Food Grade vs Pharmaceutical Grade VG and PG: What Is the Difference?

Food Grade vs Pharmaceutical Grade VG and PG: What Is the Difference?

When buying Vegetable Glycerine or Propylene Glycol you may come across terms such as food grade, pharmaceutical grade, USP and EP.

But what do these terms actually mean and which grade should you choose?

The answer comes down to what you are using your VG or PG for.

What Does Food Grade Mean?

Food grade VG and PG are produced to specifications appropriate for permitted food applications.

Both ingredients have established uses within the food industry. Glycerol is identified as E422 while Propylene Glycol is identified as E1520 within authorised food applications.

Depending on the formulation food grade VG or PG may be used within areas such as:

  • Food manufacturing

  • Flavourings

  • Confectionery

  • Bakery products

  • Ingredient carrier systems

  • Specialist food formulations

The important thing is to always check that the specification of the product is suitable for your intended use.

What Does Pharmaceutical Grade Mean?

Pharmaceutical grade refers to material produced to meet recognised pharmaceutical specifications.

You may see terms such as USP or EP used alongside Vegetable Glycerine and Propylene Glycol.

USP refers to the United States Pharmacopeia while EP refers to the European Pharmacopoeia.

These standards set requirements for things such as identity and purity and permitted impurities.

Pharmaceutical grade VG and PG can be used across areas including:

  • Pharmaceutical manufacturing

  • Laboratory applications

  • Personal care products

  • Cosmetic formulations

  • Specialist commercial manufacturing

The exact specification required depends on the finished product.

Is Pharmaceutical Grade Better Than Food Grade?

Not necessarily.

It is easy to assume that pharmaceutical grade simply means better or purer.

In reality the correct grade depends on the application.

Food grade materials need to meet the appropriate requirements for their intended food use while pharmaceutical grade materials are produced to meet pharmaceutical specifications.

Both may be high purity products.

The important question is not which sounds better. It is which specification is right for what you are making.

What Does USP Grade Mean?

USP stands for United States Pharmacopeia.

USP publishes recognised quality standards for pharmaceutical ingredients and other materials.

There are specific USP specifications for both Glycerine and Propylene Glycol.

This means USP is more than simply a description such as premium or high quality. It refers to a recognised specification that the material must meet.

Which Grade of VG or PG Should I Choose?

Start by looking at your intended application.

If you are producing a food product you may require food grade material.

If you are working within pharmaceutical manufacturing you may need material that meets a recognised pharmaceutical specification.

Cosmetic and personal care manufacturers should also check the requirements of their individual formulation.

For commercial production it is particularly important to make sure the grade and specification are suitable before introducing any ingredient into your manufacturing process.

Why Does the Quality of VG and PG Matter?

Not every bottle of Vegetable Glycerine or Propylene Glycol should automatically be treated as the same.

When buying VG or PG look for clear information about:

  • Product grade

  • Purity

  • Specification

  • Intended applications

  • Supplier

  • Product documentation

This becomes even more important when VG or PG is being used regularly within commercial production.

Buy High Purity VG and PG in the UK

VGPG Online supplies high purity Vegetable Glycerine and Propylene Glycol to individuals and businesses across the UK.

Our range supports everything from home projects and small business production to larger commercial requirements.

VG and PG are available in convenient bottle sizes with bulk options also available for businesses requiring larger quantities.

Always check that the grade and specification are suitable for your intended application before use.

Explore the VGPG Online range and find the right VG or PG for your requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is food grade Vegetable Glycerine?

Food grade Vegetable Glycerine is glycerol supplied to a specification appropriate for permitted food applications. Glycerol is also known as E422 when used as a food additive.

What is food grade Propylene Glycol?

Food grade Propylene Glycol is PG supplied to an appropriate food specification. Propylene Glycol is identified as E1520 within authorised food applications.

Is pharmaceutical grade the same as food grade?

No. They refer to different specifications and intended applications. One should not automatically be considered better than the other.

What grade should I buy?

Choose a grade that meets the requirements of your intended application. If you are unsure speak to the supplier or check the specification before purchasing.