# Naringin Dihydrochalcone

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> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/naringin-dihydrochalcone.md

**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 18916-17-1
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Naringin Dihydrochalcone (NDHC) is a synthetic flavoring compound derived from naringin, a naturally occurring compound found in grapefruit and citrus fruits. It functions as a flavoring agent and taste modifier in food and beverage products, primarily used to enhance sweetness perception and provide citrus notes.

## 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 Naringin Dihydrochalcone?

Naringin Dihydrochalcone (NDHC) is a synthetic flavoring agent created through chemical modification of naringin, a flavonoid compound naturally present in grapefruit, bitter orange, and other citrus fruits. The compound is classified as a dihydrochalcone, a structural variant of the parent flavonoid. NDHC is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a molecular weight of approximately 304.26 g/mol and CAS number 18916-17-1.

## Common Uses

Naringin Dihydrochalcone is primarily used as a flavoring agent and taste modifier in the food and beverage industry. Its main applications include:

- Enhancing sweetness perception in reduced-calorie and sugar-free beverages
- Providing citrus flavoring notes in soft drinks, juices, and flavored water products
- Improving taste profiles in functional beverages and nutritional drinks
- Use as a flavoring adjuvant in confectionery products
- Application in pharmaceutical formulations to mask bitter tastes

The compound is particularly valued for its ability to amplify sweet taste sensations, making it useful in formulations designed to reduce sugar or artificial sweetener content while maintaining palatability.

## Safety Assessment

The safety profile of Naringin Dihydrochalcone shows no documented adverse events reported to the FDA, and no food recalls have been associated with this additive. The compound has not been formally listed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, which means it does not have explicit categorical approval for unrestricted use in all food applications.

However, the absence of GRAS status does not indicate a safety concern; rather, it reflects that formal safety petitions or self-determination processes may not have been completed or submitted to the FDA. The lack of reported adverse events suggests the additive has not demonstrated toxicological concerns in practical use.

Naringin Dihydrochalcone is structurally related to naturally occurring compounds found in citrus fruits, which provides some basis for considering it relatively low-risk. The synthetic modification creates a more stable compound with improved sensory properties compared to natural naringin.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, Naringin Dihydrochalcone is permitted for use as a flavoring agent under 21 CFR Part 182 for flavoring agents and related substances. The FDA regulates it as a food additive, meaning its use must comply with federal regulations regarding labeling, purity standards, and approved food categories.

The additive may be used in a variety of food products, though specific use levels and food applications should be verified with current FDA regulations. The European Union and other regulatory bodies may have different approval statuses and permitted use levels.

Manufacturers using this ingredient must ensure compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and proper labeling of products containing NDHC.

## Key Studies

Limited published peer-reviewed research specifically focuses on Naringin Dihydrochalcone as an isolated compound. Most relevant research addresses the parent compound, naringin, and the broader class of citrus flavonoids.

Studies on naringin and related flavonoids have examined their antioxidant properties and potential biological activities, though these studies are primarily relevant to understanding the compound class rather than NDHC's food safety specifically.

The safety assessment for food additives relies on toxicological testing, manufacturing purity data, and post-market surveillance. The absence of reported adverse events and recalls suggests NDHC has maintained an acceptable safety profile during its use as a food flavoring.

## 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. "Naringin Dihydrochalcone — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/naringin-dihydrochalcone. Accessed 2026-05-12.