The Facts About Propionates Food additives are approved for a number of different uses. Some improve the nutritional value of certain foods while others are used to make foods more appealing by improving their taste, texture, consistency or colour. Preservatives are food additives which are used to help keep food wholesome and appealing while en route to markets which may be thousands of kilometres away from where the food is grown or produced.
Preservatives also help extend the storage life of foods in the home.
Propionates are approved preservatives in strictly limited amounts in a range of baked foods. Foods permitted to contain propionates include bread, biscuits, cakes, pastries and other flour products. Calcium propionate is an approved preservative in bread and helps to keep the bread fresh. Potassium propionate and sodium propionate are also approved preservatives. By inhibiting the growth of mould and other microorganisms, propionates allow consumers the convenience of keeping soft, fresh bread in the home without having to purchase it every day.