Ingredient

Propylene Glycol Esters

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Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add propylene glycol esters to improve texture and shelf life in baked goods. …

What it is

Propylene glycol esters are made from propylene glycol, a synthetic liquid substance, and fatty acids, which can come from plant or animal sources. The process creates a mixture of mono-, di-, and tri-esters. They are often used as emulsifiers, helping to blend ingredients that normally don't mix, like oil and water.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add propylene glycol esters to improve texture and shelf life in baked goods. They help create a smoother consistency, prevent ingredients from separating, and keep products moist. You'll find them in cakes, pastries, frostings, and other baked treats.

Health notes

In the U.S., propylene glycol esters are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated propylene glycol and its esters, with JECFA establishing an acceptable daily intake. Studies on propylene glycol generally show it is safe at typical consumption levels, though some individuals may experience mild reactions.

Allergen info

Propylene glycol esters are not derived from any of the nine major allergens. They do not contain gluten.

Products containing Propylene Glycol Esters

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Tippin's Restaurants Inc. 1/4 Sheet White Cake With Colored Icing Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 446kcal 2.4Protein 26.5Fat 53.0Carbs Tippin's Restaurants Inc. Chocolate Cake With Colored Icing Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 439kcal 2.4Protein 25.6Fat 50Carbs Double Chocolate Sliced Loaf Cake, Double Chocolate Telco Food Products Double Chocolate Sliced Loaf Cake, Double Chocolate Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 23% DV per serving 400kcal 6.7Protein 20Fat 51.1Carbs Telco Food Products Classic Sliced Loaf Cake, Classic Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 28% DV per serving 356kcal 5.6Protein 13.3Fat 51.1Carbs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Sliced Loaf Cake, Raspberry Lemonade Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 400kcal 4.4Protein 20Fat 48.9Carbs CSM Bakery Products NA, Inc. Cake Truffles, Carrot Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 412kcal 5.9Protein 20.6Fat 0.1Carbs Telco Food Products Lemon Sliced Loaf Cake, Lemon Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 400kcal 5.6Protein 20Fat 48.9Carbs Telco Food Products Marble Sliced Loaf Cake, Marble Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 400kcal 5.6Protein 21.1Fat 48.9Carbs Leonard Novelty Bakery Shortcake, Strawberry Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 339kcal 5.4Protein 12.5Fat 53.6Carbs The Kroger Co. Double Layer Cake, Strawberry Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 416kcal 2.2Protein 16.9Fat 67.4Carbs The Kroger Co. Kroger, Cake, Caramel Apple, Caramel Apple Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 468kcal 3.9Protein 23.4Fat 61.0Carbs Empire Bakery Commissary, LLC Yellow Fall Cake, Buttercreme Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 494kcal 2.4Protein 25.9Fat 64.7Carbs
Salt (71 products) Baking Soda (70 products) Water (70 products) Wheat Flour (66 products) Niacin (66 products) Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate (65 products) Sugar (65 products) Folic Acid (63 products) Riboflavin (62 products) Soybean Oil (62 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.