# Alpha-ionene

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/alpha-ionene
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/alpha-ionene.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 475-03-6
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Alpha-ionene is a synthetic flavoring compound classified as a terpene derivative used to provide woody and ionone-like aromatic notes in food products. It functions as a flavoring agent or adjuvant in various processed foods and beverages.

## 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 Alpha-ionene?

Alpha-ionene (CAS Number 475-03-6) is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the class of terpene-derived flavor molecules. It is a volatile organic compound with a woody, slightly floral character that resembles natural ionone compounds found in violet and iris plants. The compound is primarily used in the fragrance and flavor industries as a component of complex flavor blends rather than as a standalone additive.

## Common Uses

Alpha-ionene is employed as a flavoring agent in a variety of food and beverage applications. It is typically used in very small concentrations as part of proprietary flavor formulations designed to enhance or modify the sensory profile of products. Common applications include:

- Alcoholic beverages, particularly spirits and liqueurs
- Non-alcoholic beverages such as soft drinks and flavored waters
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and desserts
- Savory food products where woody notes are desired

Because it is a minor component of complex flavor systems, consumers encounter alpha-ionene only in trace amounts in finished food products.

## Safety Assessment

Alpha-ionene has not undergone the FDA's GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) petition process, meaning it has not received formal FDA approval through this specific regulatory pathway. However, this does not necessarily indicate safety concerns; many flavoring compounds function in commerce without explicit GRAS status when used at low levels in food applications.

The FDA adverse event reporting system contains zero reported adverse events associated with alpha-ionene. Additionally, there are no FDA recalls linked to this compound. This absence of reported problems reflects both its limited use levels in food products and lack of identified safety issues in practical application.

As a flavor component, alpha-ionene is used at very low concentrations—typically in the parts per million (ppm) range or lower. Exposure levels from food consumption would be minimal and sporadic. Like other volatile flavor compounds, alpha-ionene undergoes metabolism and elimination through normal physiological processes.

## Regulatory Status

Alpha-ionene's regulatory status varies internationally. While not GRAS-listed in the United States, it may be permitted in certain food categories under FDA regulations governing flavoring substances. In the European Union, alpha-ionene may be evaluated under EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) guidelines for use in food flavoring applications, though specific EU status varies by product category and use level.

The lack of GRAS status in the U.S. means manufacturers using this compound should verify compliance with applicable FDA regulations for their specific product category. For food manufacturers, flavoring ingredients are often permitted at use levels established through safety data and industry standards.

## Key Studies

Scientific literature on alpha-ionene specifically is limited, as comprehensive toxicological data on all individual flavor compounds is not always publicly available. Safety evaluation of flavor compounds typically involves:

- Acute toxicity testing
- Evaluation of structural similarity to known safe compounds
- Assessment of typical dietary exposure levels
- Review of metabolism and potential metabolites

The volatile nature of alpha-ionene and its minimal exposure levels through food consumption suggest a low hazard profile. Similar terpene-derived flavor compounds have been widely used in food and fragrance applications for decades without significant safety concerns at typical use levels.

For consumers, alpha-ionene represents one of hundreds of synthetic flavoring compounds used in food manufacturing. Its contribution to overall additive exposure in any individual's diet would be negligible.

## 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. "Alpha-ionene — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/alpha-ionene. Accessed 2026-05-12.