Glyceryl triacetate
A solvent and humectant made from glycerol and acetic acid, used mainly in chewing gum and to carry flavourings.
What is it?
Glyceryl triacetate, also called triacetin, is a colourless oily liquid formed by combining glycerol (a natural fat component) with three acetic acid molecules. It occurs in very small amounts naturally in some fermented foods and is also produced synthetically for food and pharmaceutical use.
What does it do?
It acts as a solvent, dissolving flavour compounds and other additives so they disperse evenly through a food product. In chewing gum it also functions as a humectant, retaining moisture to keep the gum soft and pliable. In some applications it acts as a plasticiser in food coatings.
Where you will see it
Most commonly found in chewing gum and bubble gum, where it softens the gum base. Also used as a solvent for flavourings in confectionery, baked goods, and some beverages. On a UK ingredient label it appears as 'glyceryl triacetate' or 'E1518'.
What the science says
Metabolism and breakdown
Triacetin is rapidly broken down in the gut by enzymes called lipases into glycerol and acetic acid (the acid in vinegar), both of which are normal products of human metabolism. The body handles these components through standard metabolic pathways, and they do not accumulate. Regulatory bodies have noted this straightforward metabolic fate when evaluating the additive.
Triacetin is hydrolysed in vivo to glycerol and acetate, both endogenous metabolites handled by normal mammalian biochemistry, with no evidence of unusual accumulation or toxic metabolites at food-relevant intake levels.
Toxicology studies
Animal studies at high doses have shown that large amounts of triacetin can affect the liver, but these doses are far above anything encountered through food. No genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, or reproductive harm has been identified in standard regulatory testing. EFSA concluded there was no safety concern at the permitted use levels in food.
In subchronic and chronic animal studies, high doses produced liver weight changes, but no carcinogenic, genotoxic, or reproductive effects were observed. EFSA found no concern at food-additive use levels.
Where it stands with the regulators
Who should be careful
No specific group needs to avoid it. People following a strict vegan diet should note that triacetin in chewing gum may be manufactured using glycerol derived from animal fats, though synthetic and plant-derived sources are also used. If sourcing matters, check with the manufacturer directly. Look for 'glyceryl triacetate' or 'E1518' on the label.
The honest read
Triacetin is among the more straightforward food additives: it breaks down into glycerol and acetic acid, both of which the body produces and processes routinely. The 2015 EFSA re-evaluation, which covered all historical toxicology data, found nothing that prompted a restriction or a numerical ADI. It is used at low levels, mainly as a solvent or gum softener, so dietary exposure is modest. There is no active scientific debate about this additive.
Related additives
Common questions
Is E1518 banned in the UK?
No. E1518 (glyceryl triacetate / triacetin) is an authorised food additive in the UK under retained EU law, permitted for use in chewing gum and as a carrier solvent for flavourings and other additives.
What is triacetin made from?
Triacetin is made by reacting glycerol with acetic acid (or acetic anhydride). Glycerol can come from plant oils, animal fats, or be produced synthetically. The end molecule is chemically the same regardless of source, but vegans may want to check the manufacturer's sourcing.
What foods contain E1518?
It is most commonly found in chewing gum and bubble gum, where it softens the gum base. It also appears in some confectionery and as a carrier for flavourings in baked goods and sweets. It is labelled as 'glyceryl triacetate' or 'E1518'.
Is E1518 vegan?
Not necessarily. The glycerol used to make triacetin can be animal-derived (a by-product of soap or biodiesel production from animal fats) or plant-derived. The label will not specify the source. If you follow a vegan diet, contact the food manufacturer to confirm.
Sources
- UK FSA: E1518 Glyceryl Triacetate authorisation record
- EFSA ANS Panel: Re-evaluation of triacetin (E 1518) as a food additive
- UK FSA: Approved additives and E numbers
- EC Food Additives Portal: Glyceryl triacetate (triacetin)
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