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Glycerin In Food

What is glycerin?

Glycerin, also known as glycerine or glycerol, is a type of sugar alcohol compound that is made from either animal fats, plant fats or is synthetically produced. The polyol occurs naturally in fermented foods and beverages, including beer, honey, vinegar, wine, and wine vinegar. It is a colorless, odorless, non-toxic liquid that has a sweet taste. Glycerin’s safety has been confirmed by multiple global health authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  Although it is most widely used and recognized in the cosmetics industry, it is very common to see glycerin in food & beverage applications.

Types of glycerin.

  • Plant-based (vegetable oil): Natural glycerin is derived from oils and fats of coconut and palm. The plant oils are subjected to a combination of pressure, temperature, and water to form glycerin. Because of its organic composition, vegetable glycerin has a texture similar to syrup. This type of glycerin is considered vegan.
  • Animal-based (fat): Tallow (beef or mutton fat) is combined with water and heated to a thick consistency over medium to low heat. The mixture is then chilled overnight in the refrigerator. The hardened mixture is boiled to remove excess water or strained to remove impurities.
  • Synthetic: It is petroleum-based and produced from cane or corn syrup sugar, or propylene.

How is glycerin used in food?

Glycerin helps preserve moisture, prevents sugar crystallization, and adds bulk, smoothness, softness, sweetness, and texture to a range of foods and beverages. It gives the final product its smooth, thick texture. It is used in a variety of food and drink products, including various beverages, energy bars, cake, icings, soft candies, chewing gum, condiments, creams, diet foods, dried fruits, fondant, fudge, and marshmallows. Food-grade glycerin is often used as a humectant (wetting agent), thickener, solvent, or sweetener to dairy products. The source of glycerin used in a food product is usually not revealed on the food labels.

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Ube Cosmic Cookie

Nutrition Facts

servings per container
Serving size
(10g)
Amount per serving

Calories

35

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 1.5g

2%
Saturated Fat 1g
5%
Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 5mg

2%

Sodium 40mg

2%

Total Carbohydrate 5g

2%
Dietary Fiber 0g
0%
Total Sugars 3g
Includes 3g Added Sugars
6%

Protein 0g

Vitamin D 0mcg
0%
Calcium 11mg
0%
Iron 0mg
0%
Potassium 6mg
0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Blue Moon Milk

Nutrition Facts

servings per container
Serving size
(236g)
Amount per serving

Calories

200

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 7g

9%
Saturated Fat 4g
20%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 20mg
7%

Sodium 95mg

4%

Total Carbohydrate 27g

10%
Dietary Fiber 0g
0%
Total Sugars 27g
Includes 16g Added Sugars
32%

Protein 7g

Vitamin D 3mcg
15%
Calcium 250mg
20%
Iron 0mg
0%
Potassium 291mg
6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.