Carnauba wax is a versatile ingredient with applications in many industries. In the food industry, it is used for both food and packaging. Common uses include candies, fresh fruit, and cheese where the carnauba wax is used to create a protective coating on the food. This can improve function (e.g. prevent candies from melting in your hand), appearance, and shelf life.
Carnauba wax is a naturally occuring product, derived from the leaves of a Brazilian palm tree called Copernicia cerifera. It has a high melting point and provides an attractive sheen.