E422

E422 is a food ingredient commonly known as glycerol or glycerine. It is a clear, odourless, and sweet-tasting substance often used in food processing. Glycerol can be derived from plant sources like soybeans, coconuts, or palm, or it can be produced synthetically. It is widely used in the food industry for various purposes.

Glycerol is typically made by breaking down fats or oils through a process called hydrolysis. This process separates the fatty acids from the glycerol, resulting in a pure form of glycerine. The glycerol produced can then be used in food production to enhance texture, prevent food from drying out, or act as a sweetener in certain products like cakes and biscuits.

You may find E422 listed on food labels as glycerol in items like baked goods, dairy products, beverages, confectionery, and processed meats. It is used to retain moisture, improve the texture of foods, and sometimes to add sweetness without increasing the sugar content. In some cases, glycerol can also extend the shelf life of products by preventing them from drying out or becoming too hard.

Foods in the CalorieStar database containing E422