# Acai Berry Extract

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 879496-95-4
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 1
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Acai berry extract is a flavoring agent derived from the South American acai palm fruit (Euterpe oleracea). It is used in food and beverage products to impart berry flavor and is not currently designated as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | not_evaluated |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Acai Berry Extract?

Acai berry extract (CAS Number: 879496-95-4) is a concentrated flavoring preparation derived from the fruit of the acai palm tree (Euterpe oleracea), native to Central and South America. The extract contains the characteristic compounds that give acai berries their deep purple color and tart berry flavor profile. Commercial acai berry extracts are typically produced through solvent extraction or other concentration methods to isolate flavor compounds and pigments from the fruit.

## Common Uses

Acai berry extract is used as a flavoring agent and adjuvant in various food and beverage applications, including:

- Flavored beverages and smoothies
- Yogurts and dairy products
- Confectionery items
- Dietary supplements and functional foods
- Frozen desserts
- Flavored waters and juices

The extract provides a distinct berry flavor without requiring whole fruit inclusion, offering manufacturers consistency and shelf-stability advantages.

## Safety Assessment

The FDA has received one adverse event report associated with acai berry extract, though specific details regarding causality and severity are not publicly detailed in this database. No FDA recalls have been associated with acai berry extract products to date.

Acai berries themselves have a long history of consumption in South American populations as part of traditional diet. However, the extract form concentrates flavor compounds and may contain residual processing solvents depending on extraction methodology. The lack of GRAS designation indicates that acai berry extract has not undergone the formal FDA GRAS notification process, which typically involves scientific literature review and expert panel evaluation.

Toxicological data on acai berry extract is limited compared to synthetic flavoring agents. Most safety information derives from the whole fruit's traditional use rather than comprehensive safety studies on the concentrated extract form.

## Regulatory Status

Acai berry extract is not on the FDA's GRAS list, meaning manufacturers cannot assert GRAS status for this ingredient. In the European Union, the regulatory status varies; acai preparations may be subject to Novel Food regulations depending on their processing and concentration. The ingredient may be listed in products under flavoring provisions but requires specific regulatory approval for any safety claims.

Manufacturers using acai berry extract in food products must comply with FDA labeling requirements and may need to establish safety through alternative pathways such as food additive petitions or pre-market notification.

## Key Studies

Scientific literature on acai berries primarily examines the whole fruit composition rather than commercial extracts. Available studies have characterized anthocyanins and polyphenolic compounds in acai fruit, which contribute to its flavor and color. However, comprehensive toxicological studies specifically on concentrated acai berry extract are limited in peer-reviewed literature.

The single adverse event on record suggests that while serious incidents are rare, individual sensitivities or reactions may occur. Further research on the extract's long-term safety profile and appropriate usage levels would provide additional assurance for manufacturers and consumers.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Acai Berry Extract — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/acai-berry-extract. Accessed 2026-05-12.