# Tangerine, Essence

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/tangerine-essence
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/tangerine-essence.md

**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 977029-78-9
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Tangerine essence is a natural flavoring agent derived from tangerine fruit, used to impart citrus flavor to food and beverage products. It functions as a flavoring adjuvant in various processed foods 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 Tangerine Essence?

Tangerine essence is a concentrated flavoring preparation derived from tangerine (Citrus tangerina) fruit. It is composed of volatile aromatic compounds and essential oils naturally present in tangerines, including limonene, myrcene, and various aldehydes and esters that contribute to the characteristic citrus aroma and taste profile. This natural flavoring ingredient is used in the food industry to enhance or simulate tangerine flavor in products where fresh fruit cannot be practically incorporated.

## Common Uses

Tangerine essence is employed as a flavoring agent in a wide range of food and beverage applications. Common uses include:

- Flavored beverages, including soft drinks, juices, and juice drinks
- Dairy products such as yogurts, puddings, and flavored milks
- Confectionery items including candies, gums, and hard candies
- Baked goods and desserts
- Ice cream and frozen desserts
- Flavoring syrups and cordials
- Dietary supplements and vitamins

The essence allows manufacturers to achieve consistent flavor profiles across production batches without relying on seasonal availability of fresh tangerine fruit.

## Safety Assessment

Tangerine essence presents a favorable safety profile based on available data. The FDA records indicate zero adverse events and zero product recalls associated with this additive, suggesting a history of safe use in food products. The constituent compounds found in tangerine essence are naturally occurring substances present in the fruit itself, which humans have consumed safely for centuries.

Limonene, the primary component of tangerine essence, is widely used in food flavoring and has been extensively studied. While limonene is generally recognized as safe in food applications, some laboratory studies have examined potential effects at high concentrations exceeding typical food use levels. The concentration of tangerine essence used in food products is typically very small, often in the range of parts per million, which is substantially below levels that would present toxicological concern.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated many natural citrus flavoring substances and generally considers them acceptable for use in food flavoring applications at levels consistent with food industry standards.

## Regulatory Status

While tangerine essence is not designated as GRAS by the FDA, this does not indicate the substance is unsafe. Rather, it indicates that a formal GRAS determination has not been submitted to or approved by the FDA. Many food flavoring substances operate under FDA regulations for flavoring agents without specific GRAS status, and their safety is supported through the flavoring industry's self-regulatory processes and compliance with FDA flavoring regulations found in 21 CFR Parts 182 and 184.

Tangerine essence may be used in food products in accordance with FDA regulations governing flavoring agents, provided that usage levels and applications comply with established guidelines for food additives. International regulatory bodies in other countries recognize citrus flavoring essences as acceptable food ingredients.

## Key Studies

While specific toxicological studies focused exclusively on tangerine essence are limited in published literature, extensive research exists on the safety of limonene and other major constituents of citrus essential oils. Studies on limonene demonstrate low acute toxicity and no significant concern at food-use levels. Research on citrus flavoring substances generally supports their safe use in food applications at typical concentration levels.

The absence of adverse event reports and recalls in FDA databases provides real-world evidence supporting the safety of products containing this flavoring ingredient. Continued monitoring through FDA post-market surveillance systems helps ensure ongoing safety assessment.

## 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. "Tangerine, Essence — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/tangerine-essence. Accessed 2026-05-20.