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

E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt)

Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 8 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent)
E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt)

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 →

E509 (Calcium Chloride / CaCl2) is an inorganic calcium mineral salt. INS 509, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), serving as a crucial firming agent in canned tomatoes, tofu coagulant, and rennet coagulation restorer in pasteurized milk cheese making.

View full E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E422 E509
INS / Codex Number
INS 422 INS 509
Functional Class
Humectant, Solvent, Sweetener, Bodying Agent Firming Agent, Coagulant, Sequestrant, Electrolyte
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula
C3H8O3 (Propane-1,2,3-triol) CaCl2
Primary Mechanism
Strongly hygroscopic triol binds water molecules, lowering water activity (aw) and preventing staling Divalent Ca2+ ions cross-link pectin galacturonan chains in plant cell walls and bridge casein micelles in milk
Common Target Foods
Fondant icings, soft-baked cookies, energy bars, cake sponges, liqueur bodying Canned whole peeled tomatoes (prevents mushiness), pasteurized cheese vats, soy tofu coagulation, sports pickles
Dietary Compliance
Vegan (When derived from plant fats), Halal, Kosher Vegan (Natural brine/limestone salt), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1320) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1193)

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