FlavScents AInsights Entry for Sweet Almond (CAS: 90320-37-9)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Sweet Almond
- CAS Number: 90320-37-9
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: Not applicable
- Material Type: Natural complex material (oil)
- Source: Derived from the kernels of Prunus dulcis (sweet almond tree)
- Key Constituents: Includes benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, and various fatty acids
- Composition Variability: Composition may vary based on origin, harvest, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Sweet almond oil is characterized by a mild, nutty aroma with a slightly sweet undertone. It is often described as having a warm, comforting scent that is not overpowering, making it suitable for both flavor and fragrance applications. The oil's sensory role is typically as a background note, providing subtlety and depth to formulations. The odor threshold is not well-documented, but its mild nature suggests it is used in moderate concentrations to achieve the desired effect.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Sweet almond oil is naturally sourced from the kernels of the Prunus dulcis tree, commonly grown in regions such as the Mediterranean, Middle East, and California. The oil is extracted through cold pressing, which preserves its natural constituents. It is considered a natural flavor and fragrance material due to its direct derivation from plant sources without synthetic alteration.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Sweet almond oil is used in various flavor categories, including bakery, confectionery, and dairy products. It serves as a flavor enhancer, providing a nutty, sweet background note that complements other flavors. Typical use levels in food range from 10 to 100 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product type. The oil is stable under moderate heat and neutral pH conditions but may oxidize if exposed to air for extended periods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, sweet almond oil is utilized in formulations for personal care products, such as lotions and creams, as well as in fine fragrances. It contributes to the fragrance profile as a base note, offering warmth and depth. Typical concentration ranges from 0.1% to 1% in finished products. The oil's volatility is low, making it suitable for long-lasting fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
- Benzaldehyde: Provides the characteristic almond scent.
- Benzyl Alcohol: Contributes to the sweet, floral notes.
- Fatty Acids: Such as oleic and linoleic acids, which impact the oil's texture and stability.
Composition varies by origin, harvest, and processing.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Sweet almond oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for flavor use by the FDA.
- European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 for use in food and fragrance applications.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence.
- Asia: Recognized for use in Japan and China, with specific regulations varying by country.
- Latin America: Approved for use in Brazil and other MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Sweet almond oil is considered safe for oral exposure in flavor applications, with no specific ADI or MSDI established, but generally used within industry-typical levels. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is also deemed safe, with low potential for irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility. Overall, the risk profile is similar across food and fragrance uses, with no significant safety concerns reported.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Sweet almond oil is valued for its mild, versatile aroma and flavor profile. It synergizes well with other nutty and sweet notes, enhancing the overall complexity of formulations. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering nutty scent, and underuse, which may result in a lack of depth. Formulators should consider the oil's stability and potential for oxidation when designing products.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on sweet almond oil is well-established, with comprehensive information available on its sensory profile and regulatory status. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific numeric values for sensory thresholds and use levels may vary. Known data gaps include detailed toxicological studies, which are limited but supplemented by industry experience.
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 2026-04-06 15:13:47 GMT (p2)