Understanding Food Grade Alcohol: Benefits, Safety, and Uses

Not all alcohol is equal. The multitude of options available can often lead to confusion, especially when seeking the safest solution for skin and body. This page is your guide to understanding what sets food grade ethanol apart from other varieties like isopropyl and methanol. Discover why ethyl alcohol stands as the superior choice for your next craft, project, or recipe.

Ethanol vs Alcohol: Clarifying Terminology

The term "ethanol" is a correct descriptor for products containing "ethyl alcohol". Ethyl Alcohol is the specific chemical name of the alcohol used in Culinary Solvent. Only ethyl alcohol is deemed safe for consumption. The following terms are also commonly used to refer to ethyl alcohol:

  • Anhydrous Alcohol: Denoting alcohol with no water content. Mechanically or chemically dehydrated to reach 200 proof.
  • Absolute Alcohol: Referring to alcohol with no more than 1% water content.
  • "Grain Alcohol" or "190 Proof Grain": Terms originating from the beverage industry, commonly used by those familiar with Everclear.

About Denatured vs Non-Denatured Alcohol

  • Non-Denatured Alcohol: Free from additives, safe for consumption. Only non-denatured alcohol is used in Culinary Solvent products.
  • Denatured Alcohol: Contains toxic additives to prevent consumption. Avoid using it in projects intended for skin or internal use. Often cheaper due to the additives.

Read More About Denatured vs Nondenatured Alcohol products and uses:

About Proof vs ABV (Alcohol By Volume)

  • Proof: A term indicating alcohol strength, calculated by doubling the ABV (Alcohol By Volume).
  • 200 Proof: 100% ethyl alcohol. 190 Proof: 95% Alcohol, 5% water.
  • Excise Taxes: Measured in "Proof Gallons", reflecting alcohol content.

Read More: about "Wine Gallons" vs "Proof Gallons", including examples.

Organic Alcohol vs "Regular": Sourcing Matters

Culinary Solvent is distilled from 100% Corn.  We source two different varieties, "regular" and "Certified Organic".  When customers order "Certified Organic Culinary Solvent", they can be sure that the ethanol was distilled from organic corn.  Certificates accompany the product throughout distillation and bottling, and procedures are in place to ensure that no mingling of organic or regular ethanol occurs throughout production. 

Buy 200 Proof Organic Alcohol from CulinarySolvent.com. [Shipping Map]

Uses for Food Grade Alcohol

There are so many uses for pure food grade alcohol from CulinarySolvent.com!  Click the use below for more information and blog posts about the topic.

  • Herbal Tinctures
  • Non-Herbal Tinctures
  • Flavor Extractions
  • Natural Organic Food Coloring without Artificial Dyes
  • Functional Mushroom Extracts
  • Perfumery and Cologne
  • Body Products (Deodorant, Body Spray, Astringent)  
  • Aromatherapy, Reed Diffusers, Fragrant Room Sprays
  • Luthiers and French Polishing
  • Linnen Sprays
  • Herbal Concentrates
  • Surface Disinfectant
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Remove Stains, Marker, Grease from Skin, Glass, Plastic
  • Alcohol Stoves, Fireplaces, Lamps
  • 3D Printers and Precision Manufacturing
  • Computer Component Restoration
  • Ribbon Microphone Repair
  • Varroa Mite Remediation for Beekeepers
  • DIY E-Juice
  • Campers, Boaters, Hikers Multi-Tool
  • Emergency Preparedness 
  • Alcohol Ink, Resin Art, Print Making
  • Oil Painting Cleanup, Air Brush Cleaning
  • Jewlers and Prescious Metal Artisans
  • Chromatography, Tissue Preservation, Dehydration for Labotories and Research Departments
  • Degreasing tools, instruments, components, surfaces
  • Ultrasonic Cleaning Solutions
  • A substitute whenever "Denatured Alcohol" is called for. 

How is Food Grade Alcohol Made?

Food grade alcohol is made by first fermenting a raw material, like corn, sugar cane, or grapes.  Once fermentation is complete, the liquid is distilled multiple times until it reaches 96% ABV.  A molecular sieve is used to dehydrate out the remaining water, resulting in a final liquid of 100% ethyl alcohol.  Most all other bands stop there, Culinary Solvent is distilled a final time in our system of micro-batch pot stills.  Learn more about how Culinary Solvent is made and why "Smaller is Better" when it comes to distilling for purity.