# Methyl Cinnamate

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 103-26-4
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Methyl cinnamate is an organic compound derived from cinnamic acid that functions as a flavoring agent in food products. It provides a sweet, cinnamon-like aroma and taste and is used in small quantities to enhance the sensory profile of various 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 Methyl Cinnamate?

Methyl cinnamate (CAS Number 103-26-4) is an ester compound formed from cinnamic acid and methanol. It occurs naturally in small amounts in cinnamon, strawberries, and other plants. The compound is a pale yellow liquid with a characteristic sweet, spicy-cinnamon odor. In food applications, it is used as a synthetic flavoring agent to impart or enhance cinnamon and related spice notes in consumer products.

## Common Uses

Methyl cinnamate is primarily used in the food and beverage industry as a flavoring agent or flavor adjuvant. Common applications include:

- Beverages (soft drinks, juices, flavored waters)
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and desserts
- Dairy products (yogurts, flavored milk)
- Processed foods requiring cinnamon or spice-like flavoring
- Chewing gum and breath fresheners

Typical usage levels are very small, measured in parts per million (ppm), as the compound is highly potent and only minute quantities are needed to achieve desired flavor profiles.

## Safety Assessment

Methyl cinnamate has not been designated as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive in the United States. However, this designation status does not necessarily indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects that a formal GRAS petition has not been submitted or approved through FDA channels.

The safety profile of methyl cinnamate shows no reported adverse events in FDA databases and no associated product recalls. The compound has been the subject of toxicological research. Acute toxicity studies in animal models have demonstrated low acute toxicity via oral, dermal, and inhalation routes. Subchronic and chronic toxicity studies have not identified significant organ-specific targets of toxicity at relevant exposure levels.

In the European Union, methyl cinnamate is listed in the Register of Flavoring Substances and can be used in food flavorings under EFSA guidelines, though it must comply with purity and specification requirements. The substance is recognized internationally by flavor and fragrance industry bodies as suitable for use in food applications.

Allergic contact dermatitis has been documented in occupational settings with cinnamate compounds, though this typically occurs through direct skin exposure rather than ingestion of food products containing trace amounts.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, while methyl cinnamate lacks FDA GRAS status, it may be used in food under the FDA's food additive regulations if it complies with applicable regulations and specifications. Some manufacturers utilize it in flavoring formulations intended for food use.

In the European Union, methyl cinnamate is approved as a food flavoring substance under Regulation (EC) No. 1334/2008 on flavorings. It is included in the EFSA's inventory of approved flavoring substances.

Canada's health authority has evaluated cinnamic acid derivatives, and methyl cinnamate is used in food flavorings under Canadian regulations.

The compound is widely recognized and used by the flavor industry internationally, with specifications defined in resources such as the International Organization of the Flavour Industry (IOFI) Guidance.

## Key Studies

Toxicological research on methyl cinnamate and structurally related compounds supports a favorable safety profile at exposure levels relevant to food applications. EFSA safety assessments of cinnamate flavoring compounds have concluded that exposures from food use are below levels of concern. The absence of reported adverse events and product recalls further supports the safety of methyl cinnamate when used at appropriate levels in food products.

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