Nutrition Diet: What foods are propyl Gallate in?

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Propyl gallate is a synthetic antioxidant classified by the FDA as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) under a regulatory loophole, despite being linked to health concerns like endocrine disruption in some studies. Understanding what foods are propyl Gallate in is crucial for consumers who wish to limit their exposure to this common food additive.

Quick Summary

Propyl gallate, a synthetic antioxidant, is frequently used to prevent fat and oil spoilage in processed foods such as chewing gum, vegetable oils, and processed meats. It is important for consumers to check food labels and reduce consumption of highly processed items to minimize exposure.

Key Points

Prevalent in Processed Foods: Propyl gallate is a synthetic antioxidant found in items like chewing gum, processed meats, and snack foods to prevent rancidity.
Endocrine Disruptor: Evidence suggests that propyl gallate can disrupt the endocrine system, which regulates hormones, impacting fertility and other bodily functions.
GRAS Loophole: In the U.S., propyl gallate is classified as 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) via a regulatory loophole, avoiding mandatory FDA review for its safety.
Read Ingredient Labels: The most effective way to identify and avoid foods containing propyl gallate is to carefully read the ingredient list on all packaged food products.
Choose Whole and Organic Foods: Reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods and opting for certified organic products are excellent strategies for minimizing exposure.
Associated with Other Additives: Propyl gallate is often used synergistically with other synthetic antioxidants like BHA and BHT, which also carry health concerns.

Understanding Propyl Gallate's Role

Propyl gallate is a synthetic antioxidant, a type of preservative used in the food industry to extend the shelf life of products by preventing the oxidation of fats and oils. Oxidation, or rancidity, can cause undesirable changes in a food's flavor, color, and odor. As a result, propyl gallate is added to a wide range of processed foods that contain fats, often in combination with other synthetic antioxidants like butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) for a synergistic effect. In Europe, propyl gallate is designated by the additive code E310.

Despite its preservative function, propyl gallate is associated with health concerns. Some studies suggest it may act as an endocrine disruptor, potentially interfering with the body's hormone systems. Preliminary animal studies have also raised questions about its potential link to cancer, though further research is needed. This additive is also known to cause allergic skin reactions and irritation in some individuals upon contact.

The Long List: What foods are propyl Gallate in?

Propyl gallate can be found in an extensive list of processed food categories. Given its primary function is to preserve fats and oils, it is most prevalent in products with a high fat content. By learning to identify these product types, consumers can make more informed choices at the grocery store. The following are some of the most common food items that may contain propyl gallate:

Fats and oils: This includes vegetable oils, shortening, lard, and margarine. Salad dressings and mayonnaise are also common sources.
Processed meats: To prevent rancidity, this additive is often used in processed meat products such as pork sausage, dried meats, and various deli meats.
Baked goods: Many pre-packaged cakes, cookies, and pastries use propyl gallate to preserve the oils and fats used in their recipes. Bakery mixes are also potential sources.
Snack foods: Processed snack foods like potato sticks, microwaveable popcorn, and trail mixes may contain propyl gallate to maintain freshness and flavor.
Candy and chewing gum: Propyl gallate is frequently found in candy and chewing gum to act as a stabilizer for the ingredients.
Dairy-based products: Certain dairy products, especially desserts and flavored items, can contain the additive. Examples include puddings, flavored yogurts, and dried milk products.
Soups and sauces: Some canned soups and sauce bases may list propyl gallate among their ingredients.
Miscellaneous items: Other products can include certain cereals, seasonings, and even some vitamin supplements.

Comparison Table: Propyl Gallate vs. BHA and BHT

Propyl gallate is often used alongside other synthetic antioxidants. Here's how it compares to two of the most common ones, BHA and BHT.


