# Cinnamyl Formate

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> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/cinnamyl-formate.md

**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 104-65-4
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Cinnamyl formate is an organic ester compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It imparts cinnamon-like aromatic characteristics and is employed in small quantities to enhance flavor profiles 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 Cinnamyl Formate?

Cinnamyl formate (CAS Number: 104-65-4) is an ester compound formed from the combination of cinnamyl alcohol and formic acid. It belongs to the chemical class of formate esters and is a clear to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic cinnamon-like odor. The compound has a molecular formula of C10H10O2 and is used in the food industry exclusively as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant.

## Common Uses

Cinnamyl formate is utilized in food manufacturing primarily as a flavoring component in processed foods and beverages. Its cinnamon-like aromatic profile makes it suitable for:

- Baked goods and bakery products
- Beverages, including soft drinks and flavored waters
- Dairy products such as flavored yogurts and ice creams
- Confectionery items and candy
- Spice blends and seasoning applications

As a flavoring agent, it is typically used in very small concentrations—often in the parts per million range—to achieve the desired flavor intensity without overwhelming other taste components. The compound works synergistically with other flavorings to create complex cinnamon notes in food formulations.

## Safety Assessment

Cinnamyl formate has not been designated as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, which means it does not hold the formal safety designation that some flavor compounds possess. However, this designation does not indicate that the compound is unsafe; rather, it reflects the classification and approval pathway for its use.

The FDA maintains no recorded adverse events associated with cinnamyl formate in its food additive database, and there are no documented recalls related to this ingredient. This absence of reported safety incidents suggests that the compound, when used as intended in food applications at typical concentration levels, has not raised safety concerns in the regulatory or consumer monitoring systems.

The compound's safety profile is informed by its structural similarity to cinnamyl alcohol and formate esters, which have been more extensively evaluated. As with many flavor compounds used in minute quantities, the practical exposure levels in food consumption are substantially below levels that would pose toxicological concerns.

## Regulatory Status

The regulatory status of cinnamyl formate varies by jurisdiction. In the United States, while not GRAS-designated, it may be used as a flavoring agent under FDA regulations governing food additives, subject to compliance with labeling requirements and use restrictions. Manufacturers must ensure that the compound is used in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards and that it appears on ingredient labels as "natural flavoring" or "artificial flavoring" depending on its source.

In the European Union, cinnamyl formate is listed in the FLAVIS (Flavoring Industry List of Existing Substances) database, which tracks flavoring compounds used in food manufacturing across member states. This listing indicates its recognition within EU food flavoring frameworks, though specific regulations regarding maximum use levels may apply.

## Key Studies

Limited published peer-reviewed research specifically addresses cinnamyl formate in isolation. The compound's safety is generally extrapolated from:

1. **Structural analog data**: Studies on cinnamyl alcohol and formate esters provide a basis for understanding the compound's metabolic pathways and safety profile.

2. **Historical use patterns**: The compound's longstanding use in flavoring applications without documented adverse events contributes to the evidence base for safety assessment.

3. **Regulatory submissions**: Manufacturers utilizing cinnamyl formate typically provide technical and safety data to regulatory agencies to support compliance with food additive regulations.

The absence of specific toxicology studies on cinnamyl formate reflects the practical approach regulators take with flavor compounds used at extremely low concentrations where exposure margins of safety are inherently large.

## 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. "Cinnamyl Formate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/cinnamyl-formate. Accessed 2026-05-19.