# Menthyl Formate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 2230-90-2
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Menthyl formate is a synthetic flavoring compound derived from menthol and formic acid. It is used in food and beverage products to provide a cooling mint flavor profile.

## 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 Menthyl Formate?

Menthyl formate (CAS Number: 2230-90-2) is a synthetic organic compound classified as a flavoring agent. It is an ester formed from the reaction of menthol and formic acid, combining the structural properties of both molecules. This compound appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic minty, cooling aroma. It belongs to the broader category of mint-derived flavor compounds used extensively in the food and beverage industry.

## Common Uses

Menthyl formate is primarily used as a flavoring agent in food and beverage products where a cooling mint taste is desired. Common applications include:

- Confectionery products such as hard candies, chewing gums, and mints
- Beverages including soft drinks, energy drinks, and flavored waters
- Oral care products like toothpastes and mouthwashes
- Pharmaceutical formulations where mint flavoring is used to mask bitter tastes
- Cosmetic products requiring mint fragrance notes

The compound is valued in food manufacturing for its ability to impart an intense cooling sensation similar to menthol, while also contributing additional aromatic complexity through its formate ester structure.

## Safety Assessment

Menthyl formate has not been formally approved by the FDA as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). However, the FDA has received zero adverse event reports associated with this additive and zero product recalls involving menthyl formate. This suggests minimal documented consumer harm when used in food applications.

The compound's safety profile is partly informed by the safety of its parent compounds. Menthol has long been recognized as safe in food applications, while formic acid (and its esters) have established safety data. The combination of these two well-studied components suggests a reasonable safety baseline, though specific toxicological studies on menthyl formate itself are limited in the public domain.

As with all flavoring agents, menthyl formate is used at very low concentrations in food products—typically measured in parts per million (ppm)—which further reduces potential health concerns.

## Regulatory Status

Menthyl formate's regulatory status varies by jurisdiction. In the United States, it is not listed as GRAS by the FDA, meaning its use is not universally approved without specific authorization. However, this designation does not indicate a safety concern; rather, it reflects that formal GRAS petition or approval process has not been completed.

In the European Union, menthyl formate may be evaluated under the EFSA's (European Food Safety Authority) flavoring substance guidelines. Different countries have varying approval statuses for this compound, and manufacturers must comply with local regulations before inclusion in food products.

The compound may be used in countries with less stringent regulatory frameworks, and it continues to be employed in various international food applications, particularly in confectionery and beverage sectors.

## Key Studies

Pubblished toxicological data specifically addressing menthyl formate is limited compared to its parent compounds. Most safety assessments rely on:

- Structural analogy studies of similar mint-derived esters
- Safety data from menthol itself, which has extensive use history and research
- General toxicological principles for formate esters
- Industrial use history and absence of adverse event reports

The lack of formal GRAS status does not necessarily indicate inadequate safety; rather, it may reflect the compound's limited commercial importance or the absence of a formal GRAS petition submission to the FDA. The zero adverse events reported to the FDA suggest that where menthyl formate is used, it has not generated documented safety concerns in consumer populations.

Further research specifically characterizing the toxicological profile of menthyl formate would provide additional confidence for broader regulatory approval.

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