INS 422 is the code for glycerol
Holds moisture so soft bars, cakes and dried fruit do not dry out.
- What it does
- Keeps it moist A humectant
- Also printed as
- Glycerine · Glycerin
- Vegetarian?
- Depends on the maker Source not stated on the label
- In the Zabel score
- Takes no points off Method 1.0.0
- In our catalogue
- 116 packs List it in their ingredients
Is INS 422 vegetarian?
It depends on the maker. INS 422 can be made from plant or animal sources and the label does not say which, so the code tells you nothing either way. The green or brown mark on the pack is the declaration to go by.
| Food category | Share | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Biscuits and cookies | 58% | |
| Sweets and candy | 13% | |
| Chocolate | 7% | |
| Edible oils | 6% | |
| Other sweet snacks | 3% | |
| Everything else | 12% |
Counted from the 116 packs in Zabel's catalogue that list INS 422, 97 of which have a food category so far. Counted 4 Nov 2026.
What does the evidence say about INS 422?
We grade an additive by the evidence about it, not by whether it sounds like a chemical, and we make no claim about whether a pack complies with FSSAI rules.
JECFA has identified no concern at food levels and set no numerical ADI. Glycerol may be made from plant oil, animal fat or by fermentation; the source is not declared.
Does Zabel mark INS 422 down?
No. On the evidence we hold it takes nothing off the score (method 1.0.0). Read the method.
Questions people search
What is INS 422?
INS 422 is the code for glycerol, a humectant. Holds moisture so soft bars, cakes and dried fruit do not dry out.
Is INS 422 vegetarian?
It depends on the maker. INS 422 can be made from plant or animal sources and the label does not say which, so the code tells you nothing either way. The green or brown mark on the pack is the declaration to go by.
What does the evidence say about INS 422?
JECFA has identified no concern at food levels and set no numerical ADI. Glycerol may be made from plant oil, animal fat or by fermentation; the source is not declared.
Does Zabel mark INS 422 down?
No. On the evidence we hold it takes nothing off the score (method 1.0.0).
What other names is INS 422 printed under?
Packs also print it as Glycerine and Glycerin, or as the bare number 422 in brackets after the ingredient.
Sources
- 01 Evaluations of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) WHO / FAO, 2024
- 02 Zabel catalogue - pack counts, food categories and the codes printed alongside 4 Nov 2026
Entry updated 19 Sep 2026 · Not reviewed by a dietitian yet · Report an error on this page
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