Ingredient

Retains Moisture

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Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add humectants to foods to maintain a desirable texture and prevent them from …

What it is

Ingredients that retain moisture, also called humectants, are substances that help keep food from drying out. They work by attracting and holding water molecules. Common humectants include sugars, sugar alcohols, and certain salts.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add humectants to foods to maintain a desirable texture and prevent them from becoming stale or hard. They are often found in baked goods like cakes and cookies, confectionery, and dried fruits. Humectants help keep these products soft and moist.

Health notes

Many common humectants, such as sugar alcohols (like sorbitol and xylitol), have been evaluated by regulatory bodies. The FDA generally recognizes many humectants as safe (GRAS) when used as intended. JECFA and EFSA have also evaluated various humectants, often setting acceptable daily intake levels. While generally safe in typical food amounts, excessive consumption of some sugar alcohols can lead to digestive upset.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen. Some humectants may be derived from common allergens like wheat or corn, but the final ingredient is typically purified.

Products containing Retains Moisture

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Breaded Butterfly Coconut Shrimp With A Crisp Coconut Flake Coating And A Zesty Marmalade Dipping Sauce, Breaded Butterfly Coconut Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. Breaded Butterfly Coconut Shrimp With A Crisp Coconut Flake Coating And A Zesty Marmalade Dipping Sauce, Breaded Butterfly Coconut Frozen Fish & Seafood High in sodium — 28% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 390kcal 10Protein 27Fat 35Carbs Kitchens Of The Oceans, Inc. Pub Style Battered Shrimp Bites, Pub Style Battered Shrimp Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres 214kcal 9.5Protein 10.7Fat 21.4Carbs Wild Shrimp Burgers, Wild Shrimp BIG LITTLE SHRIMP CO., LLC Wild Shrimp Burgers, Wild Shrimp Frozen Patties and Burgers High in cholesterol — 47% DV per serving 119kcal 18.6Protein 2.6Fat 3.5Carbs Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. Scampi Tail-Off Shrimp In A Sauce Blend Of Butter, Garlic, Romano Cheese And Herbs, Scampi Frozen Fish & Seafood High in sodium — 30% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 85% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 53% DV per serving 292kcal 8.8Protein 28.3Fat 4.4Carbs Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. Breaded Spicy Popcorn Bite-Size Shrimp Coated In Zesty Seasoned Breadcrumbs, Breaded Spicy Popcorn Frozen Fish & Seafood High in sodium — 40% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 28% DV per serving 177kcal 10.6Protein 4.4Fat 24.8Carbs Canadian Fish Exporters Inc. The Original Naked Shrimp Burger Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 33% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 37% DV per serving 106kcal 12.4Protein 2.6Fat 8.8Carbs Canadian Fish Exporters Inc. Sweet & Smoky Shrimp Burger Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 33% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 37% DV per serving 115kcal 13.3Protein 2.2Fat 11.5Carbs Canadian Fish Exporters Inc. Southwest Shrimp Burger, Shrimp Frozen Patties and Burgers High in sodium — 30% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 27% DV per serving 124kcal 11.5Protein 2.2Fat 15.0Carbs Canadian Fish Exporters Inc. Bacon Cheddar Shrimp Burger, Bacon; Cheddar Frozen Patties and Burgers High in sodium — 31% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 40% DV per serving 177kcal 15.9Protein 9.7Fat 7.1Carbs

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.