Humectant

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.

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.

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.