E422

E422 , Glycerol

Low risk humectant

Why this classification

Also known as glycerin. Safe humectant.

Products containing E422

Granola fruits rouges

u

C

Barre protéinée saveur Brownies au chocolat

koro

C

Protein Bar chocolat brownie

nu3

C

Core Protein Bar Milk Chocolate Caramel

xxl nutrition

C

Protein Bar, Caramel Cashew

barebells

C

Protein Bar Deluxe with pistachio butter

koro

C

Barre céréales Protéines shot Fruits rouges

feed

C

High Protein

isostar

C

Carrés transit figues et fibres

gayelord hauser

C

Energy Bar

carrefour

C

Common uses in industrial food

Glycerol (E422) is used by food manufacturers for various technological roles in industrial food formulations. It is most often listed in the ingredient panel as E422, Glycerol, or under one of its trade names. On a NutriDécrypte product page, this additive contributes to the additives axis (20% of the overall A to E grade), and triggers a label warning when its EFSA risk level is medium or high.

If you want to limit your exposure to this additive, the simplest tactic is to read the ingredients list (not just the front-of-pack), and to favour products graded A or B in our independent catalog. Less processed, NOVA-1 or NOVA-2 categories rarely contain it.

Related additives in the same family

Other E-numbers classified as humectant in the EU food additives registry. Their risk profile and behaviour on a label are often similar.

Frequently asked questions

Is E422 (Glycerol) safe?

EFSA classifies the risk level of E422 as low risk in its latest review. Always read the latest official opinion before drawing conclusions for your own diet, and consult a registered dietitian for medical questions.

What is E422 typically used for?

Food manufacturers use Glycerol primarily for various technological roles in industrial food formulations. You will most often find it in ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4) and rarely in unprocessed or minimally processed products (NOVA 1 or 2).

How can I avoid E422 on a label?

Look for the code E422 or its full name Glycerol in the ingredients list, usually printed in small font on the back of the pack. Cooking from raw ingredients, choosing NOVA-1 or NOVA-2 alternatives, and using the NutriDécrypte rankings to filter by grade A or B are the three most reliable strategies.