Glycerine (E422) and sorbitol (E420) keep bars soft, cakes moist and fillings from drying out. They are effective, but they read as additives on an ingredient list. If you need a glycerine replacement that keeps the same moisture performance, CapMoist® Liquid is designed as a clean-label replacement for both, with a two-ingredient label: grape juice and rice syrup.
This is part 3 of our Replace an Ingredient series. Start with our guide on how to replace E-numbers, or read part 2 on replacing potassium sorbate.
What glycerine and sorbitol do
Both are humectants: they bind water inside a product, lower its water activity and slow the loss of moisture over shelf life. Glycerine is listed as E422 and sorbitol as E420 in the UK Food Standards Agency’s approved additives and E numbers, and as codes 422 and 420 in Australia and New Zealand (Food Standards Code Schedule 8). Any replacement has to do the same job while keeping texture, mouthfeel and flavour on target. Learn more about humectancy and moisture migration.
What CapMoist® Liquid is
CapMoist® Liquid is a natural humectant made from a proprietary ratio of concentrated grape juice and rice syrup. It adds and retains moisture, improves texture and machineability, and keeps foods fresher for longer. Its data packet states it can extend finished-product shelf life by up to three times, and that it outperforms synthetic humectants on moisture binding and sensory performance.
| Specification | CapMoist® Liquid |
|---|---|
| Made from | Grape juice concentrate and rice syrup |
| Water activity (aw) | 0.63 at 24°C |
| Typical dosage | 1–4% of total formulation weight (bars 2–5%) |
| Label declaration options | Grape Juice, Rice Syrup · Grape Juice, Brown Rice Syrup · Grape Juice, Rice Starch · Grape Juice, Grain Dextrin |
| Certifications | Halal, Kosher, SQF; vegan suitable, non-GMO, gluten-free, allergen-free |
| Shelf life | 24 months unopened at ambient temperature; use within 30 days of opening |
Where it is used
CapMoist® Liquid is used in confectionery, protein bars and balls, snack bars, baked goods, cookies, breads, smallgoods, frozen foods, dairy, sauces and dressings. It is functionally well suited to gluten-free baked goods, where moisture and softness are hardest to hold.
Switching from glycerine or sorbitol
- Start at 1–4% of total formulation weight, or 2–5% for bars.
- Measure water activity and texture against your current formulation across the full shelf life.
- Taste-test the final product to confirm the best usage rate. At recommended levels, CapMoist® Liquid enhances rather than masks flavour.
Need a lower-sugar or sugar-free humectant? See CapMoist® EnergyWell and CapMoist® Sugar Free.
Frequently asked questions
Does CapMoist® Liquid need refrigeration?
No. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, ideally below 29°C (85°F).
How will it appear on my ingredient list?
As one of the two-ingredient declarations in the table above, for example “Grape Juice, Rice Syrup”.
Can it add moisture to protein bars?
Yes. CapMoist® Liquid increases moisture and moisture retention in protein bars, improving texture and eating quality. The typical inclusion rate for bars is 2–5%.
Ready to start? Find more humectant replacements in our Ingredient Replacement Finder, or request a sample to begin your trial. You can also contact our team at info@nexusingredient.com.
