Glycerol (also known as glycerin) is a naturally occurring carbohydrate belonging to the sugar alcohol family. It is found in fermented foods such as honey, wine, beer, and vinegar. Additionally, Glycerol is commercially produced from the fermentation of sugars, yeast, fats, oils, or starch.
Glycerol plays an essential role in enhancing food texture, sweetness, and shelf life. Its versatility allows it to serve the following functions in foods and beverages:
Glycerol, when used in sports, primarily aids in hyperhydration, enhancing the body's ability to retain water and improve performance during endurance exercise. It does this by increasing plasma volume, improving thermoregulation, and potentially delaying fatigue. However, not all studies show significant benefits, and some suggest that water hyperhydration might be just as effective.
Glycerol is a globally approved food ingredient known for its safety and functional benefits—like enhancing texture and supporting stable blood sugar. Here's what you should know:
Yes, Glycerol is safe to eat and has been confirmed as such by global health authorities, including:
Health studies show that Glycerol is well-tolerated by the human body and is absorbed efficiently in the small intestine. It does not promote insulin secretion, making it a suitable option for maintaining lower blood glucose levels compared to traditional sugars.
When consumed in typical dietary quantities, Glycerol poses no health risks.
Overconsumption (in exceptionally large doses) may lead to mild side effects such as bloating, thirst, nausea, or diarrhoea.
However, the Glycerol content in everyday foods and beverages is far below the levels that might cause these effects.
The inclusion of Glycerol in foods and drinks enhances their quality, helping retain moisture, improve texture, and reduce sugar crystallisation. It's a trusted ingredient in many beloved food products and is used safely across the world.
Glycerol is commonly used in a wide range of everyday foods and drinks to improve texture, retain moisture, and enhance stability. Here are some typical examples:
Here, we present a wide-ranging look at Glycerol, a common food-grade ingredient, to answer your questions and address any concerns.
The UK's Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL), also known as the sugar tax, was introduced in April 2018 to encourage manufacturers to reduce sugar content in sugary soft drinks and address childhood obesity.
Childhood obesity is a serious public health issue in the UK, 15% of children aged 2 to 15 in the UK lived with obesity in 2022, and a further 27% were overweight. This means that a significant portion of the UK's children are experiencing health risks associated with excess weight.
Dr Clare Hambling, NHS National Clinical Director for Diabetes and Obesity, said: “Obesity is one of the biggest threats to health in the UK – it affects every human organ system and can have a major impact on people’s lives”.
Childhood-onset type 2 diabetes, while less common than type 1, is becoming more prevalent in children and adolescents due to increased rates of obesity and inactivity. A diet high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats can increase the risk.
Glycerol is naturally present in breast milk, specifically in the form of glycerol monolaurate (GML). GML is a fatty acid monoester with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and human milk contains significantly higher levels of GML compared to bovine milk. This difference in GML content may contribute to the benefits of breast milk for infant health
The products manufactured by Frozen Brothers have been formulated in accordance with Regulation (EU) 1333/2008 on food additives, Section 14.1.4 Flavoured drinks.
Within this regulatory framework, Glycerol (E 422) is authorised as a food additive and is permitted under the condition of quantum satis.
Quantum satis means no maximum numerical level is specified and substances must be used in accordance with good manufacturing practice, at a level not higher than is necessary to achieve the intended purpose.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA), Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have issued voluntary industry guidance on glycerol in slush-ice drinks. These guidelines recommend that children aged 7 years and under should not consume slush ice drinks containing glycerol.
These industry guidelines are based on a worst-case scenario of a slush ice drink containing the top level of 50,000 mg/L glycerol as potential exposure.
Glycerol in no sugar slushy jack's
In accordance with FSA industry guidance and following good manufacturing practice, our No Sugar Slushy Jack's product results in an estimated toddler exposure that is 34% lower than the highest reference level for glycerol in slush drinks, based on consumption of 350 mL and a minimum body weight of 14.6 kg.
No Verified Adverse Events Attributable to Product Consumption
To date Frozen Brothers has produced over 19 Million 300ml portions of sugar free slush and using the best data we can obtain from the relevant public authorities, none of the reported 21 cases referred to in recent articles have been attributed to the consumption of Slushy Jack’s.
Of the 21 cases that recent studies have reported on the average age of the toddlers are 3 years and 6 months and of these 21 cases. two (2) toddlers had minor head injuries at play parks in the hours before the slush ice drink consumption, two(2) toddlers indicated a time of fasting in the hours prior to the slush ice drink consumption. One(1) toddler had a cough and one(1) toddler had episode of loose stool prior to consuming the slush ice drink.
FROZEN BROTHERS
At Frozen Brothers, we are committed to providing transparency about our ingredient choices. We only use food-grade Glycerol that meets the high standards outlined in the Food Chemicals Codex. Rest assured, the Glycerol in our products is safe, effective, and supports the experience we aim to deliver.
By staying informed, you make empowered choices. Should you have any further questions about Glycerol or other ingredients in our products, please feel free to reach out to our team. Our goal is to create drinks that is both enjoyable and safe.
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