FlavScents AInsights Entry for Gardenia Absolute (CAS: 68916-47-2)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Gardenia absolute is a complex natural material derived from the flowers of the Gardenia jasminoides plant. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for gardenia absolute is 68916-47-2. It does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature. Other identifiers such as FL number or CoE number are not typically assigned to such complex materials. The composition of gardenia absolute can vary significantly depending on the origin, harvest time, and processing methods used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Gardenia absolute is renowned for its rich, floral aroma, characterized by sweet, creamy, and slightly green notes. It is often described as having a strong intensity with a high diffusion rate, making it a prominent impact note in both flavors and fragrances. The sensory role of gardenia absolute is typically as an impact note or a modifier, providing depth and complexity to formulations. Specific taste or odor thresholds are not well-documented, but its potent aroma suggests a low threshold.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Gardenia absolute is naturally sourced from the flowers of the Gardenia jasminoides plant, which is native to Asia. The formation of its complex aroma profile is primarily due to the enzymatic degradation of glycosides present in the flowers, releasing volatile compounds. This material is often used in products labeled as "natural fragrance" due to its botanical origin and traditional extraction methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, gardenia absolute is used to impart a floral and creamy note, often in conjunction with other floral or fruity flavors. It is commonly found in categories such as confectionery, beverages, and dairy products. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products are not well-documented, but industry estimates suggest low ppm levels due to its strong aroma. Stability considerations include sensitivity to heat and oxidation, which can alter its aromatic profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Gardenia absolute is a staple in the fragrance industry, particularly in floral and oriental fragrance families. It serves as a key impact note, providing a rich, creamy floral character. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are qualitative, often used in trace amounts to moderate levels depending on the desired intensity. Its volatility places it primarily in the middle note category, contributing to the heart of the fragrance composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Gardenia absolute typically contains a variety of constituents, including linalool, methyl benzoate, and various terpenes. The exact composition can vary based on factors such as geographic origin and extraction method. These constituents contribute to its characteristic aroma profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, gardenia absolute is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors, though specific regulatory documentation may be limited. In the European Union, it is subject to the regulations under (EC) No 1334/2008, but specific FL number status may not be assigned. Post-Brexit, the UK aligns closely with EU regulations. In Asia, regulatory acceptance varies, with Japan and China having specific guidelines for natural flavor materials. In Latin America, countries like Brazil follow MERCOSUR regulations, which may include gardenia absolute under general natural flavoring guidelines.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, gardenia absolute is used at low levels in flavors, minimizing potential safety concerns. Dermal exposure in fragrances may pose risks of irritation or sensitization, though IFRA guidelines help mitigate these risks. Inhalation exposure is generally considered safe at typical fragrance concentrations, but occupational exposure should be monitored. Risk profiles may differ slightly between food and fragrance applications due to varying exposure routes and concentrations.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Gardenia absolute is valued for its ability to impart a rich, floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity notes, enhancing complexity and depth. Formulators should be cautious of its strong aroma, which can easily dominate a blend if overused. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a natural floral profile due to its cost and potency.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on gardenia absolute is well-established in terms of sensory characteristics and typical uses. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data may be less documented, relying on industry-typical practices and assumptions. Known data gaps include precise ppm usage levels and comprehensive regulatory approvals across all regions.
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 2026-01-23 19:29:46 GMT (p2)