You probably have food products with paraffin wax in your kitchen right now and may not realize it. Paraffin wax, which is classified as a chemical preservative, is used to make fruits, vegetables, and candy look shiny; it also helps slow down moisture loss and spoilage. Paraffin wax is used in a variety of applications, from commercially produced products to homemade foods. One of the most common uses of paraffin wax is as a wrapper on hard cheeses. You may also find it in jars of home-canned jams and jellies; however, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends against the use of paraffin as a sealant.
Food-grade paraffin wax is considered edible. It is composed of vegetable oils, palm oil derivatives, and synthetic resins, plus other materials that pass through the body undigested and contain no nutritional value. Some paraffin, such as the scented variety sold for candle-making and beauty treatments, should never be ingested.
I spoke to to Robert Turner, who handles Gulf Wax distribution for the company. He said, “We don’t recommend the product for anything other than what’s on the box: canning and preserving food. We don’t recommend use in chocolates. You can ingest a large amount without any harm, but we don’t recommend you eat it.”
Cici Williamson at the USDA had some more guidance: “We recommend water-bath processing or pressure canning everything. If it’s jellies or jams, the worst thing that could happen [when using Gulf Wax as a sealant] would be mold, and you can see that. If you keep it in the fridge and check for mold, it will probably be safe.” She also had some other interesting information on paraffin: it will not melt in the microwave because it has no fat or moisture in it. The only way to melt it in the microwave is to melt it in some chocolate or other substance containing fat or moisture. That way, the heat from the chocolate will melt the paraffin. She emphasized that Gulf Wax is food-grade and food-safe, so it is edible if you really feel like chowing down on it.
I asked if there were off-label uses for the wax. Turner responded, “A lot of people use it to lubricate sliding glass doors–put it on the track to help the door slide easier. You can also melt and line a trash can with it.” (The label suggests many other non-food-related uses: waxing surfboards, lubricating snow skis, toboggans and snow shovels, using it to keep irons smooth and bright, creating decorative candles and artificial flowers.)
If you want to buy your own Gulf Wax, it costs about $2.75 per box and is usually situated near the canning supplies. I purchased it at the Charles Town, WV Martin’s–since Martin’s is a Royal Ahold company, I would assume it is also available at other RA supermarkets, including both the Pennsylvania and Landover-based Giant chains. I have also seen it at the Sterling, VA Wegmans market. My local Food Lion sells a different brand. Some supermarkets don’t carry the product at all, so you may have to shop around. Let me know how you use it if you purchase some. (And if you’re local and you want some, let me know and I’ll be glad to give you mine.)
He seemed unaware that the USDA does not recommend use of paraffin in home canning. According to my 1999 copy of the Complete Guide to Home Canning and Preserving, Second Revised Edition, “Because of possible mold contamination, paraffin or wax seals are no longer recommended for any sweet spread, including jellies.” (p. 32)
Other Uses
Paraffin wax shows up in some surprising places, like sausages, and is used to coat cured sausage links to give them luster. Maybe not so surprising is that paraffin is part of the novelty candies shaped wax lips, mustaches, and miniature soda bottles filled with flavored liquid.
Culinary wax paper contains a coating of paraffin wax to make it water-resistant and non-stick. This is also useful for keeping food fresh when stored in the refrigerator.
Gulf Wax Safety Tip
FAQ
Is Gulf wax good for candle making?
What is canning wax used for?
Is Gulf wax the same as paraffin wax?
Can you use Gulf wax in cooking?
Gulf Wax is made from fully refined paraffin wax, which is commonly used in many household products such as candles and crayons. While it may seem strange to use a product like this in cooking, it’s actually quite common and has been used for decades. Don’t let the myths and misconceptions scare you away from using Gulf Wax in your recipes.
What do you know about Gulf wax?
Gulf Wax has been a household name since the 1940s. Known for its versatility and long-lasting results, this odorless and colorless wax is used in various DIY projects, from candle making to food preservation. But how much do you really know about Gulf Wax?
What are the different types of Gulf wax?
Gulf Wax comes in two different forms, flakes and bars. Flakes are ideal for candle making because they melt quickly and evenly, while bars are better suited for food preservation, such as canning. Make sure you read the label carefully to ensure you are purchasing the right type of Gulf Wax.
Can you use Gulf wax instead of beeswax?
It is often used in the production of homemade lip balms, lotions, and soaps. Gulf Wax can serve as a great substitute for beeswax as it has a similar texture and provides hydration to the skin. It is also safe to use on sensitive and acne-prone skin. Gulf Wax can also be used in haircare.