# Lavender, Absolute (lavandula Officinalis Chaix)

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/lavender-absolute-lavandula-officinalis-chaix
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/lavender-absolute-lavandula-officinalis-chaix.md

**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 977126-26-3
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Lavender Absolute is a concentrated flavoring extract derived from lavender flowers (Lavandula officinalis Chaix), used to impart lavender flavor and aroma to food and beverage products. It functions as a flavoring agent in culinary applications, particularly in confectionery, beverages, and specialty food items.

## 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 Lavender, Absolute?

Lavender Absolute (CAS Number 977126-26-3) is a concentrated liquid extract obtained from the flowers of Lavandula officinalis Chaix, commonly known as English lavender or true lavender. The absolute is produced through solvent extraction methods, which concentrate the volatile and non-volatile aromatic compounds present in lavender flowers. This results in a potent flavoring ingredient with a complex aromatic profile characteristic of lavender essential oil, but with additional flavor compounds extracted during processing.

## Common Uses

Lavender Absolute is employed as a flavoring agent in various food and beverage applications. Its primary uses include:

- Specialty beverages such as lavender-infused teas, lemonades, and cocktails
- Confectionery products including candies, chocolates, and baked goods
- Honey and syrup formulations
- Culinary preparations and gourmet food applications
- Ice cream and frozen desserts
- Jams, jellies, and preserves

The ingredient is valued for its ability to provide distinctive floral notes while maintaining the characteristic lavender aroma that appeals to consumers seeking premium or artisanal food products.

## Safety Assessment

Lavender Absolute has not been formally submitted for FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status. However, this designation does not indicate any safety concern; rather, it reflects that the ingredient has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process. Lavender as a plant material has a long history of culinary and traditional use, which supports its general acceptance in foods.

The FDA has recorded zero adverse events associated with Lavender Absolute and zero product recalls linked to this ingredient, indicating no documented safety incidents in the U.S. food supply. Lavender itself is recognized as safe for consumption in traditional applications and is found in various food products marketed internationally.

From a toxicological perspective, lavender extracts have been extensively studied. The primary active compounds—linalool and linalyl acetate—are well-characterized volatile components present in many plants. At the concentrations used in food flavoring applications, these compounds have demonstrated low toxicity profiles in available scientific literature.

## Regulatory Status

While Lavender Absolute lacks FDA GRAS status, it remains permissible for use in food under FDA regulations as a flavoring agent, provided it meets specifications for purity and does not exceed limitations set by flavor industry standards. The European Union includes lavender in its list of approved flavorings for food use, and many countries recognize lavender extracts as acceptable food ingredients.

Manufacturers using Lavender Absolute must ensure the product is produced under appropriate quality control standards and meets specifications for microbiological purity and contaminant levels, consistent with general food additive regulations.

## Key Studies

While specific safety studies on Lavender Absolute as a food additive are limited, the safety profile is supported by:

- Historical use data demonstrating long-standing culinary applications of lavender
- Chemical composition studies identifying primary constituents (linalool, linalyl acetate, and other terpenes)
- Toxicology literature on lavender essential oil and its major components
- Absence of documented adverse health effects from lavender consumption in food applications
- International regulatory acceptance in multiple jurisdictions

The lack of reported adverse events and product recalls provides additional evidence supporting the safe use of this ingredient in food applications at typical flavoring concentrations.

## 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. "Lavender, Absolute (lavandula Officinalis Chaix) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/lavender-absolute-lavandula-officinalis-chaix. Accessed 2026-05-19.