FOOD GRADE GLYCERIN: THE VERSATILE HUMECTANT POWERING FOOD, PHARMA & INDUSTRY

Food grade glycerin (C₃H₈O₃) is a premium 99.5%+ pure, USP/FCC compliant trihydric alcohol that serves as a cornerstone ingredient across food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Supplied in 210kg drums for industrial users, this colorless, viscous liquid delivers unmatched humectancy, sweetness, and solvent properties while meeting stringent global food safety standards.

Key Specifications & Compliance

Certification Standards

Drum Packaging

• Standard Size: 210kg (55-gallon) polyethylene-lined steel drums
• Handling: UN30H2/Y1.8/300 certification for transport
• Shelf Life: 24 months unopened (15-25°C storage)

Critical Food Industry Applications

1. Bakery & Confectionery

• Moisture Retention:
  • Extends shelf life by 30-40% in cakes (5-10% usage)
  • Prevents sugar crystallization in candies
• Sweetener:
  • 60% sweetness of sucrose (4.3 kcal/g)
  • Low glycemic index (GI=3)

2. Beverage Formulation

• Texture Enhancer:
  • 1-3% in liqueurs for mouthfeel
  • Cloud stabilizer in flavored waters
• Case Study: Craft brewers use glycerin to adjust beer body without affecting ABV

3. Processed Foods

• Meat Products:
  • 3-5% maintains juiciness in sausages
• Dairy Alternatives:
  • Improves creaminess in plant-based yogurts

4. Pharmaceutical & Nutraceuticals

• Capsule Softening:
  • 20-30% in gelatin capsule formulations
• Cough Syrups:
  • 15-20% for viscosity and palatability

Technical Properties

Physical Characteristics

• Appearance: Clear, syrupy liquid
• Viscosity: 1,412 cP at 20°C
• Hygroscopicity: Absorbs 50% weight in water
• Boiling Point: 290°C (decomposes)

Quality Parameters

Handling & Safety

✅ Non-Toxic: GRAS status (FDA 21CFR182.1320)
⚠ Best Practices:

• Use drum pumps for transfer (avoid open pouring)
• Store away from strong oxidizers
• Keep containers tightly sealed

♻ Sustainability:

• 45% of global supply now biodiesel-derived
• Fully biodegradable (98% in 10 days)

Market Insights

Global Supply

• Price Range: $800-1,200/ton (bulk drum quantities)
• Leading Producers:
  • Wilmar International
  • Emery Oleochemicals
  • P&G Chemicals

Emerging Trends

• Non-GMO Verified: Increasing demand
• Palm-Free Options: Coconut/palm kernel oil alternatives
• Precision Fermentation: Bioengineered yeast production

Conclusion

Food grade glycerin drums represent the gold standard for industrial-scale humectant supply, combining regulatory compliance with unmatched functional performance. As clean-label formulations and sustainable sourcing gain priority, this 150-year-old ingredient continues evolving to meet 21st-century demands.