# Benzyl Nonanoate

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> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/benzyl-nonanoate.md

**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 6471-66-5
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Benzyl nonanoate is an organic ester compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It functions as a flavor component to provide fruity or floral notes in various food and beverage 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 Benzyl Nonanoate?

Benzyl nonanoate (CAS Number: 6471-66-5) is an ester compound formed from the combination of benzyl alcohol and nonanoic acid. It belongs to the class of synthetic flavor compounds used in the food industry. As an ester, it is a naturally-occurring type of organic molecule commonly found in fruits and fermented products, though this particular compound is primarily used as a manufactured flavoring agent.

## Common Uses

Benzyl nonanoate functions as a flavoring agent or flavor adjuvant in food and beverage products. It is typically used in small concentrations to impart fruity, floral, or slightly sweet sensory characteristics. The compound may be incorporated into various products including:

- Beverages (soft drinks, flavored waters, juices)
- Confectionery and baked goods
- Dairy products and ice cream
- Flavoring formulations and concentrates
- Savory food products

The specific sensory profile—fruity or floral notes—makes it useful for flavor formulators seeking to achieve desired taste profiles in finished products.

## Safety Assessment

Benzyl nonanoate has not generated significant safety concerns in regulatory databases. The FDA has recorded zero adverse events associated with this additive, and there have been no recalls involving products containing this ingredient. This absence of reported adverse events suggests a favorable safety profile in its current use.

Like many flavor compounds, benzyl nonanoate is used in very small quantities in food products. The concentration levels typically employed are well below any threshold of concern based on available toxicological data. Esters similar to this compound have been evaluated through various safety assessment programs internationally.

## Regulatory Status

Benzyl nonanoate is not listed on the FDA's Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list. This means it has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process, which allows manufacturers to self-determine safety based on scientific evidence. However, its absence from the GRAS list does not indicate a safety concern—rather, it reflects that the compound may not have been submitted for this designation, or may be regulated under alternative pathways.

The compound may be approved for use in food under FDA regulations governing food additives, specifically in the category of synthetic flavoring substances. In the European Union, benzyl nonanoate may be evaluated under EFSA guidelines for flavor compounds. Different regulatory jurisdictions may have varying approval statuses for this additive.

Manufacturers using this ingredient are responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations in their respective markets and maintaining proper documentation regarding safety and intended use levels.

## Key Studies

Limited published literature specifically addresses benzyl nonanoate in isolation. Safety evaluations of structurally-related esters and benzyl compounds have been conducted, generally showing low toxicity profiles at levels relevant to food use. The safety assessment of flavor compounds typically relies on:

- Structure-activity relationships comparing similar compounds
- Acute toxicity data
- Metabolism and fate studies
- Established use levels in food applications
- Comparison to naturally-occurring analogs

The European flavor industry maintains thorough safety assessments through programs like the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association (FEMA) GRAS program. These assessments consider the chemical class, proposed use levels, and estimated dietary exposure.

Additional research and safety documentation may exist within manufacturer proprietary files and regulatory submissions not publicly available. The absence of adverse event reports and recalls suggests that any safety studies conducted have supported the safety profile of this ingredient at intended use levels.

## 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. "Benzyl Nonanoate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/benzyl-nonanoate. Accessed 2026-05-19.