By Jeanne Yacoubou, MS
In January 2025, The Vegetarian Useful resource Group obtained an e mail from a reader about insect-derived shellac on espresso beans:
“I’ve learn a few of your articles earlier than and it impressed me to look into whether or not my very own favourite lifelong espresso model used shellac/lac resin on their beans. I emailed the corporate and so they mentioned they might look into it, and this was their response:
‘Since shellac resin is just not one of many high 9 allergens required for labeling, we don’t analyze for the presence of shellac resin. Which means that cross contact is presently attainable for all of our merchandise all through the advanced chain of provide.’”
In June 2025 we contacted J.M. Smucker Co., maker of Folger’s espresso, and requested one easy query about their espresso by way of their web site:
“Do any of your suppliers coat their espresso beans with shellac?”
Just a few days later we obtained their reply:
“…Our espresso beans are sourced from respected suppliers in additional than 20 international locations all over the world. From there, Folgers espresso beans are roasted, floor and packaged at amenities in the US…shellac is just not added to our product.”
Nevertheless, this response didn’t straight reply the query so we referred to as the corporate. We acknowledged that we had obtained their e mail reply however that it didn’t straight reply our query. Then we restated it and had been instructed that our query can be researched additional.
The VRG referred to as the Smucker Co. once more. This time, the customer support rep put us on a protracted maintain to research. Upon returning, she confirmed that their espresso bean suppliers don’t coat their beans with insect-derived shellac.
Based mostly on this data from J.M. Smucker Co., it seems NO Folger’s model espresso accommodates insect-derived shellac.
For tips on making productive firm inquiries, consult with our earlier article.
For different ingredient data, see https://www.vrg.org/components/index.php
The contents of this posting, our web site and our different publications, together with Vegan Journal, will not be supposed to offer private medical recommendation. Medical recommendation needs to be obtained from a professional well being skilled. We regularly rely on product and ingredient data from firm statements. It’s inconceivable to be 100% positive a few assertion, information can change, individuals have totally different views, and errors could be made. Please use your greatest judgment about whether or not a product is appropriate for you. To make sure, do additional analysis or affirmation by yourself.
