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Glycerol has hit the headlines following reports of cases involving young children requiring emergency treatment following the consumption of a 'slushy' drink. Glycerol is a substitute for sugar and maintains the slush properties to prevent the liquid freezing solid. But in some young children it has resulted in Glycerol Intoxication which can cause shock, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and loss of consciousness.
Current Food Standards Agency (FSA) advise that under 5's should avoid 'slushy' drinks and under 11's should be limited to no more than one drink. However researchers are calling for this advice to be changed following the cases of children aged 2-7 years old requiring emergency treatment soon after drinking a Slushy drink. Researchers point out that whilst cases of children requiring hospital treatment might be relatively low, there may well be a milder cohort who may not need hospital treatment but still suffer unpleasant symptoms eg vomiting and nausea.
Why We Should Keep Our Children Away from Glycerol
As parents, we strive to provide our children with the healthiest foods possible. We read labels, avoid artificial additives, and prioritise whole foods. But there’s one ingredient that often sneaks into so-called “healthy” products: glycerol, also called glycerin or additive number E422. While it’s widely used in processed foods, there are valid concerns about its impact on children’s health.
What is Glycerol?
Glycerol is a colourless, odourless liquid used as a sweetener, preservative, and humectant (moisture-retaining agent). It’s commonly found in:
Sugar-free and low-sugar foods
Protein and snack bars
Chewing gum
Ice cream and baked goods
Some infant formulas and medications
While it occurs naturally in fats and oils, the glycerol found in processed foods is often derived from palm oil, animal fats, or petroleum-based sources—raising concerns about both health and sustainability.
Why Should We Keep Kids Away from Glycerol?
Potential Digestive Issues
Glycerol acts as a laxative in high amounts, drawing water into the intestines. For young children, this can lead to:
Diarrhoea or loose stools
Stomach pain and cramping
Dehydration from excessive water loss
Even small amounts can be problematic for kids with sensitive digestive systems.
Hidden Sugar Impact
While glycerol is marketed as a sugar alternative, it still affects blood sugar and metabolism. It has a lower glycemic index than sugar, but it still provides calories that contribute to energy intake—potentially leading to weight gain if consumed frequently.
Interference with Gut Health
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in children’s digestion, immunity, and brain health. Some studies suggest that glycerol, when consumed regularly, may alter gut bacteria balance—potentially affecting:
Immune function
Nutrient absorption
Mood and cognitive development
For children, whose microbiomes are still developing, minimizing exposure to unnecessary food additives is important.
Often Found in Ultra-Processed Foods
Glycerol is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods, which have been linked to obesity, metabolic disorders, and increased risk of chronic disease. Many of the products containing glycerol—such as flavoured yogurts, protein bars, and sugar-free treats—are often marketed as healthy choices, misleading parents into thinking they’re making a good decision.
Sustainability & Ethical Concerns
Many commercial glycerol sources come from palm oil, an industry notorious for deforestation and habitat destruction. Choosing whole, unprocessed foods helps reduce demand for environmentally harmful additives.
How to Avoid Glycerol in Your Child’s Diet
Read Labels Carefully – Look for “glycerol” or “glycerin” or Additive E422 in ingredient lists.
Choose Whole Foods – Opt for fresh fruits, homemade snacks, and minimally processed products.
Beware of Sugar-Free Products – Many sugar-free or “healthy” foods use glycerol to replace sugar.
Check Medication Labels – Glycerol is used as a filler in many over-the-counter medicines particularly cough medicines.
Glycerol is an unnecessary additive in many ultra processed foods. Given its potential effects on digestion, metabolism, and gut health, it’s worth minimizing its presence in our children’s diets.
By prioritizing natural, whole foods, we can give our kids the best foundation for lifelong health—without the hidden risks of synthetic additives like glycerol.
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