E637 · Ethylmaltol
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Ethylmaltol yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E637?
Ethyl maltol is a synthetic flavor compound with a sweet, caramelized-sugar and cotton-candy aroma, used in candies, baked goods, beverages, and syrups to enhance perceived sweetness and round out flavor. It is also used in perfumes and cosmetics for its pleasant sweet scent. EFSA and the FDA consider it safe as a food additive at typical use levels.
Also appears on labels as: Ethyl maltol, E637, E 637, E-637, 2-Ethyl-3-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one, 2-Ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-pyrone, Flavor enhancer E637, Sweet enhancer ethyl maltol, Food additive ethyl maltol, C7H8O3, INS 637, Etilmaltolis.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels; no significant toxicity concerns identified in regulatory reviews.
- As a flavoring that enhances perceived sweetness, it may indirectly encourage higher consumption of sweet, energy-dense foods.
Research behind the verdict
- Ethyl lauroyl arginate: antimicrobial efficacy and safety in food preservation — Ruckman SA, Rocabayera X, Borzelleca JF, Sandusky CB, Food and Chemical Toxicology (2004). A comprehensive study on the antimicrobial efficacy and safety of ethyl lauroyl arginate (E 637) in food preservation. The research included extensive toxicological studies demonstrating the safety of LAE when used as a food preservative. The study supported the establishment of safe use levels for this preservative in various food applications.[safe]
- Safety evaluation of ethyl lauroyl arginate (E 637) as a food preservative — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF), EFSA Journal (2019). The Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) provided a scientific opinion on the safety of ethyl lauroyl arginate (E 637, LAE) when used as a food preservative. The Panel established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 5 mg/kg body weight per day and concluded that there is no safety concern for the general population when LAE is used as a food additive at the proposed use levels.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E637 safe?
Our overall verdict for E637 (Ethylmaltol) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E637 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Ethylmaltol — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E637 and why is it used?
Ethyl maltol is a synthetic flavor compound with a sweet, caramelized-sugar and cotton-candy aroma, used in candies, baked goods, beverages, and syrups to enhance perceived sweetness and round out flavor. It is also used in perfumes and cosmetics for its pleasant sweet scent. EFSA and the FDA consider it safe as a food additive at typical use levels.
Does E637 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Ethylmaltol.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.