Comparing E216 - Propyl para-hydroxybenzoate vs E234 - Nisin

Synonyms
E216
Propyl para-hydroxybenzoate
Sodium Salt of Propyl-p-hydroxy Benzoic Acid
Propylparaben
E234
Nisin
Products

Found in 77 products

Found in 309 products

Search rank & volume
#2043.9K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#2731.3K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×7.01
over-aware

×0.60
under-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions
  1. Is propylparaben safe?

    At the low levels used in foods it’s considered safe by some regulators (e.g., FDA recognizes it as GRAS), but it is not permitted as a food additive in the EU.

  2. Is propylparaben bad?

    At permitted food-use levels it isn’t considered harmful by regulators that allow it; however, it is no longer authorized for use as a food additive in the EU.

  3. What is propylparaben used for?

    It’s an antimicrobial preservative (especially against molds and yeasts) used to extend shelf life in foods, and is also widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

  4. Are methylparaben and propylparaben safe?

    Both are considered safe at the low levels allowed in foods by some regulators (e.g., FDA GRAS), but neither is currently authorized as a food additive in the EU.

  5. Does propylparaben cause cancer?

    There’s no good evidence that propylparaben causes cancer in humans, and major reviews have not classified it as carcinogenic; it shows weak estrogen-like activity in lab tests at doses far above typical dietary exposure.

  1. What is nisin preparation?

    A standardized commercial product of the antimicrobial peptide nisin blended with carriers (typically sodium chloride and sometimes dairy solids) to a defined potency for use as a food preservative.

  2. Is nisin bad for you?

    No—at approved food-use levels it’s considered safe by major regulators (e.g., EFSA, JECFA, FDA) and is digested like other peptides; typical dietary exposure is well below the acceptable daily intake. If you have a milk allergy, note some preparations include dairy-derived carriers.

  3. What is nisin in food?

    Nisin (E234) is a natural antimicrobial preservative from Lactococcus lactis used to inhibit Gram-positive bacteria like Listeria and extend shelf life in foods such as cheeses and some dairy or ready-to-eat products.

  4. What is nisin made from?

    It’s produced by fermenting Lactococcus lactis on substrates like milk or sugar, then purified and standardized with carriers such as salt; it’s not chemically synthesized for food use.

  5. Cheddar nisin which brands?

    Brand use varies by market: it’s more common in processed or sliced/shredded cheddar than in traditional block cheddar. Check labels for “nisin” or “E234,” or contact the manufacturer for specific product lines.