Food Grade vs Regular Hydrogen Peroxide: What's the Difference?
Food grade hydrogen peroxide is made to a higher purity than regular pharmacy or technical grade, without the heavy-metal stabilisers some other grades use, so it can be used around food and food contact surfaces. The chemical is the same: H2O2. The difference is what else is in the bottle.
The grades compared
| Food grade | Pharmacy / regular 3% | Technical / industrial grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity | High, made for food contact | Varies | Lower |
| Stabilisers | Food grade, minimal | Often not listed | May include heavy-metal or other stabilisers |
| Typical strengths | 3%, 6%, 35%, 50% | 3% to 6% | 35% to 60% |
| Use around food surfaces | Yes | Check label | No |
| Ready to use | 3% and 6% yes. 35% and 50% no | Yes | No |
Does strength change the grade?
No. Grade is about purity. Strength is about how much peroxide is in the water. You can buy food grade at 3% (ready to use) or 35% (must be diluted). Most people searching for food grade hydrogen peroxide want a clean product for the kitchen, kids' and pets' areas: that is 3% for everyday and 6% for tougher jobs.
Why choose food grade for cleaning?
- Nothing unexpected left on benches, chopping boards or toys
- Breaks down into water and oxygen
- No fragrance, dyes or surfactants
- You know exactly what is in it
Forsana makes ready-to-use food grade hydrogen peroxide in Christchurch, with every ingredient on the label.
Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide 3% (1L, $19.99) | Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide 6% (1L, $24.99)
FAQs
Is food grade hydrogen peroxide stronger than regular?
Not necessarily. Grade refers to purity. Food grade comes in 3%, 6%, 35% and 50%.
Is pharmacy hydrogen peroxide food grade?
Usually it does not say. Pharmacy 3% is made for first aid use and may contain other stabilisers. Check the label.
Can I use regular hydrogen peroxide for cleaning?
Yes, but around food surfaces, kids and pets, food grade gives you certainty about what is in it.
Is food grade hydrogen peroxide safe to drink?
No. Food grade describes purity. Never drink hydrogen peroxide at any strength.
Is Forsana hydrogen peroxide food grade?
Yes. Every Forsana product is made from food grade hydrogen peroxide, stabilised with food grade phosphoric acid.