Ingredient · E216

Propylparaben

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

No

Role in food

Manufacturers add propylparaben to foods to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, which …

What it is

Propylparaben is a synthetic chemical that belongs to a group of compounds called parabens. It is manufactured for use as a preservative in various products, including foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add propylparaben to foods to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, which helps extend the product's shelf life. It is commonly found in baked goods like cakes, cupcakes, and snack cakes, as well as in some soups and frozen appetizers.

Health notes

The FDA lists propylparaben as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as a preservative in food. The European Union no longer authorizes propylparaben as a food additive: in 2004 EFSA excluded it from the group acceptable daily intake for parabens because of possible effects on male reproductive hormones seen in animal studies, and it was removed from the EU list of food additives in 2006. California's Food Safety Act (AB 418) bans propylparaben in food from 2027. Evidence on effects in people at typical dietary intake is limited and still being studied.

Allergen info

Propylparaben is not a major allergen.

Products containing Propylparaben

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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 The Kroger Co. Cream Puffs, Pumpkin Pie Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 35% DV per serving 347kcal 5.3Protein 25.3Fat 24Carbs 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 McIlhenny Company Premium Caramel Corn, Cherry Cordial Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 458kcal 4.2Protein 18.8Fat 66.7Carbs 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 Nash Finch Company Our Family, Cherry Cordial Caramel Corn Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 458kcal 4.2Protein 18.8Fat 66.7Carbs 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 Giant Eagle, Inc. Ham Salad Deli Salads High in sodium — 36% DV per serving 300kcal 8Protein 25Fat 10Carbs Supervalu, Inc. Butternut Squash Bisque, Butternut Squash Other Soups High in sodium — 21% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving High in added sugars — 26% DV per serving 126kcal 1.4Protein 8.1Fat 12.2Carbs Sandridge Food Corporation Butternut Squash Bisque Other Soups High in sodium — 27% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 127kcal 1.6Protein 8.2Fat 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.