# Sloe Berries, Extract (prunus Spinosa L.)

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/sloe-berries-extract-prunus-spinosa-l
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/sloe-berries-extract-prunus-spinosa-l.md

**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 90105-94-5
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Sloe berries extract (Prunus spinosa L.) is a natural flavoring agent derived from the fruit of the blackthorn plant. It is used in food and beverage production to impart tart, fruity flavor characteristics and is not currently recognized as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA.

## Regulatory status

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

## Detailed analysis

## What is Sloe Berries, Extract?

Sloe berries extract is derived from Prunus spinosa L., commonly known as blackthorn, a shrub native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. The extract is obtained from the small, dark purple fruits of this plant and is used as a flavoring agent in various food and beverage applications. The substance is identified by CAS number 90105-94-5 and represents a traditional plant-derived flavoring source with historical use in European food production.

## Common Uses

Sloe berries extract is primarily used in the food and beverage industry as a flavoring agent. Its applications include:

- Alcoholic beverages, particularly sloe gin and other liqueurs
- Fruit-flavored confectionery and candies
- Dairy products such as yogurts and flavored milk
- Sauces and condiments
- Non-alcoholic beverages and fruit drinks
- Desserts and baked goods

The extract provides a characteristic tart, slightly astringent fruity flavor that is valued in premium and traditional food formulations.

## Safety Assessment

Sloe berries extract has no reported adverse events in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System and no associated FDA recalls. The plant from which the extract is derived has a long history of traditional use in European cuisine and beverages, particularly in the United Kingdom and other European countries, which provides some evidence of historical safety.

The blackthorn plant itself is not known to contain inherently toxic compounds in the amounts typically used for flavoring. However, like many plant-derived extracts, the safety profile depends on extraction methods, concentration levels, and the presence of any contaminants or adulterants.

No significant adverse health effects have been documented in published scientific literature related to consumption of sloe berries at levels used in food flavoring applications. The absence of reported adverse events and recalls suggests that products containing this extract have not raised documented safety concerns.

## Regulatory Status

Sloe berries extract is not listed as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA. This designation does not necessarily indicate that the substance is unsafe; rather, it means that the FDA has not made an official determination of its GRAS status. The substance may be used in foods under FDA regulations if it meets other legal requirements, though companies should verify applicable regulations and may need to submit safety documentation.

In the European Union, natural flavoring substances derived from Prunus spinosa are recognized and regulated under EU Regulation 1334/2008 on flavorings. This regulatory framework provides oversight of the substance's use in food products marketed in EU member states.

## Key Studies

Limited peer-reviewed research specifically addresses the safety of sloe berries extract as a food additive. Most available scientific data relates to the phytochemical composition of Prunus spinosa fruits, which contain:

- Anthocyanins (phenolic compounds)
- Organic acids
- Tannins
- Various polyphenols

These compounds are common in many fruits and are not considered harmful in the concentrations typical of food flavoring applications. The long historical use of sloe berries in traditional European beverages and foods provides empirical evidence supporting safety at traditional use levels, though formal toxicological studies specific to the extract may be limited.

Additional safety documentation may be available through industry sources or proprietary testing conducted by manufacturers, but such information is not always published in peer-reviewed scientific literature.

## 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. "Sloe Berries, Extract (prunus Spinosa L.) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/sloe-berries-extract-prunus-spinosa-l. Accessed 2026-05-19.