# Mesquite Wood Extract

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/mesquite-wood-extract
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/mesquite-wood-extract.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 93165-66-3
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Mesquite wood extract is a natural flavoring agent derived from mesquite wood, used to impart a smoky, distinctive flavor to food products. It functions as a flavoring adjuvant in various processed foods and beverages.

## 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 Mesquite Wood Extract?

Mesquite wood extract (CAS Number 93165-66-3) is a flavoring agent derived from the wood of mesquite trees (Prosopis species), which are native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. The extract captures the characteristic smoky, slightly sweet flavor profile associated with mesquite wood smoke, traditionally used in barbecuing and grilling. As a wood extract, it represents a natural flavoring source that has been used in culinary applications for centuries, though its commercial food additive use is more recent.

## Common Uses

Mesquite wood extract is primarily used as a flavoring agent in processed foods and beverages where a smoky taste profile is desired. Common applications include:

- Smoked meats and meat products
- Barbecue-flavored snacks and seasonings
- Beverages, particularly craft sodas and flavored drinks
- Condiments and sauces
- Ready-to-eat meals and prepared foods
- Flavoring for nuts and savory snacks

The extract allows manufacturers to achieve mesquite or smoke-flavored products without traditional smoking processes, providing consistency in flavor and reducing production time.

## Safety Assessment

Mesquite wood extract has not been formally approved as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, which means it has not undergone the formal GRAS petition process or does not meet the criteria for self-affirmation under GRAS guidelines. However, this designation does not indicate the additive is unsafe; rather, it reflects the regulatory classification status.

According to FDA records, there have been zero adverse events reported associated with mesquite wood extract, and no product recalls have been initiated due to this ingredient. The lack of reported safety concerns, combined with its long historical use in culinary traditions, suggests a reasonable safety profile for typical food applications.

As a plant-derived extract, mesquite wood extract should theoretically present low toxicity. However, the absence of a GRAS determination means comprehensive toxicological studies may not have been formally submitted to or reviewed by the FDA in the public domain. Individuals with allergies to legumes (mesquite is in the Fabaceae family) should exercise caution, though allergic reactions to wood extracts are rare.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, mesquite wood extract is permitted for use as a flavoring agent, though without formal GRAS status. It may be used under FDA regulations for food additives, but manufacturers should ensure compliance with applicable regulations and may need to file a Food Additive Petition (FAP) or maintain GRAS documentation if marketing claims are made.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has not specifically evaluated mesquite wood extract in recent assessments published in the public domain. Regulatory acceptance varies internationally, and companies exporting products containing this ingredient should verify compliance with destination country regulations.

## Key Studies

Published scientific literature specifically evaluating mesquite wood extract as a food additive is limited. Most information derives from:

- Traditional use documentation and culinary history
- General plant toxicology databases
- FDA adverse event and recall databases

Mesquite wood itself has been studied for nutritional composition and antimicrobial properties, with some research indicating potential antioxidant compounds. However, specific safety and efficacy studies on the commercial extract used as a food additive appear limited in peer-reviewed literature. The absence of reported adverse events suggests either safe use or minimal consumption levels.

## 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. "Mesquite Wood Extract — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/mesquite-wood-extract. Accessed 2026-05-17.