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How do humectants help foods such as coconut and soft candies retain moisture?

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A woman reads the nutrition labels on two brightly colored boxes of cereal. — food additive Labels provide information on a food product's ingredients and nutritional value.

Humectants are food additives that function as moisture-control agents to maintain the desired consistency and texture of various products. By promoting the retention of moisture, these substances prevent foods from drying out, ensuring they remain soft and palatable.12

In food processing, common humectants such as glycerol are frequently used in items like soft candies, marshmallows, and chewing gum. By binding water within the food matrix, humectants help preserve the product's quality and shelf-life, effectively managing the moisture content to prevent the hardening or degradation that can occur during storage.12