Glycerol

E422 is the European food-additive number for Glycerol, a humectant — stops a food from drying out. Glycerol (E422) is a humectant used as a food additive.

What is E422 used for?

Glycerol (E422) is a humectant — stops a food from drying out. It is added during food production for a technological purpose rather than for nutrition.

Is E422 safe or restricted?

E422 is an approved food additive in the EU and currently carries no special regulatory restrictions in the EU additive register. Forkin classifies it as “No regulatory flags” and does not make health claims. See the methodology for how regulatory levels are assigned.

Frequently asked questions about E422

What is E422?

E422 is the E-number for Glycerol, a humectant — stops a food from drying out. Glycerol (E422) is a humectant used as a food additive.

What is E422 used for?

Glycerol (E422) is a humectant — stops a food from drying out. Manufacturers add it during processing rather than for nutrition. The Forkin app shows which products in your scan history actually contain it.

Is E422 vegan or vegetarian?

It depends on the source. Many additives can be produced from plant, mineral, or animal-derived raw materials, and the ingredient list rarely states which was used. The Forkin app shows the verified vegan and vegetarian status per product where it's known, instead of a blanket guess.

Is E422 safe, and is it banned anywhere?

E422 is an approved food additive in the EU and currently carries no special regulatory restrictions in the EU additive register. Forkin classifies it as "No regulatory flags" and does not make health claims — see the methodology page for how regulatory levels are assigned, and the Forkin app for the full profile, including acceptable daily intake (ADI) and restrictions by country.

Related additives (Humectant)

• E1200 Polydextrose
• E350 Sodium malates
• E350I Sodium malate
• E350II Sodium hydrogen malate
• E420 Sorbitol
• E420I D-sorbitol
• E420II Sorbitol syrup
• E421 Mannitol