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E1520 Propylene glycol

E1520SweetenersOrigin: Lab-made
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The short answer
Propylene glycol (E1520) is a clear, slightly sweet liquid used to carry flavors and keep foods moist. It is approved within a daily limit. It is not the poisonous antifreeze ingredient ethylene glycol.
Use in moderation

Safe in small amounts; may bother some people or raise blood sugar.

E-numberE1520
Comes fromLab-made
What it doesSweeteners
Glycemic index—
Daily limit25 mg/kg
Also calledPropylene glycol, Propane-1,2-diol

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Propylene glycol is GRAS in the US as a direct food ingredient and is an approved carrier in the EU. JECFA's daily limit is 25 mg per kg of body weight. It is a different chemical from ethylene glycol.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

1.8 gper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 25 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 500 mg a day.

What is it?

Flavor houses dissolve vanilla, citrus and savory concentrates in propylene glycol because it mixes with both water and oil. Bakers also meet it in icings and shredded coconut as a humectant.

Where it comes from: Food-grade propylene glycol is made from propylene oxide, itself from petroleum or natural-gas streams. It is not ethylene glycol, the toxic antifreeze.

Why it’s in food

  • Carries flavor extracts
  • Keeps coconut moist
  • Softens icings
  • Dissolves food colors

Often found in

Flavor extractsShredded coconutCake icingSalad dressingsSoft drinksIce cream

Also listed as: Propylene glycol, Propane-1,2-diol, 1,2-Propanediol, MPG

Health & gut impact

Not antifreezeConcern

Ethylene glycol is the toxic antifreeze. Propylene glycol is a different, approved food chemical with its own daily limit.

JECFA evaluation of propylene glycol; 21 CFR 184.1666

Large dosesUnder study

Very large medical or accidental doses can affect the nervous system. Food use sits under the 25 mg per kg daily limit for most people.

EFSA re-evaluation of propane-1,2-diol (2018)

What can I use instead?

Glycerin

Ratio: About 1:1 as a humectant

Best for: Moisture in baking

Alcohol extract

Ratio: Recipe dependent

Best for: Vanilla and spices

Related

More sweeteners:

Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K) E950Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K, E950) is a zero-calorie sweetener approved in the US, EU and Canada. EFSA re-checked it in 2025 and raised its daily limit. It's usually paired with sucralose or aspartame to hide a slightly bitter aftertaste.Use in moderationAdvantame E969Advantame (E969) is an extremely intense sweetener related to aspartame. Regulators approve it, and the amount in a food is tiny next to the daily limit. It does not carry aspartame's phenylalanine warning at normal use.Generally safeAlluloseAllulose is a "rare sugar" that tastes like sugar but has almost no calories and doesn't raise blood sugar. It's keto-friendly and browns like real sugar in baking.Generally safeAspartame E951Aspartame (E951) is a zero-calorie sweetener in diet soda. It's approved, but WHO's cancer agency called it "possibly carcinogenic" in 2023, and people with PKU must avoid it.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is propylene glycol car antifreeze?

No. Automotive antifreeze is usually ethylene glycol, which is toxic. Propylene glycol is a separate molecule allowed in food.

Is Propylene glycol safe?

Use in moderation (72/100). Propylene glycol is GRAS in the US as a direct food ingredient and is an approved carrier in the EU. JECFA's daily limit is 25 mg per kg of body weight. It is a different chemical from ethylene glycol.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 184.1666 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E1520
  • JECFA evaluation of propylene glycol; 21 CFR 184.1666
  • EFSA re-evaluation of propane-1,2-diol (2018)

INS 1520 · CAS 57-55-6