What do jelly beans, shiny apples, and some of your favorite chocolates have in common? They all owe their glossy, irresistible shine to a tiny, hard-working bug! Meet the lac bug—an unassuming little insect that’s been providing the world with shellac, a natural resin, for centuries.

The Shiny Origin Story:

The use of lac bug resin dates back over 3,000 years to ancient India, where these industrious insects were prized for the shellac they produced. Lac bugs, which live on trees in India and Thailand, secrete a resin that can be harvested, purified, and turned into the food-grade glaze you see today.

Originally, shellac was mostly used for varnishing wood, creating shiny finishes on furniture and musical instruments (think shiny guitars and violins). But somewhere along the line, people discovered that this bug-derived resin could also work its magic on food! How did we get from violins to jelly beans? The answer lies in shellac’s ability to create a smooth, protective, and edible glaze.

Foodie Facts: What’s Still Coated with Lac Bug Resin?

Here’s where the lac bug really gets tasty: shellac is used to give many foods that perfect, glossy finish that screams “eat me!”

• Candies: If you love candy that’s smooth and shiny (hello, jelly beans!), you’re probably snacking on a little shellac. It’s what gives candies their sleek, irresistible gloss.

• Chocolate-covered nuts and raisins: That polished look you see on your chocolate treats? Thank the lac bug for that!

• Fruit coatings: Some fruits, like apples, are coated with shellac to preserve their freshness and give them that waxy shine in the produce aisle.

• Pills and vitamins: You know that shiny coating on certain pills? That’s often shellac too, ensuring they’re easy to swallow and stay fresh.

But How Exactly Does It Work?

Once the lac bug resin is collected, it’s purified and processed into edible shellac, sometimes called confectioner’s glaze in the food industry. This food-safe, clear coating creates a smooth barrier that gives candy, fruits, and other goodies their long-lasting shine. Plus, it helps preserve the food by keeping moisture out and maintaining freshness.

From Bug to Brilliance: The Legacy

What started in the forests of India thousands of years ago as a natural varnish for crafts and furniture has now become a secret ingredient in the world of sweets and treats. Lac bugs might be small, but their impact is huge—giving foods that irresistible glossy shine that has us all reaching for just one more jelly bean (or ten!).