Benzyl alcohol
Safe in the tiny amounts used as a flavoring solvent.
- Category
- Carriers
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Benzyl alcohol is a solvent that carries flavourings; it also occurs naturally in jasmine and other flowers.
How it is used in food
Dissolves flavour compounds that neither water nor fat will take up.
Commonly found in- Flavour preparations
- Confectionery
Health and safety
None known at the tiny amounts used as a carrier. The body oxidises it to benzoic acid and excretes it as hippuric acid in urine, the same route it uses for the benzoate preservatives.
Assessed as a flavouring solvent; it is metabolised to benzoic acid and cleared as hippuric acid.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted | Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E1519
Worth knowing
It is part of what jasmine and ylang-ylang actually smell of.
Conclusion
Safe in the tiny amounts used as a flavoring solvent.
Is it in what you are buying?
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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