# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber)

Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 9 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent)
E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber)

E422 (Glycerol / Glycerin) is a sweet, viscous trihydroxy alcohol (polyol) obtained via lipid hydrolysis. INS 422, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), acting as an essential humectant, moisture retainer, and freeze-point depressant in baked goods and icings.

View full E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) spec sheet →

E440 (Pectin) is a complex heteropolysaccharide rich in alpha-(1->4)-linked D-galacturonic acid extracted from citrus peels and apple pomace. INS 440, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), the global gold standard gelling agent for jams, jellies, and fruit spreads.

View full E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E422 E440
INS / Codex Number
INS 422 INS 440(i) / 440(ii)
Functional Class
Humectant, Solvent, Sweetener, Bodying Agent Gelling Agent, Thickener, Stabilizer, Soluble Fiber
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Primary Mechanism
Strongly hygroscopic triol binds water molecules, lowering water activity (aw) and preventing staling HM forms junction zones with sugar (Brix > 55%) + acid (pH < 3.5); LM gels with calcium ions (Ca2+)
Common Target Foods
Fondant icings, soft-baked cookies, energy bars, cake sponges, liqueur bodying Fruit jams, marmalades, gummy confectionery, fruit preparations for yogurt, glazes
Dietary Compliance
Vegan (When derived from plant fats), Halal, Kosher 100% Vegan (Citrus peel/apple extraction), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1320) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1588)
Chemical Formula
C3H8O3 (Propane-1,2,3-triol)
Primary Classes
High Methoxyl Pectin (HM, DE > 50%), Low Methoxyl Pectin (LM, DE < 50%)

Other Alternatives to Compare

Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E163: Anthocyanins (Grape Skin & Berry Red/Purple) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →