What Foods Contain Propyl Gallate?

January 14, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, propyl gallate is used in a wide range of food and beverage products to prevent fats and oils from spoiling. Many consumers are unaware of its presence, but this synthetic antioxidant is commonly added to processed items you might find in a grocery store. Understanding what foods contain propyl gallate is essential for those who wish to monitor their intake of this preservative.

Quick Summary

Propyl gallate is a food additive (E310) used as an antioxidant to prevent fat spoilage in many processed goods. It is frequently found in items like vegetable oils, chewing gum, meat products, snack foods, and prepared desserts. The compound is also used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Key Points

Prevalent in Fats and Oils: Propyl gallate is a preservative primarily used to prevent fats and oils from spoiling, found in items like vegetable oil, margarine, and shortening.
Common in Processed Meats: It is frequently added to processed meat products, such as fresh pork sausage, dried meats, and meat-based seasoning mixes, to prevent fat oxidation.
Hidden in Snack Foods: Many snack items, including chewing gum, microwaveable popcorn, potato sticks, and processed nuts, contain propyl gallate to preserve freshness.
Found in Desserts and Baked Goods: The additive is also present in certain packaged desserts (puddings, custards) and baking mixes.
Combined with Other Additives: Propyl gallate is often used alongside other antioxidants like BHA and BHT for a synergistic preservative effect.
Requires Label Reading: To avoid this additive, consumers must diligently check ingredient lists for 'propyl gallate' or its E number 'E310'.
Regulatory Debate: While classified as GRAS by the FDA, there is ongoing debate and concern about the safety and regulatory oversight of propyl gallate due to potential health implications.

Common Processed Foods with Propyl Gallate

Propyl gallate, also known as E310, is a food additive and antioxidant widely used to protect fats and oils from oxidation, which can cause spoilage and off-flavors. Because of its ability to extend the shelf life of fatty foods, it is a frequent ingredient in many processed and packaged products. Consumers can often find this chemical listed among the ingredients, sometimes alongside other antioxidants like BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), which work synergistically with propyl gallate.

Fats, Oils, and Oil-Based Products

One of the most prominent uses for propyl gallate is in fats and oils. Since these products are prone to going rancid, the additive helps maintain their freshness over time. This includes:

Vegetable oils and other cooking oils
Margarine and other fat spreads
Mayonnaise and other salad dressings
Lard and other animal fats
Shortening

Meat and Poultry Products

Propyl gallate is also frequently added to processed meat products to prevent the fat from spoiling. This is particularly common in items with a high fat content that need a longer shelf life. Specific examples include:

Fresh pork sausage
Dried or cured meats
Processed comminuted meat products, like chicken soup base
Meat and poultry products sold in whole pieces or cuts

Sweet and Snack Foods

Many snack items and confectionery goods rely on propyl gallate to keep their fatty ingredients from turning rancid and to maintain freshness. The additive is used in:

Chewing gum
Microwaveable popcorn
Potato sticks and other potato-based snacks
Processed nuts and nut mixtures
Candies and other confectionery items
Baked goods, especially mixes

Other Prepared and Packaged Foods

Beyond the primary categories, propyl gallate appears in a variety of other packaged and prepared food products.

Cereals: Used in breakfast cereals, including rolled oats.
Desserts: Found in certain dairy-based desserts like puddings and flavored yogurts, as well as egg-based custards.
Dried Foods: Added to dried milk and dried vegetables to help with preservation.
Beverages: Can be present in some water-based flavored drinks, including certain 'sport' or 'energy' drinks.
Seasonings: Used in some soup bases and other seasoning mixes.

How to Identify and Avoid Propyl Gallate

Identifying propyl gallate requires careful attention to product labels. It will be listed under its full name or, in some regions, its E number (E310). For those looking to avoid it, a proactive approach is necessary, as it is prevalent in many processed products. The best way is to opt for whole, unprocessed foods that do not contain preservatives. When choosing packaged goods, scrutinize the ingredient list thoroughly before purchasing. Some products may use alternative, naturally derived antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, though this is less common in mass-market items.

Comparison of Common Antioxidants

To help understand propyl gallate's role, a comparison with other common synthetic and natural antioxidants is useful.


Feature	Propyl Gallate (E310)	Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA, E320)	Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT, E321)	Tocopherols (Vitamin E, E306)
Type	Synthetic Antioxidant	Synthetic Antioxidant	Synthetic Antioxidant	Natural Antioxidant
Function	Prevents rancidity in fats and oils.	Prevents fats from spoiling; works well with other antioxidants.	Prevents rancidity, especially in fats and oils.	Protects fats from oxidation; naturally present in many foods.
Common Uses	Processed meats, vegetable oils, snacks.	Potato chips, cereals, butter, chewing gum.	Cereals, baked goods, cooking oils.	Used in many foods, including vegetable oils and dietary supplements.
Solubility	Oil-soluble.	Oil-soluble.	Oil-soluble.	Oil-soluble.
Regulatory Status (US)	Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS), though regulatory process is controversial.	FDA approved, though some concerns raised.	FDA approved.	Generally recognized as safe; a naturally occurring nutrient.
Health Concerns	Linked to potential hormone disruption in some studies.	Potential endocrine disruptor and carcinogen.	Some health concerns raised in animal studies.	Considered safe and beneficial.

Conclusion

Propyl gallate is a widespread antioxidant and preservative found in a broad array of processed food products, particularly those with a significant fat and oil content. It functions to prevent the rancidity that naturally occurs in fats, thereby extending a product's shelf life. Common sources include vegetable oils, margarine, processed meats like sausage, chewing gum, snack foods, and various baked goods and desserts. While the FDA has designated it as 'Generally Recognized As Safe' (GRAS), some organizations raise concerns about its potential health effects, notably as an endocrine disruptor, and highlight a controversial regulatory process that allows manufacturers to bypass extensive safety reviews. Consumers wishing to minimize their intake can do so by carefully reading ingredient labels and opting for whole, unprocessed foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Propyl gallate is used as an antioxidant to prevent the oxidation of fats and oils, which extends the shelf life of food products and prevents them from becoming rancid or developing off-flavors.

In the United States, the FDA lists propyl gallate as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS). However, this classification is controversial, as some animal studies have linked it to potential health concerns, and certain regulatory bodies have expressed reservations.

As a food additive, propyl gallate is designated with the E number E310.

While rare, some reports indicate that direct contact with products containing propyl gallate may cause symptoms like skin irritation or redness. Ingesting it could potentially cause generalized skin issues in sensitive individuals.

Some studies, particularly in rats, have suggested that propyl gallate may be an endocrine disruptor, potentially interfering with hormone function. More research is needed for a definitive conclusion on human health effects.

The most effective way is to read all ingredient labels on packaged foods carefully. Opting for whole, unprocessed foods and seeking products that use natural preservatives, like Vitamin E, can also help.

Yes, propyl gallate is also used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. It can be found in products such as lip balms, skin creams, and hair products.