Can You Eat the Wax on Wax Candy?

Wax candy has been a nostalgic treat for many, often bringing back memories of childhood. From wax bottles filled with sweet liquid to wax lips and wax cola bottles, these candies have been a fun and quirky part of candy culture for decades. However, one question that often arises when it comes to wax candy is, “Can you eat the wax?”

The short answer is: yes, you can eat the wax, but should you? In this article, we’ll explore the purpose of the wax in candy, its safety, and whether it’s worth eating or simply tossing aside.

What is Wax Candy?

Wax candy is made with paraffin wax, which is a type of wax derived from petroleum. It’s commonly used in food and candy production because of its ability to hold shapes, provide a glossy finish, and act as a protective coating. Wax candies are usually created in fun, edible shapes such as bottles, lips, or even small figurines. These candies are typically hollow inside, and the wax casing is often flavored with sugary syrup or juice to give the candy its sweet taste.

What’s the Purpose of Wax in Candy?

Wax in candy is primarily used for two purposes:

1. Shape and Texture: The wax acts as a mold to give candy its specific shape. Wax is pliable and durable, making it an ideal material for forming intricate designs like the small wax soda bottles or wax lips.
2. Preservation: Wax helps to preserve the candy and prevent it from getting crushed or damaged. The wax coating serves as a barrier that keeps the candy’s contents intact and ensures it lasts longer on the shelf.

Can You Eat the Wax?

The wax used in wax candy, usually paraffin wax, is technically edible, but it’s not intended to be eaten in large quantities. Here’s a deeper look at the wax itself:

• Paraffin Wax: Paraffin is a food-safe wax and is often used in food products such as candy coatings, chewing gum, and even as a coating for cheese. It is considered non-toxic and safe for consumption in small amounts. In fact, paraffin wax is commonly used in food processing and packaging to keep products fresh and intact. However, it is not a food ingredient that adds flavor or nutritional value, so it’s mostly used as a structural component rather than something to be enjoyed.
• How It Tastes: While the wax is edible, it doesn’t taste good. Paraffin wax has a neutral flavor, so it won’t add any sweetness or texture to your candy experience. It’s just there to give the candy its shape and form. Some people find the texture of the wax to be chewy or waxy, but it doesn’t provide much of a satisfying mouthfeel compared to the candy’s actual sugary contents.
• How Much Wax Should You Eat?: Eating small amounts of wax is harmless, but it’s generally not recommended to consume large quantities. Eating too much wax can cause digestive discomfort, as your body has a hard time breaking down the wax. Ingesting large amounts might lead to gastrointestinal issues, such as a stomach ache or mild constipation.

Should You Eat the Wax?

While the wax on wax candy is edible, it’s really up to personal preference whether or not you should eat it. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Taste and Texture: If you’re eating wax candy for the flavor and sweetness, you’ll likely want to avoid chewing the wax itself. The wax doesn’t have any flavor or sweetness and can be tough to chew. Most people simply suck on the candy and discard the wax once it’s been consumed.
2. Childhood Fun: Many people remember chewing on the wax from candy when they were younger, treating it as a part of the overall fun experience of eating wax candy. However, as adults, you might realize that the wax doesn’t add much to the overall enjoyment of the candy.
3. Environmental Considerations: Wax candy wrappers and wax itself are biodegradable, but it’s still important to consider how you dispose of them properly. If you’re not going to eat the wax, make sure to throw it away responsibly rather than just tossing it on the ground.
4. Alternatives: If you’re someone who enjoys the sweetness of wax candy but not the wax itself, there are plenty of alternatives on the market that offer the same sugary satisfaction without the waxy exterior. For example, fruit-flavored gummies, hard candies, or chocolates may be more enjoyable for those who want to avoid eating the wax.

Is It Safe to Eat the Wax?

Yes, the wax used in candy is safe to eat in small amounts. Paraffin wax is a common food-grade product, and eating small amounts won’t cause harm. It is approved for use by food safety authorities like the FDA and is often used in processed foods like candy, gum, and some types of fruit coatings.

However, it’s essential to remember that the wax is not meant to be the main part of the candy. While it’s not harmful, it’s also not a particularly enjoyable experience to eat large amounts of wax, especially if it’s not part of the actual candy’s flavor profile.

Conclusion

In summary, yes, you can eat the wax on wax candy, but it’s not necessary or particularly enjoyable. The wax used in these candies is food-safe and edible, but it serves more of a structural purpose than a flavor-enhancing one. Most people eat the sweet, flavored center of the candy and then discard the wax exterior once they’ve finished.

So, while it’s safe to nibble on the wax if you wish, it’s usually best to stick to the candy itself and toss the wax aside. After all, the best part of wax candy is the sugary goodness inside—not the wax wrapper!