Humectant

Humectants are ingredients used in food to help retain moisture, keeping products moist and fresh for longer. They can come from various sources such as plants, fruits, or even be synthetically produced in a lab. The main job of humectants is to prevent food from drying out, which can help improve the texture and overall quality of the product.

These ingredients are typically made by extracting or synthesising compounds that have water-attracting properties. This means they can pull in and hold onto moisture, helping food maintain its desired texture and freshness. The process of making humectants can vary depending on the specific type and source of the ingredient, but the goal is always the same – to keep food from becoming dry or stale.

Humectants are commonly used in a variety of food products like baked goods, candies, and snack bars. They appear on food labels because they play a crucial role in maintaining the desired texture and shelf life of these items. For example, you might find humectants like glycerine or sorbitol listed on the packaging of cakes, cookies, or even some types of bread. By helping to retain moisture, humectants ensure that these foods stay fresh and enjoyable for longer periods.

Foods in the CalorieStar database containing Humectant

Fibre One 90 Calorie Birthday Cake Squares
Fibre One 90 Calorie Chocolate Fudge Brownie Bars
Fibre One 90 Calorie Cinnamon Drizzle Squares
Fibre One 90 Calorie Lemon Drizzle Square Bars
Fibre One 90 Calorie Salted Caramel Square Bars
Go Ahead Apple Bakes
Sainsbury's Belgian Milk Chocolate Cookies, Taste the Difference
Kingsmill Blueberry Cheesecake Buttermilk Pancakes
Sainsbury's Blueberry Pancakes, Taste the Difference
Cadbury Boost Glucose

Bounty Bounty Dark
Bounty Bounty Milk Chocolate Bar
Cadbury Brunch Bar Chocolate Chip
Cadbury Brunch Bar Peanut
Cadbury Brunch Bar Raisin
Sainsbury's Butterscotch Bombe, Taste the Difference
Fibre One Calorie Chocolate Fudge Brownie Squares
Fibre One Calorie Cookies & Cream Drizzle Squares
Fibre One Calorie Salted Caramel Bars
Fibre One Calorie Salted Caramel Drizzle Squares
Alpen Caramel & Chocolate Cereal Bars
Sainsbury's Caramel & Chocolate Crispy Bites
Sainsbury's Caramel and Chocolate Cross Buns
Cadbury Caramel Cake Bars
Sainsbury's Caramelised Biscuit Christmas Pudding, Taste the Difference