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Glycerin (E 422)

Last reviewed October 19, 2026

In plain words: Glycerin (E 422), also called glycerol, keeps foods moist and adds sweetness.

What the evidence review says

Glycerin keeps foods moist and adds sweetness. Animal studies have not found an adverse effect at very high doses. Large amounts at once can loosen stools, and EFSA noted that young children drinking flavored drinks with glycerin could be more affected.

No notable concern at reported food uses. Animal studies, including a chronic study at 10,000 mg/kg body weight per day, did not identify an adverse effect. Large bolus amounts draw water into the gut and can loosen stools. EFSA estimated that a medicinal oral effect could begin around 125 mg/kg body weight per hour and noted that infants and toddlers could reach that from less than 330 mL of a flavoured drink, but still found no safety concern at the refined exposure for reported uses. Process impurities such as acrolein and 3-MCPD are controlled by specifications, not by the glycerol molecule itself.

Policy note: FDA has proposed a rule (not final) that would require companies to notify FDA before using a food substance on the basis that it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Comments close December 9, 2026. Source: 91 FR 51834, published August 11, 2026, Docket FDA-2025-N-3262 (federalregister.gov, checked 2026-10-19).

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This page is for general education. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from your doctor, pediatrician, allergist or registered dietitian. Research changes; we review these pages when new evidence or rules come out. Last reviewed October 19, 2026.