# Grapefruit Essence, Natural

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/grapefruit-essence-natural
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/grapefruit-essence-natural.md

**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 977091-55-6
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** yes
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Grapefruit Essence, Natural is a flavoring agent derived from grapefruit that provides citrus taste and aroma to food and beverage products. It is recognized as safe by the FDA and contains no reported adverse events or recalls.

## 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 Grapefruit Essence, Natural?

Grapefruit Essence, Natural (CAS Number: 977091-55-6) is a flavoring ingredient extracted from grapefruit fruit. It belongs to the category of natural flavoring agents and is used to impart authentic grapefruit taste and aromatic characteristics to food and beverage formulations. Natural essences are concentrated extracts that capture the volatile compounds responsible for the distinctive sensory profile of the source fruit.

## Common Uses

Grapefruit Essence, Natural is primarily used in beverage applications, including:

- Fruit juices and juice blends
- Soft drinks and carbonated beverages
- Sports and energy drinks
- Flavored water products
- Alcoholic beverages and cocktail mixers
- Dairy-based beverages

The ingredient may also appear in limited quantities in confectionery, baked goods, and other food products where grapefruit flavoring is desired. The typical use level is minimal due to the concentrated nature of essence products.

## Safety Assessment

Grapefruit Essence, Natural has received Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), indicating that it is considered safe for use in food when used according to good manufacturing practices. This designation is based on either a history of safe use or scientific evidence demonstrating safety.

According to FDA records:

- **Adverse Events:** Zero reported adverse events associated with this additive
- **Recalls:** Zero product recalls attributed to this ingredient
- **GRAS Status:** Confirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe

These regulatory records indicate a strong safety profile for this ingredient in food applications. Natural citrus flavoring compounds have been used in food for decades without significant safety concerns.

## Regulatory Status

Grapefruit Essence, Natural is approved for use as a flavoring agent in the United States under FDA regulations. It falls under Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR Part 182), which lists substances generally recognized as safe for their intended use in food.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) similarly recognizes natural grapefruit flavoring as safe for use in food applications across EU member states. The ingredient complies with international food safety standards and is widely accepted in global food manufacturing.

Manufacturers using this ingredient must comply with:

- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- Proper labeling requirements (listed as "Natural Flavoring" or "Grapefruit Flavoring")
- Quantity restrictions based on organoleptic and functional requirements
- Country-specific food additive regulations

## Key Studies

While specific published studies on Grapefruit Essence, Natural are limited, the safety profile is supported by:

1. **Long history of use:** Grapefruit and citrus flavoring compounds have been consumed safely in foods for generations
2. **Constituent compound safety:** The primary volatile compounds in grapefruit essence (limonene, myrcene, and various aldehydes) are recognized as safe flavoring components
3. **FDA GRAS determination:** The GRAS status is supported by scientific literature demonstrating the safety of grapefruit-derived flavoring compounds at typical food use levels
4. **Absence of adverse event reports:** The zero reported adverse events and recalls in FDA databases over decades of use provide strong real-world evidence of safety

The lack of reported safety concerns, combined with GRAS status and absence of regulatory restrictions, indicates that Grapefruit Essence, Natural is well-established as a safe food ingredient. Consumers with grapefruit allergies or sensitivities should note that this ingredient contains grapefruit compounds, though allergic reactions to grapefruit flavoring are uncommon.

## 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. "Grapefruit Essence, Natural — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/grapefruit-essence-natural. Accessed 2026-05-19.