kola nut essence (cola acuminata)

Full Material List

cola acuminata seed essence

Ingredient	Name Detail	CAS
cola acuminata seed extract	cola acuminata seed extract	89997-82-0
cola acuminata seed tincture	N/A	89997-82-0
sterculia acuminata seed	cola acuminata seed	89997-82-0

Identifiers

CAS (Single)	89997-82-0
FEMA	N/A
EINECS	N/A
Synonyms	cola acuminata seed essence guru nut essence kola nut essence sterculia acuminata seed essence
JECFA Food Flavoring	N/A
JECFA Food Additive	N/A
DG SANTE Food Flavourings	N/A
DG SANTE Food Contact Materials	N/A
FDA UNII
CoE Number	N/A
XlogP3-AA	N/A
Molecular Weight	N/A
Molecular Formula	N/A

Properties

Food Chemicals Codex Listed	No
Appearance	N/A
Assay	N/A
Specific Gravity	N/A
Lbs/Gal (est)	N/A
Refractive Index	N/A
Melting Point	N/A
Boiling Point	N/A
Flash Point	N/A
Acid Value	N/A
Vapor Pressure	N/A
Vapor Density	N/A
logP (o/w)	N/A
Soluble In	N/A
Occurrence	kola nut

Organoleptic

Organoleptic Notes	Odor and/or flavor descriptions from others (if found).
Odor	N/A
Flavor	N/A

AInsights BETA

FlavScents AInsights Entry: Kola Nut Essence (Cola acuminata) (CAS: 89997-82-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Kola nut essence is derived from the seeds of the Cola acuminata tree, native to tropical Africa. It is a natural complex material rather than a single chemical compound. The CAS number for kola nut essence is 89997-82-0. While it does not have a specific FEMA number, it is recognized in various flavor and fragrance applications. The essence is characterized by its complex mixture of compounds, including caffeine, theobromine, and various aromatic compounds, which contribute to its unique sensory profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Kola nut essence is known for its distinctive, slightly bitter taste with astringent notes, often described as earthy and nutty. The aroma is complex, featuring spicy, woody, and sweet undertones. It serves as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a characteristic cola flavor. The intensity of its flavor and aroma can vary, making it a versatile component in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Kola nuts are primarily sourced from the Cola acuminata tree, which thrives in the humid climates of West Africa. The essence is typically extracted through steam distillation or solvent extraction of the dried nuts. The natural occurrence of caffeine and theobromine in kola nuts contributes to their stimulating properties, which are preserved in the essence. This material is often used in products labeled as "natural flavor" due to its plant-based origin.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Kola nut essence is predominantly used in the beverage industry, particularly in cola-flavored drinks. It acts as a flavor enhancer and provides a distinctive cola taste. Typical use levels in beverages range from 50 to 200 ppm, depending on the desired intensity. The essence is stable under acidic conditions but may degrade under high heat, necessitating careful formulation to maintain its sensory properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, kola nut essence is used in oriental and gourmand fragrance families. It serves as a modifier, adding depth and complexity to the scent profile. The essence is typically used in trace amounts, contributing to the middle notes of a fragrance composition. Its volatility is moderate, allowing it to blend well with both top and base notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

Kola nut essence contains several key constituents, including caffeine, theobromine, and various aromatic compounds such as phenolics and terpenes. The composition can vary significantly based on the origin, harvest time, and processing methods. These constituents are responsible for the essence's characteristic flavor and aroma profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, kola nut essence is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food and beverages. The European Union permits its use under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, with specific FL number status. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, regulations vary, with Japan and China having specific guidelines for natural flavorings. In Latin America, countries like Brazil recognize its use under MERCOSUR regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Kola nut essence is considered safe for oral consumption within the typical use levels, with caffeine being the primary compound of concern due to its stimulant effects. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, but formulations should consider potential sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with caffeine content being the primary factor in safety assessments.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Kola nut essence is valued for its unique flavor profile, which can enhance a wide range of products. It synergizes well with vanilla and citrus flavors. Formulators should be cautious of its caffeine content, which can affect the overall stimulant level of the product. Overuse can lead to an overly bitter taste, while underuse may result in a lack of characteristic cola flavor.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on kola nut essence is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. However, industry practices regarding its use levels and formulation strategies are often undocumented, relying on formulator expertise. There are known data gaps in the variability of its composition based on geographic and processing factors.

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 2026-07-07 12:19:13 GMT (p2)

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