# Methyl Isobutyrate

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

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 547-63-7
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Methyl isobutyrate is a naturally occurring ester used as a flavoring agent in food products. It imparts fruity, apple-like notes and is commonly employed in beverages, confectionery, and processed foods to enhance or create desired flavor profiles.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Methyl Isobutyrate?

Methyl isobutyrate (CAS Number 547-63-7) is a volatile organic compound belonging to the ester family of chemicals. It occurs naturally in small quantities in various fruits, including apples and strawberries, where it contributes to their characteristic aroma and flavor. The compound is a colorless liquid with a fruity, apple-like odor and is synthetically produced for use in the food industry.

## Common Uses

Methyl isobutyrate is primarily used as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer in the food and beverage industry. Its applications include:

- Beverages: Particularly fruit-flavored drinks, soft drinks, and flavored waters
- Confectionery: Candies, gums, and other sweet products
- Baked goods: Cakes, cookies, and pastries requiring fruity notes
- Dairy products: Flavored yogurts and milk-based beverages
- Processed foods: Various products requiring apple or fruit flavoring enhancement

The typical use levels in food products are generally very low, measured in parts per million (ppm), reflecting the potency of the flavoring compound.

## Safety Assessment

Methyl isobutyrate has been used in food flavoring applications with no reported adverse events documented by the FDA. Additionally, there have been no FDA recalls associated with this additive. The compound's natural occurrence in fruits suggests a history of safe human consumption at naturally-occurring levels.

As a volatile ester with relatively low molecular weight, methyl isobutyrate is readily metabolized and excreted by the body. The safety profile is supported by its use in trace amounts in food applications and its structural similarity to other approved flavor compounds.

## Regulatory Status

Methyl isobutyrate has not received GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status from the FDA. This status does not necessarily indicate a safety concern but rather reflects that formal GRAS affirmation has not been sought or granted through the FDA's established procedures. The additive may still be legally used in foods under specific circumstances, including when petitioned for approval or used under existing flavor regulations.

In the European Union, methyl isobutyrate is listed in the Register of Flavoring Substances and may be used in food products according to EU Regulation 1334/2008, which governs flavoring substances in foods. This inclusion suggests acceptable safety standards within European regulatory frameworks.

Manufacturers using this additive are required to comply with applicable food labeling regulations and maximum use levels established by their respective regulatory authorities.

## Key Studies

While comprehensive toxicological studies specific to methyl isobutyrate are limited in the public domain, the safety assessment for flavor compounds in this chemical class has been conducted by international bodies including the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) Expert Panel. Such assessments typically evaluate acute toxicity, subacute toxicity, and potential for metabolic effects.

The chemical's structural properties indicate rapid absorption and metabolism via standard hepatic pathways. The absence of bioaccumulation potential and the compound's volatility further support its safety profile when used in typical food applications at permitted levels.

Additional research on flavor esters of similar structure consistently demonstrates low toxicity when used in food at established concentration limits. The natural occurrence in fruits provides a background of historical human exposure without documented adverse effects.

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