Is Beeswax Edible? What You Need to Know
Introduction: Can You Eat Beeswax?
Beeswax is a natural byproduct of honey production, widely used in skincare, candle-making, and food preservation. But is beeswax edible? The short answer is yes, beeswax is safe to eat in small amounts, but there are important factors to consider regarding its consumption, benefits, and potential risks.
What is Beeswax Made Of?
Beeswax is composed of:
- Fatty acids
- Esters
- Hydrocarbons
- Vitamin A (in small amounts)
These components make beeswax indigestible, meaning it passes through the body without being broken down.
Is Beeswax Safe to Eat?
Beeswax is classified as a food-grade ingredient by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is often used in:
- Honeycomb – A natural, edible structure filled with raw honey.
- Food coatings – Used to preserve fruits, cheeses, and candies.
- Chewing gum – Acts as a natural gum base.
- Capsules and supplements – Coating for some pills and vitamins.
While safe to eat in small quantities, beeswax is not fully digestible and should not be consumed in large amounts. Small quantities are perfectly fine.
Health Benefits of Eating Beeswax
1. May Support Digestive Health – Helps move food through the digestive system due to its fibrous nature.
2. Contains Antioxidants – Found in raw honeycomb, beeswax may provide minor antioxidant benefits.
3. Soothes Throat and Cough – Used in natural lozenges and throat remedies.
4. Supports Oral Health – Present in some natural chewing gums to promote gum health.
Risks and Considerations
- Indigestibility: The human body cannot break down beeswax, so excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort.
How to Eat Beeswax Safely
- Choose 100% pure, food-grade beeswax from reputable sources.
- Consume in small amounts, such as in honeycomb or coated foods.
- Avoid chemically processed or synthetic beeswax.
Conclusion: Should You Eat Beeswax?
Yes, beeswax is edible and safe in small amounts, especially when consumed as part of honeycomb or food coatings. However, because it is not digestible, it should be eaten in moderation. Always choose high-quality, food-grade beeswax to ensure safety and purity.
Where to Buy Edible Beeswax
For those looking for 100% pure, food-grade beeswax, purchasing from trusted beekeepers or certified organic suppliers ensures the best quality for consumption.
Why Our Beeswax is Better
Looking for high-quality, 100% pure Canadian beeswax candles? All of our beeswax products are hand-poured and sold in wholesale and small quantities. We have perfect our wax filtering process over the past decade and now offer a consistent high-quality product.
Shop now and experience the difference.
About Prairie Sun Beeswax
Prairie Sun Beeswax is a family-owned business in the Canadian prairies, producing pure beeswax and honey for over three generations. We render Manitoba and Ontario beeswax and all of our beeswax products sold are 100% Canadian. What started as a small beekeeping operation in 1962 has grown into a thriving farm with 1,500 hives. Since launching our commercial beeswax rendering business in 2014, we’ve perfected our filtering process to deliver the highest quality wax to our customers. In addition, our commercial beeswax rendering process is powered by a large solar array that we installed behind the honey house in 2017.