to coated candies, prevents stickiness on chocolate-covered nuts and dried fruits, and provides a slow-release barrier on supplement tablets. It is the traditional 'shine' on artisan chocolates and some Indian supplement capsules.
Is INS 901 (also written as E901) the same thing?+
Yes. INS 901 (the Codex International Numbering System used by FSSAI) and E901 (the European E-number system) refer to the same compound. The digits are identical for almost all common additives. Indian packets may show either form, or the common name (beeswax).
This page summarises FSSAI's permission status and JECFA's scientific evaluation. It is not medical or dietary advice. Manufacturer ingredient sourcing can vary, especially for source-dependent additives - the Indian veg/non-veg dot logo on the pack is the brand's declaration. For health decisions, consult a doctor or registered dietitian.