E1518 · Carriers, Emulsifiers, Humectants

Triacetin

Limited risk

Glycerol-based flavor carrier.

Category: Carriers, Emulsifiers, Humectants
Vegan: Yes
Vegetarian: Yes

What it is

Triacetin is glycerol carrying three acetate groups, the standard flavour carrier in gum.

How it is used in food

Dissolving flavors into gum and candy.

Commonly found in

Chewing gum
Confectionery
Flavour preparations

Health and safety

None major.

Digested into glycerol and acetate, both routine metabolites.

Regulatory status

Region	Status	Notes
Australia & New Zealand FSANZ	Permitted	Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code.
European Union EFSA / European Commission	Permitted	Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II).
United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration)	Permitted	Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives).

Identification on labels

E-number: E1518

Worth knowing

Glycerol carrying three vinegar-acid groups.

Conclusion

There is no major cause for concern with triacetin in your food or chewing gum. Made by reacting glycerol with acetic acid, it serves as a flavour carrier that your body routinely breaks down into simple glycerol and acetate during digestion. Unless you wish to minimise heavily processed carrier ingredients, it poses no significant health risk.

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Entry last reviewed 2026-07-28.

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