Ingredient · E218

Methylparaben

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers add methylparaben to foods to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria, …

What it is

Methylparaben is a chemical compound used as a preservative. It is synthesized from parabens, which are esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. It is typically produced industrially through the esterification of p-hydroxybenzoic acid with methanol.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add methylparaben to foods to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria, extending shelf life. It is commonly found in baked goods like cakes, cupcakes, and pastries, as well as in some processed meals.

Health notes

Methylparaben is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a preservative in food. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated methylparaben and other parabens, and have established acceptable daily intakes. Some studies have raised questions about potential endocrine-disrupting effects, but regulatory bodies have concluded that parabens are safe at typical dietary exposure levels.

Allergen info

Methylparaben is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Methylparaben

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Dawn Food Products, Inc. Moist Yellow And Velvety Chocolate Cake Layers Filled With Fudge Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 23% DV per serving 506kcal 5.1Protein 27.9Fat 62.0Carbs Dawn Food Products, Inc. Let It Snow Hand Decorated Yellow Cupcakes Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 25% DV per serving 421kcal 2.6Protein 22.8Fat 52.6Carbs Dawn Food Products, Inc. Hand Decorated Yellow Cupcakes Filled With Creamy Fudge And Topped With Rich And Creamy Icing Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 25% DV per serving 421kcal 2.6Protein 22.8Fat 52.6Carbs Dawn Food Products, Inc. Cake, Buttercream Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 415kcal 3.7Protein 23.2Fat 47.6Carbs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Raspberry Lemon Cake Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 355kcal 2.6Protein 17.1Fat 50Carbs Patti's Good Life Caramel Cake Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 60% DV per serving 476kcal 2.4Protein 30.5Fat 47.6Carbs The Moran Group Incorporated Gourmet Blueberry Muffins Croissants, Sweet Rolls, Muffins & Other Pastries High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 27% DV per serving 404kcal 5.0Protein 21.2Fat 47.5Carbs The Moran Group Incorporated Mini Blueberry Muffins Croissants, Sweet Rolls, Muffins & Other Pastries High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 400kcal 4Protein 24Fat 44Carbs The Moran Group Incorporated Gourmet Banana Nut Muffins Croissants, Sweet Rolls, Muffins & Other Pastries High in saturated fat — 23% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 23% DV per serving 404kcal 5.0Protein 24.2Fat 41.4Carbs

Ole Mexican Foods, Inc. Corn Tortillas Mexican Dinner Mixes 212kcal 3.9Protein 1.9Fat 44.2Carbs Uncle Harry's, Inc. Yellow Cake Layer With Chocolate & Vanilla Ice Cream With Chocolate Cookie Crunch, Chocolate & Vanilla Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 279kcal 2.9Protein 13.2Fat 35.3Carbs Giant Eagle, Inc. Tex-Mex Stew Made With Seasoned Beef, Beans And Corn With Crispy Tortilla Chips And Pico De Gallo Salsa Meal Kit, Tex-Mex Stew Other Deli High in sodium — 38% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 65% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 35% DV per serving 115kcal 6.2Protein 4.1Fat 13.1Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.