Interesting Fact! Here Are the Names for Food Alcohol in 20+ Languages ​​and Countries

Did you know that food alcohol has dozens of different names in various countries? Many consumers mistakenly assume these terms are synonymous with alcoholic beverages, even though they play a crucial role in the food and pharmaceutical industries. This ensures there’s no confusion when reading the ingredients on the packaging of products certified by the BPJPH. What are these unique names, and where are they used? 

Did you know that the term “alcohol” in the food industry isn’t just one name? Behind the “ethanol” label we often hear, there are actually dozens of different terms used in various countries. From Spiritus in Europe, Neutral Spirits in America, to Shochu Spirit in Japan, they all refer to the same thing: food alcohol. 

Unfortunately, many people misunderstand, assuming these terms are always synonymous with alcoholic beverages, and therefore, they shouldn’t be listed on the packaging of BPJPH-certified halal products. However, these names may not be related to alcoholic beverages but are actually regular alcohol. In the food, pharmaceutical, and flavoring industries, ethanol plays a crucial role in supporting product quality, for example, as a solvent or extractant. 

For fermented products like Korean soybean paste, the dominant alcohol content sometimes doesn’t come from the fermentation of the ingredient itself. Typically, after fermentation, the alcohol is “flushed” to halt the fermentation process. This is because if fermentation is allowed to continue, off-flavors can develop, which need to be stopped or slowed down by adding alcohol. 

So, why are there so many names for this one substance? And how can consumers avoid being misled by unfamiliar terms that often appear on product labels? 

Below is a list of alternative names for food-grade alcohol used around the world. These terms refer to food-grade, neutral, or technical ethanol used in the food, pharmaceutical, and flavoring industries, not for alcoholic beverages. 

By understanding the various terms for edible alcohol from around the world, we can avoid common consumer misunderstandings. Not all terms, such as Spiritus or Spirytus, are synonymous with alcoholic beverages. Instead, these terms are technical terms in certain countries that actually refer to technical ethanol used as a processing aid in the food, pharmaceutical, and flavoring industries. 

According to Merriam-Webster, the word “spirit” is defined as a liquid containing ethanol and water, distilled from an alcoholic beverage. Therefore, the connotation of “spirit” can have a neutral meaning or a tendency toward alcoholic beverages, although the latter is the prevailing global mindset. 

Let’s take another example, Korea. Edible alcohol in Korean is translated as “Jujeong” (주정), which consists of the words “주” (meaning “alcohol”) and “정” (meaning “to determine” or “to decide”). Traditionally, Koreans find the translation “spirit” more appropriate because it is more commonly used in the context of food, while the term “ethanol” is more widely used in chemical contexts. This is similar to the Indonesian practice, where the acidifying agent in food is commonly referred to as vinegar, despite its chemical name being ethyl acetate. In Korean, alcoholic beverages are referred to using a different term, written in Korean as “소주 등 음료.” 

This knowledge is essential for us to be more discerning in reading product labels and understanding that halal and safe food is not just about ingredients, but also about understanding the overall concept of halal, including technical terms specifically related to specific products and customs. Consumers should exercise caution and avoid making assumptions hastily when they encounter unfamiliar terms on product labels. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to seek information from trusted sources. With good literacy, we not only avoid misunderstandings but also contribute to transparency in the food industry. 

To help business owners understand this, LPPOM is always ready to be your best partner in product halal inspections. Through the Halal On 30 programs, LPPOM is launching an interactive discussion space that can be accessed via the link bit.ly/HalalOn30. In just 30 minutes, business owners can understand the complete halal certification process—a practical solution that doesn’t require significant time investment. 

In addition, the LPPOM MUI Laboratory, accredited with ISO/IEC 17025:2017, also provides ethanol testing services to ensure products comply with halal standards. For complete information about this service, please visit https://e-halallab.com/. With LPPOM’s support, the halal certification process is easier, more transparent, and more reliable. (ZUL)