# Butter Starter Distillate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 977019-27-4
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Butter Starter Distillate is a flavoring agent derived from fermented dairy cultures, used to impart authentic butter and cream notes in food products. It functions as both a flavoring agent and fermentation aid, commonly appearing in dairy, bakery, and processed food applications.

## Regulatory status

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

## Detailed analysis

## What is Butter Starter Distillate?

Butter Starter Distillate (CAS Number: 977019-27-4) is a complex flavoring ingredient produced through the fermentation and distillation of dairy starter cultures. These cultures typically contain lactic acid bacteria, primarily Lactococcus lactis subspecies, which are naturally present in traditional butter and cheese production. The distillation process concentrates the volatile compounds responsible for the characteristic buttery, creamy flavor profile. This ingredient represents a concentrated form of flavors that develop naturally during dairy fermentation.

## Common Uses

Butter Starter Distillate is primarily used in the food industry as a flavoring agent to enhance or replicate authentic butter and dairy flavors. Common applications include:

- Dairy products: butter alternatives, cream cheese analogs, and flavored milk beverages
- Baked goods: crackers, breads, pastries, and cake mixes
- Processed foods: snack foods, seasonings, and savory spreads
- Sauces and condiments: salad dressings and cooking sauces

The ingredient serves dual functionality as a fermentation aid, potentially supporting the growth of beneficial microorganisms in fermented food products. This secondary function makes it valuable in applications requiring active cultures or probiotic components.

## Safety Assessment

Butter Starter Distillate has not been formally evaluated by the FDA for GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status. However, the ingredient shows a favorable safety profile based on available data. The FDA maintains zero recorded adverse events and zero recalls associated with this additive, indicating no documented consumer safety incidents.

The safety foundation for this ingredient is strengthened by its derivation from naturally occurring dairy fermentation processes. Lactic acid bacteria used in butter starter cultures have an extensive history of safe use in food production spanning centuries. The distillation process produces concentrated volatile compounds that are chemically identical to those formed during natural fermentation.

There is no published evidence of toxicological concerns at typical use levels in food applications. The additive does not appear on any major international banned substances lists. Individuals with dairy allergies should note that while this product derives from dairy fermentation, the distillation process removes most proteins and lactose, though trace amounts may remain depending on processing methods.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, Butter Starter Distillate is not currently listed as a GRAS substance, meaning it does not have explicit FDA approval for broad use. However, this classification does not indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects that formal safety petitions have not been submitted or completed. The ingredient may be used under FDA regulations if manufacturers can demonstrate adequate safety through appropriate testing and documentation.

International regulatory frameworks vary. Some countries may permit this ingredient under general flavoring regulations, while others may require specific authorizations. Manufacturers using this ingredient must ensure compliance with regulations in each target market.

## Key Studies

While no major published clinical studies specifically focus on Butter Starter Distillate itself, the safety profile is informed by extensive research on Lactococcus lactis and lactic acid fermentation. These microorganisms have been designated as GRAS by the FDA and have undergone comprehensive safety evaluations.

Scientific literature consistently demonstrates that fermentation-derived compounds are well-tolerated in human diets. The volatile flavor compounds produced during butter fermentation—including diacetyl, acetoin, and various esters—have been individually evaluated for safety and approved for use in flavoring applications.

Additional research on similar fermentation-derived flavorings supports the safety of this ingredient class. The distillation process produces compounds that occur naturally in fermented dairy products that have been safely consumed for thousands of years.

## 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. "Butter Starter Distillate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/butter-starter-distillate. Accessed 2026-05-20.