# Neryl Propionate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 105-91-9
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Neryl propionate (CAS 105-91-9) is a synthetic flavoring compound belonging to the ester family. It is used in food manufacturing as a flavor enhancer and flavoring agent to impart fruity, floral, and woody notes to various food and beverage products.

## 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 Neryl Propionate?

Neryl propionate is a synthetic organic compound classified as an ester, formed from the combination of neryl alcohol and propionic acid. Its chemical formula is C12H20O2, and it naturally occurs in trace amounts in some essential oils and fruits. As a synthetic flavoring ingredient, it is manufactured through chemical synthesis rather than extracted from natural sources. The compound belongs to a broader category of flavor compounds used extensively in the food, beverage, and fragrance industries.

## Common Uses

Neryl propionate is employed primarily as a flavoring agent in food and beverage manufacturing. Its applications include:

- Non-alcoholic beverages (soft drinks, juices, and flavored waters)
- Alcoholic beverages (liqueurs and spirits)
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and desserts
- Dairy products (yogurts, ice creams)
- Flavored condiments and sauces
- Chewing gums and breath mints

The compound typically provides fruity notes with subtle floral undertones, making it valued for creating complex flavor profiles in processed foods. It is generally used in very small quantities, measured in parts per million, to achieve the desired sensory effect.

## Safety Assessment

Neryl propionate has not been granted GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, this designation does not indicate that the substance is unsafe; rather, it reflects that a formal GRAS petition has not been submitted to or approved by the FDA.

According to available FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with neryl propionate consumption, and the compound has not been subject to any food recalls. This absence of documented safety incidents provides a preliminary indication of safety in food applications at typical use levels.

The compound's safety profile is generally consistent with other similar ester-based flavoring compounds that are widely used and approved in food systems. As an ester, neryl propionate is expected to be metabolized through standard esterase pathways in the human body, similar to other food-grade esters.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, neryl propionate is not currently listed on the FDA's GRAS inventory, meaning it may be used in foods only under the Food Additive Regulations with appropriate FDA approval, or in cosmetics where the regulatory framework differs. The lack of GRAS status may reflect limited industry petitioning rather than safety concerns.

In the European Union, neryl propionate is listed in the Registry of Flavoring Substances and has been evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). It may be approved for use in flavoring compounds within EU member states under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, subject to specific use levels and product categories.

The regulatory treatment of neryl propionate varies by jurisdiction, with different countries maintaining their own approval processes for flavoring agents. Manufacturers using this ingredient must comply with the regulations of their respective markets.

## Key Studies

Limited published scientific literature specifically addresses neryl propionate toxicity or safety. Most safety data on this compound derives from industry safety assessments and regulatory dossiers rather than independent academic research.

General toxicological studies on ester-based flavoring compounds, combined with the structural and metabolic similarities between neryl propionate and other approved flavor esters, support a reasonable safety expectation at food use levels. The zero adverse event reports in FDA databases further support this assessment.

Additional research on long-term exposure or specific populations would provide more comprehensive safety data, though current evidence does not indicate significant safety concerns at typical food use concentrations.

## 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. "Neryl Propionate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/neryl-propionate. Accessed 2026-05-19.