Glycerin

A clear, sweet, syrupy liquid used in food to hold moisture and keep icings and candies soft.

Glycerin: A small clear glass bottle of colorless glycerin, a thick syrupy liquid.
  • Baking ingredients and additives

Also called: glycerol

Glycerin, also called glycerol, is a thick, clear, mildly sweet liquid. In U.S. regulations under 21 CFR 182.1320 it is listed as generally recognized as safe for use in food when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice.

Its value in the kitchen is that it attracts and holds moisture, so it acts as a humectant. Bakers and cake decorators add small amounts to icings, fondant and gum paste to keep them pliable and prevent them from drying out or cracking, and to candy mixtures to keep them soft.

It is also used as a base for alcohol-free extracts. It is less sweet than sugar, so it is used sparingly. Look for food-grade glycerin when buying it for the kitchen.

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Sources

Written by VanillaGoods in our own words from these sources. Last reviewed October 15, 2026.

  1. 21 CFR 182.1320 Glycerin, Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School (21 CFR)