# Methyl Anisate

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> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/methyl-anisate.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 121-98-2
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Methyl anisate is a synthetic organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It provides a characteristic anise or licorice-like flavor and aroma to beverages, confections, and other food applications.

## 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 Methyl Anisate?

Methyl anisate (CAS Number 121-98-2) is a synthetic aromatic ester belonging to the class of organic compounds known as phenolic esters. Chemically, it consists of a methyl ester derived from anisic acid, featuring a methoxy group (-OCH3) attached to a benzene ring. This structure gives the compound its distinctive anise or licorice-like sensory characteristics, making it valuable in the flavor industry.

## Common Uses

Methyl anisate is employed as a flavoring agent and flavor adjuvant in various food and beverage applications. Its primary uses include:

- Alcoholic beverages, particularly liqueurs and anise-flavored spirits
- Confectionery products, including hard candies and chewing gums
- Baked goods and dessert formulations
- Non-alcoholic beverages where licorice or anise flavoring is desired
- Dairy products such as flavored yogurts and ice creams

The compound is typically used in very small quantities, measured in parts per million (ppm), due to its potent flavor profile. Manufacturers use methyl anisate to achieve specific flavor notes that would otherwise require larger quantities of natural anise or fennel extracts.

## Safety Assessment

Methyl anisate has not been evaluated for GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, this designation does not necessarily indicate a safety concern; rather, it reflects that a formal GRAS petition has not been submitted to or approved by the FDA.

The compound has generated no adverse event reports in the FDA's adverse event reporting system and has not been associated with any product recalls. Its use in food products falls under the regulatory framework governing flavor additives, which includes safety limits on maximum usage levels.

As a synthetic ester, methyl anisate is chemically stable under normal food storage conditions. The compound's metabolic fate in the human body is expected to follow typical ester hydrolysis pathways, where it would be broken down into its component parts: methanol and anisic acid. Both of these breakdown products are processed through normal metabolic routes.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, methyl anisate may be used as a flavoring substance under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 21, which governs food additives. While not GRAS-listed, it can be legally used when included in formulations that comply with FDA regulations for flavor additives.

The European Union's approach to methyl anisate follows the Flavouring Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, which maintains lists of approved flavoring substances. Regulatory status and approval may vary by country and region, with some jurisdictions having more or less restrictive policies on synthetic flavor compounds.

Manufacturers and food companies are responsible for ensuring that any food additive, including methyl anisate, complies with all applicable regulations in their specific market. Usage levels must not exceed established safety thresholds determined by regulatory bodies.

## Key Studies

Direct human clinical studies specifically examining methyl anisate are limited in the published literature. However, safety assessments of related compounds—including other methyl esters and anisic acid derivatives—provide supporting data for its safety profile.

Toxicological studies on structurally similar flavor compounds have established safe usage levels for esters with comparable chemical characteristics. The lack of adverse event reports and the absence of recalls suggest that the compound, when used at authorized levels, does not present recognized safety concerns to consumers.

Regulatory bodies continue to monitor food additives post-market, and any emerging safety data would be evaluated and acted upon accordingly. The compound's long history of use in flavoring applications without reported safety incidents supports its continued use within established regulatory frameworks.

## 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. "Methyl Anisate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/methyl-anisate. Accessed 2026-05-19.