Ingredient

Humectant

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Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add humectants to foods to keep them moist and prevent them from drying …

What it is

Humectants are ingredients that attract and hold water. They are typically carbohydrates like sorbitol, glycerol, and propylene glycol, or other compounds like lactic acid. They can be produced synthetically or derived from natural sources.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add humectants to foods to keep them moist and prevent them from drying out. They help maintain texture and freshness in products like baked goods, confectionery, and dried fruits. Humectants can also help control sugar crystallization in candies.

Health notes

Humectants like glycerol and sorbitol are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. JECFA has evaluated many humectants and established acceptable daily intakes. At typical consumption levels found in food, they are not associated with adverse health effects. Some sugar alcohols, if consumed in very large amounts, may have a laxative effect.

Allergen info

Humectants are not typically derived from the major allergens. They do not contain gluten.

Products containing Humectant

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TURIN Turin, Kahlua Chocolates Chocolate High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 475kcal 5Protein 22.5Fat 62.5Carbs E. WEDEL E. Wedel, Dark Chocolate With Cherry Filling Chocolate High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 500kcal 5Protein 25Fat 60Carbs LOTTE WEDEL SP.Z.O.O. E. Wedel, Milk Chocolate With Strawberry Filling Chocolate High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 475kcal 5Protein 25Fat 62.5Carbs ADAMS Bubbaloo Gum Chewing Gum & Mints 293kcal 0Protein 0Fat 74.1Carbs Chewing Gum BUBBALOO Chewing Gum Chewing Gum & Mints 273kcal 0Protein 0Fat 72.7Carbs OVER THE TOP Wispy White Ready To Use Vanilla Fondant, Vanilla Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings High in added sugars — 56% DV per serving 371kcal 0Protein 4.3Fat 85.7Carbs OVER THE TOP Bee Yellow Ready To Use Vanilla Fondant, Vanilla Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings High in added sugars — 62% DV per serving 400kcal 0Protein 2.9Fat 88.6Carbs OVER THE TOP Really Black Vanilla Fondant, Vanilla Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings High in added sugars — 62% DV per serving 400kcal 0Protein 2.9Fat 88.6Carbs OVER THE TOP Party Pink Vanilla Fondant, Vanilla Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings High in added sugars — 62% DV per serving 400kcal 0Protein 2.9Fat 88.6Carbs OVER THE TOP Rosy Red Vanilla Fondant, Vanilla Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings High in added sugars — 62% DV per serving 400kcal 0Protein 2.9Fat 88.6Carbs OVER THE TOP Ocean Blue Vanilla Fondant, Vanilla Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings High in added sugars — 62% DV per serving 400kcal 0Protein 2.9Fat 88.6Carbs Classic Stollen Traditional German Recipe KUCHENMEISTER Classic Stollen Traditional German Recipe Breads & Buns High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 398kcal 4.8Protein 14.5Fat 60.2Carbs
Sugar (131 products) Salt (72 products) Glucose Syrup (63 products) Cocoa Butter (61 products) Water (60 products) Emulsifier (60 products) Citric Acid (53 products) Soy Lecithin (51 products) Palm Oil (47 products) Glycerol (46 products)

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.