# Alpha-methylcinnamaldehyde

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

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 101-39-3
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Alpha-methylcinnamaldehyde is an organic compound used as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer in food products. It is a synthetic aromatic aldehyde that imparts spicy, cinnamon-like sensory characteristics to beverages, confectionery, and other food applications.

## 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-methylcinnamaldehyde?

Alpha-methylcinnamaldehyde (CAS Number: 101-39-3) is an organic compound belonging to the aromatic aldehyde family. It is characterized by a conjugated double bond system attached to an aldehyde functional group, with a methyl substituent on the alpha carbon relative to the aromatic ring. The compound exists as a clear to pale yellow liquid with a strong, pungent aromatic odor reminiscent of cinnamon and spice.

This additive is produced through chemical synthesis rather than extracted from natural sources, though structurally similar compounds occur naturally in cinnamon bark and related plant materials. The synthetic production allows for consistent purity and concentration suitable for food manufacturing applications.

## Common Uses

Alpha-methylcinnamaldehyde functions primarily as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer in the food and beverage industry. It is utilized in relatively small concentrations to provide or intensify spicy, warm, and cinnamon-forward flavor profiles. Common application categories include:

- Confectionery and candy products
- Flavored beverages and drinks
- Baked goods and desserts
- Savory condiments and seasonings
- Chewing gum and mints

The compound's potent sensory impact means that effective doses are typically in the parts per million (ppm) range, allowing manufacturers to achieve desired flavor effects with minimal additive quantities.

## Safety Assessment

Alpha-methylcinnamaldehyde has not been approved by the FDA as a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) substance for food use in the United States. However, this classification does not necessarily indicate a safety concern; rather, it reflects the additive's regulatory pathway and historical use patterns.

The FDA has recorded zero adverse events and zero recalls associated with this compound in their databases. This absence of reported safety incidents suggests that any food products containing this additive have not generated documented consumer health complaints or safety concerns requiring regulatory intervention.

The compound's structural similarity to cinnamaldehyde and related natural aromatics suggests a reasonable safety profile, though formal toxicological assessments specific to alpha-methylcinnamaldehyde would provide additional confidence. As with many synthetic flavor compounds, effects would be expected only at doses far exceeding typical culinary concentrations.

## Regulatory Status

Regulatory treatment of alpha-methylcinnamaldehyde varies internationally. In the European Union, it may be listed in flavor regulation frameworks, though specific approval status should be verified against current EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) listings, as these are periodically updated.

In the United States, the lack of GRAS status means any use would require either a Food Additive Petition approval from the FDA or operation under the FDA's prior sanctions for food additives. Manufacturers using this compound should verify compliance with applicable regulations in their target markets, as regulatory classifications differ by jurisdiction.

## Key Studies

Published scientific literature on alpha-methylcinnamaldehyde is limited compared to more extensively evaluated flavor compounds. Available research has focused on:

- Organoleptic properties and flavor characteristics
- Synthesis methods and chemical stability
- Structure-activity relationships with related cinnamon aldehyde compounds

The limited specific research base reflects both the compound's specialized niche application and the general regulatory framework where flavor compounds are often evaluated in groups rather than individually. Toxicological data extrapolation from structurally related compounds (particularly cinnamaldehyde, which has undergone more extensive review) provides additional context for safety assessment.

## 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-methylcinnamaldehyde — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/alpha-methylcinnamaldehyde. Accessed 2026-05-19.