Propylene Glycol

Processed

Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is a clear, slightly sweet, low-viscosity polyol used in foods as a humectant, solvent for flavours, colours, and some extracts, and as a carrier that keeps soft products pliable. Food-grade material is highly purified and distinct from industrial antifreeze formulations that may contain other glycols or denaturants. It holds moisture with less stickiness than heavy glycerol doses and dissolves many oil-soluble aroma compounds better than water alone. Overuse can leave a faintly chemical or warming aftertaste. Typical culinary contact is via commercial flavourings rather than bulk kitchen bottles. Always specify food-grade USP/FCC material when formulating.

Also known as: E1520, Propane-1,2-diol (E1520), Propylene glycol, PG food grade, Puropiren gurikoru

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Characteristics

Preparations

Colour VehicleDilutedFlavour SolventHumectant BlendLiquid Carrier

Traits

ClearFaint Chemical Trace At High DoseFunctional Group: HumectantGood SolventHygroscopicLow ViscosityMild WarmingNeutral BasePolyolSlightly SweetSolvent Carrier

Nutrition and pairings

Nutrition

Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g edible portion

Calories 391

Amount per 100 g

  • Total Fat 0.98 g
  • Saturated Fat 0.53 g
  • Trans Fat 0 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat 0.19 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 0.21 g
  • Cholesterol 0 mg
  • Sodium 18.6 mg
  • Salt 0.05 g
  • Total Carbohydrate 90.4 g
  • Dietary Fibre 0 g
  • Total Sugars 79.3 g
  • Complex / starch 2.04 g
  • Protein 1.87 g
  • Water 4.76 g
Detailed nutrients

Refined processed sweeteners and additives are energy-dense carbohydrate with little else.

In the kitchen

Culinary partners and combinations that usually underperform with Propylene Glycol.

Pairs well with

Classic and complementary matches

Usually avoid with

Often clash in flavour or tradition

History

Propylene glycol was first prepared in laboratory organic synthesis.

US

Commercial production supplied solvents and early food and pharmaceutical carriers.

Flavour houses adopted propylene glycol as a standard extract and colour solvent.

Global food additive approvals clarified purity grades for humectant and carrier use.

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