Glycerine (Glycerol) E422

Product Overview

Glycerine (also known as glycerol) is a clear, colourless, and odourless viscous liquid with a sweet taste. Classified as E422 in the Codex Alimentarius, it is a safe, versatile food-grade ingredient that also meets pharmaceutical standards. Glycerine is highly soluble in water and has excellent humectant, sweetening, and stabilising properties, making it an essential ingredient in a wide range of food and beverage applications.

Key Properties

• Chemical Name: Propane-1,2,3-triol
• E-Number: E422
• Form: Clear viscous liquid
• Odour/Taste: Sweet, odourless
• Purity: ≥ 99.5% (food/pharma grade)
• Solubility: Fully miscible with water, soluble in alcohol
• Origin: Vegetable-derived (commonly from plant oils)

Shelf Life: 24 months when stored properly in a cool, dry place

Applications in Food & Beverage Production

• Glycerine is widely used in the food, beverage, confectionery, and nutraceutical industries. Common applications include:

Humectant:

• Retains moisture in products to prevent drying out.
• Used in baked goods, cakes, and icing to maintain softness and extend shelf life.

Sweetener:

• Provides a mild sweetness (about 60% of sucrose’s sweetness) without crystallisation.
• Suitable for reduced-sugar or sugar-free formulations.

Solvent & Carrier:

• Dissolves and disperses flavourings, colours, and botanical extracts evenly.
• Used in herbal tinctures, syrups, and flavour concentrates.

Texturiser & Softener:

• Improves mouthfeel and texture in confectionery, chewing gum, and protein bars.
• Prevents sugar crystallisation in candies and fudge.

Preservative Action:

• Inhibits microbial growth by lowering water activity in foods such as dried fruits and jams.

Specialty Uses:

• Beverage ingredient for texture and sweetness in liqueurs, soft drinks, and energy drinks.
• Essential in pharmaceutical syrups and lozenges (dual food-pharma application).