INS 903 is carnauba wax, numbered E903 in Europe. It comes from the carnauba palm (Copernicia prunifera) of north-eastern Brazil, which coats its leaves with wax to hold in water. The leaves are cut, dried and beaten to release the wax flakes, which are then melted, filtered and refined. Codex lists it as an acidity regulator, anticaking agent, bulking agent, carrier and glazing agent.
It is the hardest of the natural waxes and has a high melting point, so a tiny amount polished onto sweets gives a durable, glossy finish that does not feel sticky. It is entirely plant-derived.
On SeekSnack, M&M’s Peanut lists it as a glazing agent, giving the coloured sugar shells their shine. It is also on the label of Cororo Grape Jelly, together with beeswax.
