Humectants — Complete E-Number Guide
Humectants are food additives (mainly numbered E420–E422) that retain moisture and prevent drying out. Found in baked goods, confectionery and dried fruits. Every additive below links to its full safety, vegan and halal breakdown.
A handful of additives below carry E-numbers outside the E420–E422 band — they're grouped here because they do the same job in food, not because of their number; the EU/UK E-number system groups by main series but reassigns some additives by function.
| E-Number | Name | Safety | Vegan | Halal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E420 | Sorbitol | Safe | Yes | Halal |
| E421 | Mannitol | Safe | Yes | Halal |
| E422 | Glycerol | Safe | Uncertain | Mashbooh |
| E1200 | Polydextrose | Safe | Yes | Halal |
| E1518 | Glyceryl Triacetate | Safe | Uncertain | Mashbooh |
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| E1520 | Propylene Glycol | Safe | Yes | Halal |
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Products for humectants
Alternatives and resources related to humectants
Additive-Free Cookbook
Recipes using whole ingredients to stay moist naturally.
Food Intolerance Test
Identify which additives are affecting you.
Food Intolerance Test
Find out which additives are affecting you with a home test kit.
Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL) · EFSA