INS 422 is glycerol, also called glycerin or glycerine. It is a clear, syrupy liquid that holds onto water, which makes it the default keep-soft ingredient in mithai, fondant, marshmallow, low-sugar chocolates, and toothpaste. The same compound is naturally present in every fat and oil molecule and in your own body. Veg status depends on the source the manufacturer uses and is permitted by FSSAI for specified food categories.
Quick Facts
INS Number
422
E-Number
E422
Category
Humectant
Veg Status
Source-dependent
FSSAI Status
Permitted by FSSAI
JECFA ADI
Not specified (2017)
Chemical Name
1,2,3-propanetriol
What is INS 422?
INS 422 is glycerol, also called glycerin or glycerine. It is a clear, syrupy liquid that holds onto water, which makes it the default keep-soft ingredient in mithai, fondant, marshmallow, low-sugar chocolates, and toothpaste. The same compound is naturally present in every fat and oil molecule and in your own body.
Why brands add it
Brands use it because glycerol pulls and holds water through long shelf lives, keeps mithai pliable instead of cracking, and gives toothpaste its smooth squeezable body. It also acts as a mild solvent for flavours and colours and adds a faint sweet roundness to soft chocolates and gummy candies.
Where you'll find it
INS 422 commonly shows up on Indian packets in these categories:
mithai and Indian sweets keep-soft
fondant and cake decorating
marshmallow and soft confectionery
low-sugar and sugar-free chocolates
toothpaste and mouthwash
supplement and pharmaceutical syrups
Veg or non-veg? - Source-dependent
Glycerol can be made from vegetable oil (palm, soy, coconut), as a by-product of biodiesel production, or by chemical synthesis from petrochemical feedstock. It can also be obtained from animal tallow as a by-product of soap and candle making. In India the vegetable-oil and biodiesel-by-product routes dominate commercial supply, but tallow-derived glycerol exists in the global market. The number alone does not say which source the manufacturer used. The Indian veg/non-veg dot on the pack is the brand's declaration.
FSSAI status and JECFA evaluation
FSSAI: Permitted by FSSAI under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 as a humectant, polishing agent, solvent, and bodying agent for specified food categories with category-specific limits.
JECFA: ADI 'not specified' for glycerol, established at 20th JECFA (1976). 'Not specified' is JECFA's safest classification. EFSA's 2017 re-evaluation reached the same conclusion at reported use levels; a 2022 follow-up confirmed no safety concern.
Also known as
On packets, in recipes, and in conversation, INS 422 is also called:
Source-dependent. Glycerol can be made from vegetable oil (palm, soy, coconut), as a by-product of biodiesel production, or by chemical synthesis from petrochemical feedstock. It can also be obtained from animal tallow as a by-product of soap and candle making. In India the vegetable-oil and biodiesel-by-product routes dominate commercial supply, but tallow-derived glycerol exists in the global market. The number alone does not say which source the manufacturer used. The Indian veg/non-veg dot on the pack is the brand's declaration.
Is INS 422 permitted by FSSAI?+
Permitted by FSSAI under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 as a humectant, polishing agent, solvent, and bodying agent for specified food categories with category-specific limits.
What is INS 422 used for?+
Brands use it because glycerol pulls and holds water through long shelf lives, keeps mithai pliable instead of cracking, and gives toothpaste its smooth squeezable body. It also acts as a mild solvent for flavours and colours and adds a faint sweet roundness to soft chocolates and gummy candies.
Is INS 422 (also written as E422) the same thing?+
Yes. INS 422 (the Codex International Numbering System used by FSSAI) and E422 (the European E-number system) refer to the same compound. The digits are identical for almost all common additives. Indian packets may show either form, or the common name (glycerol (glycerin)).
This page summarises FSSAI's permission status and JECFA's scientific evaluation. It is not medical or dietary advice. Manufacturer ingredient sourcing can vary, especially for source-dependent additives - the Indian veg/non-veg dot logo on the pack is the brand's declaration. For health decisions, consult a doctor or registered dietitian.