Feature	Propyl Gallate (E310)	BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) (E320)	BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) (E321)
Function	Antioxidant, prevents fat rancidity	Antioxidant, prevents fat oxidation	Antioxidant, prevents fat oxidation
Common Use	Oils, processed meats, chewing gum	Fats, oils, cereals, cosmetic products	Cereals, fats, oils, packaging materials
Health Concerns	Endocrine disruptor, potential carcinogen in rats, allergic reactions	Endocrine disruptor, potential carcinogen, cytotoxicity	Potential health hazards, including liver damage
Regulatory Status	GRAS (USA via loophole), E310 (EU)	GRAS (USA), E320 (EU)	GRAS (USA), E321 (EU)

Health Implications and the 'GRAS' Loophole

One of the most significant controversies surrounding propyl gallate and similar additives is its approval status in countries like the United States. Under the 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS) classification, a food manufacturer can determine a chemical is safe without undergoing a formal safety review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This regulatory loophole, created in 1958 for well-understood ingredients like salt, has been exploited by companies to introduce new, potentially harmful additives. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) and other organizations have voiced concerns over this process, arguing that it fails to adequately protect public health from chemicals like propyl gallate, which can act as an endocrine disruptor.

The potential for endocrine disruption is particularly concerning as the hormone system plays a vital role in regulating a vast array of bodily functions. Interference with this system can lead to problems with fertility, early puberty, obesity, and even an increased risk of certain cancers. While toxicological studies offer mixed results regarding cancer, the endocrine-disrupting properties are a consistent finding in some research.

Practical Steps to Reduce Your Exposure

For those concerned about the presence of propyl gallate in their diet, several practical strategies can be adopted:

Become a label detective: Always read the ingredient list on packaged foods. Propyl gallate must be explicitly listed, allowing you to avoid products containing it.
Prioritize fresh, whole foods: Minimizing your intake of ultra-processed foods is the single most effective way to reduce exposure to all synthetic additives, including propyl gallate. Choose fresh fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed meats.
Opt for organic: Foods that are certified organic are prohibited from using most synthetic additives, including propyl gallate. When purchasing processed items, opting for organic versions can offer peace of mind.
Cook at home: Preparing meals from scratch gives you complete control over the ingredients. Cooking with fresh ingredients and natural seasonings is the best way to ensure your food is free of unwanted additives.
Make smart substitutions: For cooking, use pure, unhydrogenated vegetable oils and look for naturally dry-roasted nuts instead of those with added oils and preservatives.

Conclusion: Making Informed Nutritional Choices

While propyl gallate serves a purpose for manufacturers by extending the shelf life of food, its presence in a wide array of products, coupled with potential health concerns, gives consumers reason to be cautious. The reliance on a regulatory loophole for its approval highlights the importance of individual awareness and proactive dietary choices. By scrutinizing ingredient labels, reducing consumption of ultra-processed items, and favoring organic, whole foods, you can significantly limit your exposure to this and other synthetic food additives. Ultimately, a nutrition diet focused on fresh, unprocessed foods is the best strategy for promoting long-term health.

For more information on food additives and their potential risks, resources like the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) offer valuable insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary function of propyl gallate is to act as a synthetic antioxidant and preservative. It is used in foods containing fats and oils to prevent them from spoiling or turning rancid due to oxidation.

Yes, chewing gum is one of the food products that commonly contains propyl gallate. The additive helps stabilize the gum's fat-based ingredients.

The 'GRAS' (Generally Recognized as Safe) loophole allows food manufacturers to add chemicals like propyl gallate to their products without a formal safety review by the FDA. This bypasses federal oversight and allows companies to determine the safety of their own additives.

Yes, some studies have linked propyl gallate to health concerns. It is known to be an endocrine disruptor and has been associated with allergic skin reactions and gastrointestinal issues.

To avoid consuming foods with propyl gallate, you should carefully read ingredient labels on packaged foods. Reducing your intake of ultra-processed items, choosing certified organic products, and cooking at home with fresh, whole ingredients are also effective strategies.

Specific examples of processed foods that may contain propyl gallate include vegetable oils, mayonnaise, processed meats like sausages, snack foods like potato sticks, some baked goods, and certain dairy desserts like pudding.

Yes, BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are synthetic antioxidants often used alongside propyl gallate to prevent fat oxidation. Like propyl gallate, they have also been associated with health concerns.