FlavScents AInsights Entry: Vanilla Bean Absolute CO2 Extract (Vanilla planifolia)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Vanilla Bean Absolute CO2 Extract
- Botanical Source: Vanilla planifolia
- CAS Number: 6/4/24
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Material Type: Natural complex material derived from the vanilla bean
- Description: This extract is obtained through supercritical CO2 extraction, preserving the aromatic compounds of the vanilla bean. It is a complex mixture rather than a single chemical compound.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Rich, creamy, sweet, and balsamic with a characteristic vanilla aroma. It has a warm, full-bodied scent with a hint of spicy undertones.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Not clearly reported; typically used in low concentrations due to its potent aroma.
- Typical Sensory Role: Primarily used as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances, providing depth and warmth.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: Derived from the cured beans of the Vanilla planifolia plant, native to Mexico but now grown in tropical regions worldwide.
- Formation Pathways: The aroma compounds develop during the curing process, which involves enzymatic reactions that convert glucovanillin to vanillin, the primary flavor component.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Qualifies as a natural flavor and fragrance material due to its direct extraction from plant sources.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: Widely used in confectionery, bakery, dairy, and beverage applications to impart a vanilla flavor.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Acts as a primary flavoring agent, providing sweetness and complexity.
- Typical Use Levels: Industry-typical use levels range from 10 to 100 ppm in finished products, depending on the desired intensity.
- Stability Considerations: Generally stable under typical food processing conditions but can degrade under high heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Commonly used in oriental, gourmand, and floral fragrance families.
- Functional Role: Provides a warm, sweet base note that enhances the richness and depth of the fragrance.
- Typical Concentration Ranges: Used in concentrations ranging from trace amounts to 5% in fine fragrances.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Primarily contributes to the base note due to its low volatility.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
- Major Constituents: Vanillin, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, and other phenolic compounds.
- Composition Variability: The composition can vary significantly based on the origin, harvest time, and extraction method.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food.
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008): Approved for use as a flavoring substance.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Generally permitted, but specific regulations may vary by country.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Typically allowed, but subject to regional regulatory frameworks.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Considered safe for consumption at typical use levels; no specific ADI established.
- Dermal Exposure: Generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical fragrance concentrations.
- Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; no significant occupational hazards reported.
- Risk Profiles: Similar safety profiles for both food and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Value: Provides a rich, authentic vanilla aroma that is highly sought after in both flavors and fragrances.
- Typical Synergies: Blends well with other sweet and spicy notes, such as cinnamon and clove.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to overpowering sweetness; balance with other notes is crucial.
- Frequent Over/Under-Use Situations: Often under-used in complex formulations where its full potential can be realized.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: Extensive historical use and safety data support its applications.
- Industry-Typical Practices: Usage levels and applications are well-documented in industry literature.
- Known Data Gaps: Specific quantitative sensory thresholds are not well-documented.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1–9 are present
- “Citation hooks:” line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- Includes section 5a for complex natural material
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-03-19 11:02:19 GMT (p2)