[wendy]

I've read several articles and some state that the insects are harvested with the resin and one article states about 25 percent of the resin is insect parts. Some people may be allergic to the insects. Per this data, the resin is not vegetarian or vegan. It contains insects, which are animals. And God knows what else they scrape off the trees along with it.

 

[DORYS]

Trader joe's chocolate covered candies

HERE"S THE ANSWER FROM TRADER JOES - AS OF 4/6/16:
(My take: All chocolate Covered Candy at TJ's is made w/ the bug shellac! but not the chocolate bars from Belgium, etc) -

"Thank you for your email. Food glaze is another name for shellac and it is an insect based ingredient.

I also wanted to make sure you are aware of our "Product Guarantee." If you are dissatisfied with any product purchased in our stores, you can take it, or just the package, back for an exchange or full refund. We stand behind our motto, "We tried it! We liked it! If you don't, bring it back for a full refund, no questions asked."

Sincerely,
Amy
Trader Joe's
Customer Relations?