In plain words
Glycerol is a sweetish, colourless liquid that keeps foods moist and soft. You find it in baked goods, dried fruit, sweets, slush ice drinks and medicines.
Where you find it: confectionery, dried fruit, protein bars
Our recommendation
No need to avoid it; just do not give slush ice drinks to small children.
Possible risks and effects
- No relevant risk known at normal intake
- Large single doses (e.g. slush drinks) can cause nausea or headache in small children
For experts
A trihydric alcohol that forms the backbone of triglycerides, produced from fat saponification or biodiesel. It serves as humectant, solvent and carrier; EFSA's 2017 re-evaluation concluded no numerical ADI is needed. The body metabolises it via normal pathways; the UK FSA advises against glycerol-containing slush ice drinks for children under 4.
Check another E-number
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E551Silicon dioxide (silica)E554Sodium aluminium silicateE900DimethylpolysiloxaneE1520Propylene glycolE535–E538FerrocyanidesE290Carbon dioxideE509Calcium chlorideE516Calcium sulphateThis information is educational and based on EFSA assessments and available studies; it does not replace medical advice. With allergies, intolerances or illness, follow your doctor’s advice.