Learn Glossary flavoring

Tannic Acid

Level 3ContestedIn Winter's Dictionary

Tannic Acid is a flavoring — Refining additive and astringent flavoring

What it does

Refining additive and astringent flavoring

Where you'll see it

butter, caramel, fruit, brandy, maple, nut flavorings

What the research says

Can cause tumors and death by injection; large doses cause gastric distress

Benefits

Mild astringent medicinally

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: GRAS
  • Notes: ASP; IARC review and EPA Genetic Toxicology Program

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): can cause tumors and death by injection, but not, evidently, by ingestion