The Versatile Applications of Propylene Glycol in Food & Beverage Operations

Precision and consistency are everything in food and beverage manufacturing. Behind the scenes, one hardworking ingredient makes both possible: propylene glycol. From cooling fermentation tanks in breweries to keeping baked goods soft and fresh on grocery store shelves, propylene glycol is one of the industry’s most versatile workhorses.

It helps regulate temperatures to protect equipment, supports purification processes, and reduces bacterial growth that could lead to spoilage or contamination. It’s also found in packaging and even in the products themselves—enhancing flavors and extending shelf life. In fact, more than two dozen categories of food products rely on propylene glycol to deliver the quality and taste consumers expect.

How Food-Grade Propylene Glycol Works

Propylene glycol is a synthetic organic compound that belongs to the alcohol chemical class. It appears as a clear, colorless, and odorless liquid with a slightly sweet taste. It’s chemically similar to ethylene glycol—a toxic compound sometimes used in antifreeze—but food-grade propylene glycol is widely recognized as safe for consumption in small amounts. In fact, you would have to ingest an extraordinary amount, very quickly, to face any adverse health effects.

Industrial Grade vs. Food-Grade Propylene Glycol

Not all propylene glycol is the same. There are two primary types: industrial-grade and food-grade.

• Industrial-grade propylene glycol is used in applications like antifreeze, de-icing solutions, and various industrial manufacturing processes. This type is not intended for human consumption and may contain impurities that would be unsafe in food or beverage applications.
• Food-grade propylene glycol undergoes rigorous testing to meet strict regulatory standards, including those set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It must meet high levels of purity and safety since it’s intended for direct or indirect contact with food. In addition, food-grade propylene glycol is United States Pharmacopeia (USP)-certified, meaning it is submitted for testing against strict quality and safety standards. This ensures that the product is free from harmful levels of contaminants and matches the specifications on its label.

Propylene Glycol vs. Ethylene Glycol

Although both propylene glycol and ethylene glycol are derived from petroleum or natural gas, they are produced using different raw materials and processes. Propylene glycol is not made from ethylene glycol or vice versa. This distinction is critical because while ethylene glycol is toxic, food-grade propylene glycol is safe, metabolized by the body quickly with a half-life of only two to four hours.

Products with Food-Grade Propylene Glycol

Food-grade propylene glycol appears in many foods and beverages, including:

• Salad dressings and condiments
• Baked goods (cakes, cookies, pastries)
• Dairy products (ice cream, yogurt)
• Soft drinks and flavored beverages
• Packaged snacks and desserts

Shop Propylene Glycol Products Now →

The Role of Propylene Glycol in Foods

Propylene glycol plays a quiet but powerful role in products we enjoy every day—from creamy ice creams to soft pastries. Its range of benefits are invaluable to food and beverage operations.

#1. Humectant

As a humectant, propylene glycol helps retain moisture in food products for freshness and texture. In baked goods, for example, this means cakes and cookies stay soft and moist longer. Interestingly, this same property is also used in skincare products, where propylene glycol attracts and retains moisture to keep skin hydrated.

#2. Solvent and Stabilizer

Propylene glycol serves as an effective solvent and stabilizer, allowing flavors, colors, and additives to disperse evenly throughout products. This ensures uniform taste and appearance in every batch. It even performs a similar role in pharmaceuticals, stabilizing active ingredients and ensuring reliable medication performance.

#3. Flavor Enhancer and Carrier

With its mild, slightly sweet taste, propylene glycol in food doesn’t just enhance flavors—it helps deliver them. Acting as a carrier, it dissolves and evenly distributes flavors and nutrients throughout a product, ensuring every bite or sip tastes exactly as intended. It’s commonly found in foods, supplements, and even pet products where consistent flavor and palatability are key.

#4. Emulsifier

Propylene glycol acts as an emulsifier by ensuring ingredients mix well and maintain consistent texture. For example, your favorite muffin or cake mix likely owes its reliable texture and mouthfeel to this compound.

#5. Anticaking Agent

Powdered food blends and mixes often rely on propylene glycol as an anticaking agent to prevent moisture intrusion, which could otherwise create clumping or even hazardous spoilage. By maintaining flowability, propylene glycol also extends product shelf life.

#6. Fat Replacer

In some products, propylene glycol can serve as a low-calorie fat replacer, offering a creamy or rich texture without adding significant calories.

#7. Fermentation Agent

Propylene glycol even plays a role in the fermentation process of beverages like beer and wine by acting as a nutrient that supports yeast growth during fermentation.

The Role of Propylene Glycol in Manufacturing Processes

Beyond its use directly in products, food-grade propylene glycol is indispensable in a wide range of food and beverage manufacturing processes. Its unique ability to regulate temperatures, prevent corrosion, and inhibit bacterial growth helps maintain product quality and operational efficiency across the industry.

