FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ammonium Glycyrrhizate (CAS: 53956-04-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Ammonium Glycyrrhizate
• IUPAC Name: Ammonium (2S,3S,4S,5R,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-2-carboxylate
• CAS Number: 53956-04-0
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: FL Number: Not available; CoE Number: Not available; IFRA Reference: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C42H65NO16
• Molecular Weight: 839.97 g/mol

Ammonium glycyrrhizate is a derivative of glycyrrhizic acid, a triterpenoid saponin found in licorice root. It contains functional groups such as carboxylate and ammonium ions, which contribute to its solubility and interaction with other compounds. Its structure is relevant to its sweetening properties and its ability to modify flavors.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ammonium glycyrrhizate is primarily known for its sweet taste, which is approximately 50 times sweeter than sucrose. It has a characteristic licorice-like flavor with a slight bitterness at higher concentrations. The compound is used to enhance sweetness and mask off-flavors in various formulations. Its sensory role is often as a background sweetener or flavor modifier, providing a natural sweetness profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ammonium glycyrrhizate is derived from glycyrrhizic acid, which is naturally found in the roots of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, commonly known as licorice. The formation of ammonium glycyrrhizate involves the neutralization of glycyrrhizic acid with ammonia. This compound is relevant to "natural flavor" designations due to its plant-based origin, although its processed form may affect this classification.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Ammonium glycyrrhizate is used in a variety of flavor applications, including confectionery, beverages, and dairy products. It serves as a sweetener and flavor enhancer, often used to mask bitter notes in formulations. Typical use levels in finished products range from 10 to 100 ppm, with variations depending on the specific application and desired sweetness intensity. It is stable under a range of pH conditions but may degrade under high heat.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrances, ammonium glycyrrhizate is less commonly used compared to its role in flavors. When used, it contributes to the sweet, licorice-like notes in fragrance compositions. It can act as a modifier or impact note in certain fragrance families, particularly those seeking a gourmand or sweet profile. Its volatility is low, contributing more to the base notes of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Ammonium glycyrrhizate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in foods.
• European Union: It is approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 for use as a flavoring substance.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the regulatory status aligns with the EU, pending any future divergence.
• Asia: In Japan and China, it is permitted for use in food products, with specific usage guidelines.
• Latin America: Brazil and other MERCOSUR countries recognize it for use in food, with harmonized regulations.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are generally consistent across regions, though specific usage levels and applications may vary.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Ammonium glycyrrhizate is considered safe for oral consumption at typical use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by regulatory authorities. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally low risk, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with oral exposure being the primary consideration.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Ammonium glycyrrhizate is valued for its ability to enhance sweetness and mask undesirable flavors. It synergizes well with other sweeteners and flavor compounds, providing a balanced sweetness profile. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to impart a licorice-like taste at higher concentrations, which may not be desirable in all products. It is often under-used in applications where a natural sweetener is preferred.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on ammonium glycyrrhizate is well-established, with comprehensive studies supporting its safety and efficacy. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Known data gaps are minimal, with most information readily available through authoritative sources.

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
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)

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 2026-04-27 13:36:08 GMT (p2)