Vanillin

Vanillin (CAS 121-33-5), also sold under the trade name Zimco, is the primary synthetic flavoring compound used to replicate and extend natural vanilla flavor.

Where is Vanillin used?

• Food and beverage: flavoring chocolate and baked goods
• Dairy products and confectionery where natural vanilla economics are prohibitive
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to reduce the use of sugar and other sweeteners.
• Personal care: perfumes, lotions and soaps
• Pharmaceuticals: intermediate in synthesis of active ingredients, including certain antiviral and cardiovascular compounds
• Oral dosage forms: masking agent
• Printing inks and coatings: UV stabilizer protecting substrates from photodegradation
• It is derived from guaiacol or lignin.

Good to know: Standard commercial grades include food-grade (FCC), pharmaceutical-grade (USP/BP), and technical-grade. Purity specifications are commonly at 99% or higher for regulated applications.

Formulation notes

• A synthetic substitute for vanilla, with a less intense aroma than natural vanilla; ethylvanillin is several times stronger than vanillin.
• Lower levels of ethylvanillin are added compared to vanillin due to its stronger flavour.

Typical specification

• Assay (GC) of at least 99.5%.
• Heavy metals at ≤10 ppm.
• Residue on ignition of ≤0.05%.

Regulatory status

• Under the EU Aromas Regulation, vanillin produced from lignin (a wood component) may not be labeled as 'natural', even if made from wood waste.
• Vanillin can be produced biotechnologically in large quantities from eugenol, a substance in clove oil, and this can be declared as 'natural aroma'.
• Biotechnologically produced vanillin may be labeled as a natural flavoring substance in the EU.
• Adding vanillin to a natural vanilla flavor to enhance the vanilla impression is not permitted.

Frequently asked questions about Vanillin

What is the physical form of vanillin as supplied?

It appears as small crystals that are white to slightly yellow in color.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.