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Propyl gallate

Propyl gallate suppliers and sourcing guide

Propyl gallate is the propyl ester of gallic acid, used at low levels to slow rancidity in fats, oils, meat products, chewing gum base and cosmetics, often together with BHA or BHT. It is not reported in nature; it is made by esterifying gallic acid with propyl alcohol and removing the excess alcohol by distillation. Brands buy it as a fine white to off-white crystalline powder or in liquid preservative blends.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
n-Propyl gallate · Propyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate · E310
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of propyl gallate

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Crystalline powder

    Neat food grade powder, dissolved in fat, alcohol or propylene glycol before use.

  • Food grade (FCC)

    Made to the Food Chemicals Codex monograph referenced in 21 CFR 184.1660.

  • NF and cosmetic grades

    Grades for supplements, drugs and personal care products, tested to the National Formulary or supplier specification.

  • Liquid blends

    Propyl gallate with BHA, BHT and citric acid in propylene glycol or vegetable oil.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay
Propyl gallate content on a dried basis by titration or UV spectrophotometry, per the FCC method.
Melting range
Usually reported against the FCC range near 146 to 150 °C as an identity and purity check.
Loss on drying
Moisture and volatiles, which affect the dry-basis assay.
Residue on ignition
Sulfated ash for inorganic residue.
Lead and heavy metals
Lead and other metals by ICP-MS or ICP-OES.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store in closed containers in a cool, dry, dark area. Propyl gallate forms dark blue-black colors with iron, so keep it out of contact with iron equipment and containers, and protect it from light. Shelf life follows the supplier specification, with a retest of assay and color for older lots.

Lots and expiry dates

Record assay and color for each lot, and the propyl gallate percentage in any blend, since the regulation limits the total of these additives to 0.02 percent of the fat or oil content. Rotate stock FEFO.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 184.1660, part of the list of direct food substances affirmed as GRAS, describes propyl gallate as made by esterifying gallic acid with propyl alcohol.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Under 21 CFR 184.1660, use is limited to good manufacturing practice, which results in a maximum total of these additives of 0.02 percent of the fat or oil content of the food.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's List of Permitted Preservatives includes propyl gallate, starting with margarine and calorie-reduced margarine.

    Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Propyl gallate suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking propyl gallate suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of propyl gallate can brands buy?

Common forms include crystalline powder, food grade (FCC), nF and cosmetic grades and liquid blends. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for propyl gallate include?

Expect assay, melting range, loss on drying, residue on ignition and lead and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should propyl gallate be stored?

Store in closed containers in a cool, dry, dark area. Propyl gallate forms dark blue-black colors with iron, so keep it out of contact with iron equipment and containers, and protect it from light. Shelf life follows the supplier specification, with a retest of assay and color for older lots.

What is the regulatory status of propyl gallate?

21 CFR 184.1660, part of the list of direct food substances affirmed as GRAS, describes propyl gallate as made by esterifying gallic acid with propyl alcohol. Under 21 CFR 184.1660, use is limited to good manufacturing practice, which results in a maximum total of these additives of 0.02 percent of the fat or oil content of the food. Health Canada's List of Permitted Preservatives includes propyl gallate, starting with margarine and calorie-reduced margarine.

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