Ingredient · E280

Propionic Acid

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use propionic acid as a preservative to prevent mold and bacterial growth in …

What it is

Propionic acid is a naturally occurring organic acid found in some foods like Swiss cheese. It is produced industrially by combining ethylene with carbon monoxide and water, or by the oxidation of propionaldehyde. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use propionic acid as a preservative to prevent mold and bacterial growth in baked goods like bread, tortillas, and pastries. It helps extend the shelf life of these products by inhibiting spoilage.

Health notes

In the U.S., propionic acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food preservative. International bodies like JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) have evaluated propionic acid and its salts, establishing acceptable daily intake levels. Studies on animals have shown it to be relatively non-toxic at typical dietary levels.

Allergen info

Propionic acid is not derived from any of the 9 major allergens recognized by the FDA. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Propionic Acid

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Light English Muffins COUNTRY HEARTH Light English Muffins Breads & Buns 158kcal 7.0Protein 0.9Fat 40.4Carbs Corn Tortillas LIDL Corn Tortillas Mexican Dinner Mixes 191kcal 4.3Protein 2.1Fat 38.3Carbs Catallia Mexican Foods LLC White Corn Tortillas Mexican Dinner Mixes 192kcal 3.9Protein 1.9Fat 40.4Carbs Cargill Fully Cooked Sliced Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Meat/Poultry/Other Animals Prepared/Processed 125kcal 21.4Protein 1.8Fat 1.8Carbs Topco Associates, Inc. Authentic White Corn Tortillas Thick Cut Mexican Dinner Mixes 235kcal 3.9Protein 2.9Fat 49.0Carbs Topco Associates, Inc. Chicken Enchiladas Entree Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 30% DV per serving 120kcal 4.7Protein 3.3Fat 16.4Carbs H.J. Heinz Company Three Cheese Taquitos Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres 294kcal 7.1Protein 15.3Fat 34.1Carbs Topco Associates, Inc. White Corn Taco Style Tortillas, White Corn Mexican Dinner Mixes 216kcal 3.9Protein 2.0Fat 43.1Carbs Glazed Cinnamon Mini Rolls, Glazed Cinnamon Kingston Marketing Co Glazed Cinnamon Mini Rolls, Glazed Cinnamon Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 342kcal 5.3Protein 13.2Fat 50Carbs General Mills, Inc. Cinnamon Roll With Vanilla Icing Drizzle, Cinnamon Crusts & Dough High in added sugars — 42% DV per serving 329kcal 5.1Protein 8.9Fat 59.5Carbs Honey Cured Ham And Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese Roll In A Crisp Crust, Ham & Cheese General Mills, Inc. Honey Cured Ham And Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese Roll In A Crisp Crust, Ham & Cheese Pizza 247kcal 7.1Protein 9.4Fat 32.9Carbs Finlay Extracts & Ingredients USA, Inc. Roundy's, Yellow Corn Tortillas Mexican Dinner Mixes 176kcal 3.9Protein 1.0Fat 37.2Carbs
Water (430 products) Salt (313 products) Phosphoric Acid (312 products) Enzymes (288 products) Niacin (231 products) Riboflavin (231 products) Wheat Flour (230 products) Folic Acid (230 products) Thiamine Mononitrate (229 products) Sugar (227 products)

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.