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
Standard | Requirements | Typical Drum Labeling |
USP | ≥99.5% glycerol, <0.5% water | “USP-NF Grade” |
FCC | Heavy metals <5ppm | “FCC Compliant” |
EU | E422, meets EC/231/2012 | “Food Additive E422” |
Halal/Kosher | No animal-derived processing | Certified symbols |
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
Parameter | Food Grade Spec |
Glycerin Content | ≥99.5% |
Water | ≤0.5% |
Chloride | ≤10 ppm |
Sulfated Ash | ≤0.01% |
Arsenic | ≤1 ppm |
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.