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Why is glycerol used in marshmallows, soft candies, and chewing gum?
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food additive
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In the context of food processing, glycerolâalso known as glycerinâis used in products like marshmallows, soft candies, and chewing gum primarily as a plasticizer and a moisturizing agent.
By acting as a plasticizer, glycerol helps maintain the desired texture and flexibility of these confections, preventing them from becoming too brittle or hard. As a moisturizing agent, it helps retain water within the product, which is essential for keeping items like marshmallows and soft candies soft and preventing them from drying out over time. Additionally, its properties as a sweet-tasting, syrupy liquid allow it to integrate effectively into food formulations without negatively impacting the flavor profile of the sweets.12