# Gamma-nonalactone

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 104-61-0
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Gamma-nonalactone (CAS 104-61-0) is a naturally occurring organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It imparts a creamy, coconut-like taste and is employed to enhance the sensory profile of various processed foods and beverages.

## Regulatory status

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

## Detailed analysis

## What is Gamma-nonalactone?

Gamma-nonalactone is an organic compound belonging to the lactone family of chemicals. Lactones are cyclic esters that occur naturally in many plants and foods. Gamma-nonalactone specifically is a nine-membered ring lactone found in nature in foods such as coconut, peach, and other fruits. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic creamy and fruity odor, commonly described as coconut-like or peachy.

The compound's chemical structure makes it a volatile flavoring molecule, meaning it readily releases its aroma when added to food products. This volatility is key to its function as a flavoring agent.

## Common Uses

Gamma-nonalactone is used in the food industry as a flavoring agent or flavor adjuvant. It appears in formulations for:

- Dairy products (yogurts, flavored milks, ice cream)
- Baked goods and pastries
- Beverages (soft drinks, flavored waters, alcoholic drinks)
- Confectionery and candy
- Savory snacks
- Dessert and pudding mixes

The compound is typically used at very low concentrations, measured in parts per million (ppm), to achieve the desired flavor impact without overwhelming other taste components. Its creamy coconut profile makes it particularly valuable in tropical and dessert-themed food formulations.

## Safety Assessment

Gamma-nonalactone has not been formally evaluated and approved by the FDA under the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) program. However, the FDA's adverse event database contains zero reported adverse events associated with this additive, and there are no FDA recalls linked to gamma-nonalactone exposure.

The compound's safety profile is informed by its natural occurrence in foods and its chemical similarity to other approved lactone flavorings. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed gamma-nonalactone as part of broader reviews of flavoring substances. Many flavoring compounds in this chemical class have established safety records based on decades of use at low concentrations in food.

The lack of reported adverse events, combined with its minimal presence in finished products (typically below sensory thresholds for direct toxicological concern), suggests a favorable safety profile. However, the absence of FDA GRAS status means it may not be legally permitted in all food categories in the United States without specific regulatory authorization.

## Regulatory Status

Gamma-nonalactone's regulatory standing varies by jurisdiction:

**United States:** The compound does not hold FDA GRAS status, which limits its use in certain food applications. Manufacturers using this ingredient must ensure compliance with FDA regulations regarding food additives and may require pre-market notification or approval depending on the intended food category.

**European Union:** Gamma-nonalactone is listed in the EU Register of Flavoring Substances and is permitted for use in food flavorings under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, subject to specific conditions and concentration limits.

**International:** The compound is recognized and permitted in various other countries' food regulations, often within established flavor ingredient frameworks.

The lack of FDA GRAS status does not necessarily indicate a safety concern; rather, it reflects that the compound has not undergone the formal FDA GRAS notification process, which involves comprehensive safety data submission and review.

## Key Studies

Scientific literature on gamma-nonalactone is limited, reflecting its niche application as a flavoring agent. Available research focuses on:

- **Sensory properties:** Studies characterizing its taste and aroma profiles and optimal concentration ranges for flavor applications
- **Chemical stability:** Research examining how the compound behaves under different pH, temperature, and storage conditions in food matrices
- **Natural occurrence:** Analysis confirming its presence in coconut, peach, and other natural food sources at trace levels
- **Comparative safety:** Research within the broader lactone flavoring family suggesting low toxicological risk at use levels

The limited published data reflects the general regulatory approach to flavoring agents: safety is assessed based on chemical class similarity to approved compounds, natural occurrence, intended use levels (typically very low), and absence of adverse event reports. The zero adverse events recorded in FDA databases over decades of use in food manufacturing supports this safety profile.

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