Chocolate-coated fruits and nuts are a delectable and versatile treat, offering a satisfying blend of textures and flavours. Whether dark, milk, or white, the chocolate adds a layer of decadent richness to the natural sweetness of fruits and the satisfying crunch of nuts. Alternatively, a yogurt coating can provide a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of chocolate.

A large part of the visual appeal of these products is the smooth, glossy, and reflective surface (Chocolate polishing) giving a high-quality appearance and the smooth mouthfeel that consumers expect. Manufacturers also want to protect their products from blooms and temperature fluctuations.

Shellac: The Traditional Approach

Traditionally, the industry has used shellac to provide the final gloss and protection for these coated confections. Shellac is an exudate from the lac beetle and has been a widely used food-grade additive (E904). However, recent developments have led manufacturers to explore alternative chocolate polishing products.

Challenges with Shellac

Shellac has never been approved as vegan, and it has recently been excluded from the list of products acceptable to the Vegetarian Society. Additionally, many UK retailers are now seeking “clean label” ingredients.  Furthermore,  shellac’s association with an alcohol solvent can cause handling and storage issues, as well as the potential to introduce bitterness and off-flavours in some coatings.

Exploring Shellac Alternatives

In response to these challenges, manufacturers have been seeking alternative products that can still develop a glossy, protective layer on coated confections without the disadvantages of shellac-based polishes. Our partner Norevo has been exploring several promising options.

Norevo’s Quick Sol and Quick Gloss DF

Norevo’s Quick Sol range and Quick Gloss DF offer potential solutions for reformulating without shellac. These products can provide the desired glossy, protective finish while addressing the concerns around clean label, vegan-friendliness, and solvent-free formulations.

Get in Touch for Technical Support

If you’re interested in learning more about shellac alternatives and how these products can be applied to your chocolate-coated confections, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d be happy to discuss which products would best suit your application and provide samples for your evaluation.

Associated Products

In addition to Quick Sol and Quick Gloss DF, we also offer other related products, such as:

• Precoating (Quick Coat)
• Food-grade wax-based polishes (Quick Glanz)

By exploring these shellac alternatives, food manufacturers can continue to deliver high-quality, visually appealing, and consumer-friendly chocolate-coated treats while addressing the evolving demands of the market.

For further advice, call Andina Ingham’s technical team on 01732 453 333 or complete the contact form.