CFC Natural & Artificial Flavor Ingredients 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Isoamyl acetate is the primary aroma compound associated with which flavor?
- Cherry
- Strawberry
- Banana (Correct answer)
- Grape
Correct answer: Banana
Isoamyl acetate (3-methylbutyl acetate) is the dominant ester responsible for the characteristic banana flavor used widely in confections and beverages.
Question 2: Diacetyl (2,3-butanedione) contributes which characteristic flavor note?
- Citrus
- Spicy
- Smoky
- Buttery/creamy (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Buttery/creamy
Diacetyl is the key compound responsible for buttery and creamy flavor notes, used in margarine, popcorn, and dairy-type flavors.
Question 3: Ethyl maltol is used in flavor formulations primarily as:
- A bitter masking agent
- A salty taste enhancer
- A sweet and fruity flavor enhancer (Correct answer)
- A color-fixing agent
Correct answer: A sweet and fruity flavor enhancer
Ethyl maltol enhances sweet and fruity flavor perception at low use levels and is approximately 4–6 times more potent than its analog maltol.
Question 4: Most fruity flavor compounds belong to which chemical class?
- Aldehydes
- Esters (Correct answer)
- Ketones
- Terpenes
Correct answer: Esters
Esters formed from the reaction of carboxylic acids with alcohols are the dominant chemical class in most fruity flavor profiles, such as ethyl butyrate (pineapple) and isoamyl acetate (banana).
Question 5: FEMA GRAS status for flavor ingredients is evaluated and granted by:
- FDA toxicologists exclusively
- The Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association expert panel (Correct answer)
- EPA risk assessors
- The Codex Alimentarius Commission
Correct answer: The Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association expert panel
FEMA's Expert Panel of independent scientists evaluates flavor ingredients for GRAS status, and the FDA has historically deferred to these determinations.
Question 6: Benzaldehyde is most commonly used to replicate which natural flavor?
- Mint
- Citrus
- Almond/cherry (Correct answer)
- Vanilla
Correct answer: Almond/cherry
Benzaldehyde is the principal flavor compound in bitter almond and is the key character impact compound in almond and cherry-type flavors.
CFC Natural & Artificial Flavor Ingredients 2
Isoamyl acetate is the primary aroma compound associated with which flavor?