Brewing Applications

Propylene glycol is the standard coolant in breweries. It ensures precise temperature control during the brewing process, which is critical for preventing the growth of wild yeast and bacteria that could compromise flavor and quality. Using propylene glycol reduces product waste, improves consistency, and protects expensive brewing equipment from damage. It’s also trusted in beer purification processes, ensuring a smooth and stable operation from start to finish.

Winemaking Applications

Winemaking relies on consistent temperature regulation, particularly during fermentation, maturation, and cold stabilization. Cold stabilization involves chilling the wine close to freezing for at least two weeks to prevent potassium bitartrate buildup, which can cause tartness. Propylene glycol provides responsive cooling control, helping winemakers manage spoilage risk while preserving wine’s flavor and overall quality.

Refrigeration Coil Defrosting

Refrigeration coils in freezers and cold storage rooms can accumulate frost over time, reducing cooling efficiency and increasing energy costs. Propylene glycol solutions are used to defrost these coils safely and efficiently. Unlike harsher industrial chemicals, food-grade propylene glycol can be used in areas where incidental food contact may occur, ensuring safe and reliable defrosting without contaminating food or beverages.

Conveyor Roller Defrosting

Many food manufacturing lines use conveyors to transport goods through refrigerated or frozen environments. Moisture buildup and frost on conveyor rollers can cause operational slowdowns, jams, or product damage. Propylene glycol solutions are used to defrost and protect conveyor rollers, maintaining smooth operation, reducing downtime, and preventing unnecessary product loss or equipment wear.

Process Cooling and Heating

Propylene glycol is a highly effective heat transfer fluid, making it ideal for process cooling and heating in food manufacturing. It protects against both freezing and overheating while also preventing corrosion in processing systems made of metals. From chilling liquid foods during packaging to maintaining precise heating for cooking or pasteurization, propylene glycol ensures stable thermal performance and consistent product quality.

Sourcing Propylene Glycol for Your Operation

Choosing the right propylene glycol supplier is critical to ensuring safe, efficient operations. At Keller-Heartt, we are proud to supply food-grade fluids to top brands like Smucker's®, Daisy Brand®, Kraft®, and Miller Brewing Company®. Our experts recommend these products:

TRUEGARD 960 NSF Certified Food-Grade Propylene Glycol Inhibited Coolant 100% Concentrate

TRUEGARD 960 is a premium, NSF Certified food-grade inhibited propylene glycol fluid designed for use in antifreeze and heat transfer applications where incidental contact with food may occur. It is a 100% concentrate and can be diluted to meet the specific needs of your system. TRUEGARD 960 is formulated with a specially designed inhibitor package that effectively prevents rust and corrosion in systems containing aluminum, brass, cast iron, copper, solder, and steel. This makes it ideal for sensitive environments such as wineries, microbreweries, meatpacking plants, and food processing facilities where both safety and system longevity are priorities.

It works well for these applications:

• HVAC system freeze, burst, and corrosion protection
• Immersion freezing
• Cooling liquid foods and beverages
• Packaging carbonated beverages
• Fermentation cooling
• Refrigeration coil defrosting
• Cold room dehumidifying
• Conveyor roller defrosting
• Process cooling and heating
• Waste heat recovery systems

TRUEGARD 905 NSF Certified Food-Grade Propylene Glycol 50/50

TRUEGARD 905 is a pre-mixed 50/50 blend of NSF Certified food-grade inhibited propylene glycol and water, offering a ready-to-use solution for a wide range of heat transfer applications. Because it is premixed, TRUEGARD 905 reduces preparation time and helps simplify maintenance. It is specifically engineered for environments where incidental food contact is possible and also features a corrosion inhibitor package designed to protect systems containing aluminum, brass, cast iron, copper, solder, and steel.

It works well for these applications:

• Defrosting mist in tunnel freezing coil applications
• Web cooling in processed cheese manufacturing
• Heat transfer in brewery fermentation, yeast, and storage tanks
• Closed-loop heating and cooling systems such as ice rinks, solar panels, geothermal setups, and fire protection systems
• IQF (instant quick freeze) systems designed for rapid food freezing

Trusted Propylene Glycol Solutions for Your Food & Beverage Operation

At Keller-Heartt, we understand the strict safety and regulatory requirements of the food and beverage industry. We provide trusted food-grade propylene glycol designed specifically for these sensitive applications. 

Our team is here to help—whether you need help selecting the right product, have questions, or want to explore bulk discounts. Simply order your propylene glycol products online today or contact us directly. Every order comes with free shipping, so you can focus on production without worrying about additional costs.